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

One of my friends commented that having a Secret Pal sort of forced her to connect with people outside of her classroom.  She learned to take the focus off of herself and enjoy making someone else happy.  So, that’s when I decided to fill out the Secret Pal form.  For the past couple of years I skipped the signups because I was a little overwhelmed with teaching a new subject area.  Now that I know my way around the language arts curriculum, it was time to step out of the comfort zone.  Here are some gift ideas that caught  my eye this weekend.

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Disclosure: I received these to review. Opinions shared are mine!

Now that the temperatures are cooling down, you might find yourself indoors with the kids more often.  Sometimes I pull out a surprise book or DVD just for these moments.  This month, it’ll be the board book Night Night Farm and the Octonauts Slime Time DVD.   Keep one of these in your fall entertainment stash for instant smiles from the littles!   [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am a BB5 blogger and received this box to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

People, you cannot imagine my glee when I opened this month’s Beauty Box 5. It is truly the BEST beauty box I have EVER received.  Typically I feature just one or two favorite products, but this month was a huge jackpot. I cannot choose just ONE!  (Did I use enough capital letters for you?  REALLY.)

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I received a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.  This post contains affiliate links.

Welcome to my messy van!  The kids and I spend a LOT of time in this vehicle.  In the photo below, we were waiting for my daughter to finish an after school practice.  While I sat in the driver’s seat grading papers, and my son was in the backseat doing his homework, we listened to The Afters new CD, titled “Live On Forever.”

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Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Recently, I started helping with the toddlers at church during the Sunday School hour. It’s so much fun. If you haven’t volunteered in that area, I highly encourage you to do so! The imagination and adorable antics that toddlers come up with…..it’s enchanting. I can’t wait to take the Baby, Baby board book with me to church next week! The kids will love it.
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Disclosure: I received a product sample to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine. Hosts & participating hop bloggers of the Falling Into Fall Event are not responsible for sponsors or self-sponsoring bloggers that do not fulfill prize obligations.

During the fall and winter months, you’ll notice a change in my clothing and makeup shades. I tend to wear darker colors.  The thing is, precision is key when applying darker eye shadow!  There’s a fine line between smoky and go-wash-it-off, don’t you think?  An excellent makeup mirror is essential, especially if you’re going to be changing up your cosmetic routine.  Here are some features I like in a makeup mirror.

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Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

There were some Old Navy rewards burning a hole in my virtual pocket, so I ordered several dresses a few weeks ago.  I’m officially addicted to comfortable.  The swing dress is ideal to wear to work, church, running errands, or just enjoying your weekend at home.  Here are some reasons to try this look.

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

The cover. The title. The author.  All of those features captured my attention when Twilight at Blueberry Barrens came up for review.  It arrived on Friday and I finished it in the wee hours of the night!   [Read more…]

Heading to Bristol, TN this weekend for the Battle at Bristol?  Be sure to stop by the Blackbird Bakery downtown.  You won’t be disappointed!  It’s right off State Street, but the parking isn’t easy to find so take what you can get.  When you enter, you’ll see the beautifully restored building that houses the bakery.  You’ll probably have to stand in line, but it’s totally worth the wait.  Let me indulge you for a moment.

Key lime cheesecake, my friends.

Here’s where you can get it ……  [Read more…]