Disclosure: I partnered with National Geographic for this post. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission. Opinions shared are mine.

For years, I tucked a $20 bill inside a great book for my nieces and nephews on gift-giving occasions.  My children usually request a title or two for their own gifts.  You don’t have to be a language arts teacher, or even a bookworm, to find fabulous gift-worthy books!

Many of my students have told me that they received a book from a relative as a gift, and it became a favorite.  Wouldn’t it be an honor to be the one to gift that beloved book? [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I  may earn a commission – at no additional cost to you. Opinions shared are mine.

Since joining the Library Love Challenge, I’ve been checking out books pretty regularly.   You know, because there aren’t enough books here at my house.   HA HA  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am posting as part of a blog tour. Opinions shared are mine.

My kids are HUGE into fandoms.  They love talking about characters from games and books.  Sometimes they also role play, a fun game of pretend that I remember playing as a child.  My son is a big fan of comic books in particular, and he really enjoys drawing.  The Super Hero Kids contest is perfect for him!

Does your child love comic books and super heroes?  If so, here’s a chance for you to make your child’s dream come true.  He (or she!) could be illustrated as a super hero!  This contest is in partnership with the Action Storybook Bible which my children LOVE to listen to in the car.  I bought it for around $20 a couple of years ago, and they listen to it all the time.  It’s been a fun way to learn about Bible stories, and it’s very different than the typical Sunday School class story!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these books for review. Opinions shared are mine.

One of the best things about reviewing books is having a well-stocked bookshelf. Sometimes, though, it gets overwhelming! I’m currently behind in my book reviews, so clearing my shelf is a necessary step to make room for more. One lucky reader will receive these 5 books!

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When we packed up for the Roan Mountain State Park campground last weekend, I decided not to fill the fridge with meals.  Before work, I put a roast in the slow cooker, which we enjoyed for supper the first night.  After that, we alternated between leftovers and going out for meals.  It was a real treat for me, since I didn’t need to cook and clean for our short trip.  On Saturday morning, we tried to find a new dive for breakfast.  We hit the jackpot with Kaye’s Kitchen!

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So, when we got discounted tickets for the 7D ride at The Island in Pigeon Forge, I had NO IDEA about the other rides that were just around the corner. It was our first time going there, but I just hadn’t researched it at all.  We didn’t have time to check out the rides, so we promised the kids we’d go back the next day when we had more time.  My son was especially interested in the ropes course!

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We enjoyed a fun afternoon at The Island in Pigeon Forge during our recent Gatlinburg camping trip.  In fact, we enjoyed it so much we went back the next day!  We landed at The Island by happy accident, since I’d purchased Groupon package for the 7D Dark Ride Adventure.  We saw The Great Smoky Wheel and couldn’t wait to get there.   [Read more…]

If you’re traveling on I-81 on the Northeast Tennessee side, and you need a place to stop, consider Baileyton RV & Cabins. We had the pleasure of staying in this campground for one week in July.  It was the first time we’d stayed at a campground without seeing it firsthand, so I was a little wary.  The TripAdvisor reviews were good and they had a high rank with Good Sam. I convinced my husband to give it a try!

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If you’ve been in the store recently, you’ve probably fought the crowds trying to buy school supplies.  Many new teachers get overwhelmed when it’s time to set up a classroom. That is totally understandable!  This is year 21 for me, so I have my room pretty stocked at this point.  I’ve figured out my teacher must have items, and made sure those were plentiful.  These 3 items made my list.  [Read more…]

The kids and I have been going to the library all summer.  They love seeing the books that were added each week. I’m impressed with the new furniture and teen-friendly decor the Kingsport library added to the teen’s area.

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