Singing is my daughter’s happy noise.  Long before she could talk, she was babbling to herself in a singsong voice.  She starred in her first solo at church when she was five years old and stole the show, if I do say so myself.  When it was time to learn her multiplication tables, she made up her own songs and rhymes.  Singing is just in her nature and it’s something she does without even thinking about it.  When I was asked to review the DittyBop app I knew it would be a gold record hit for her.

First of all, this app is free.  Just search for DittyBop on the AppStore and install.  It helps if you have an iTunes gift card though, because you’ll want to get some of the songs so you’ll know how to sing them.  You don’t have to spend a penny, though, as long as you have an idea of how some of the songs go.

To get started, you need to choose your Ditty Bopper. There are four available.  I loved the little cowboy country singer but my daughter wouldn’t go for it.  Bopalicious is much more her style!   It cracked me up that the Ditty Boppers even have their own Facebook pages.

[Read more…]

A friend of mine recently started a new business as an Organo Gold independent distributor.  Have you heard of this brand?   The main product is instant coffee that is so easy and quick to prepare that you really have no excuse NOT to brew at home.  It’s also prepackaged which makes it so convenient!  I am always a fan of something that simplifies my life and saves me time.   Order yours and save yourself a few minutes in the morning!   The main factor that sets Organo Gold apart from other brands is the ganoderma extract ingredient in their drinks.   Ganoderma extract has been called the king of herbs because of many believe that it holds health benefits.   It’s reputed to provide immune system support, cardiovascular health, liver support, strengthening of the urinary tract system, and assisting the body to lower cholesterol.  It is believed by many to have antibacterial and antiviral properties as well.  Organo Gold coffees incorporate many other natural ingredients (ginseng, for example, is in one blend).   I love that their green tea is certified organic.  You can always go with Gourmet Cafe Mocha for dessert.  I’m partial to Hot Chocolate, though! [Read more…]

I’m starting to think about summer.  Yes, it’s barely spring, but I’m looking ahead to the days when we’ll have time for friends and family to visit.   While our home is completely casual and lived in, it’s nice to imagine it with a classy feel.  Maybe someday when the kids are grown I’ll be more inclined to purchase some pricey items!  Until then, I’m sticking with online deals that are reasonably priced.  Spring cleaning is more fun with some cute decor. 

 How much do you think this Regina Andrew Polished Horn & Brass Bowl costs?

[Read more…]

You remember Shaq, right?  That HUGE NBA guy who was fully awesome when we were in high school (or maybe younger….)   Back in the day, his shoes were some of the most popular at school.  Yesterday I was at TJ Maxx and saw some way-cool hi-tops for little boys.  There was a dad shopping for shoes for his toddler and he went nuts over some black and green Shaq shoes!   He was so disappointed that they weren’t in his son’s size.  You know how discount stores like that can be limited in quantities.  When I got home today, I saw that Shaq has paired back up with Reebok (this is a sponsored post). He’ll be releasing his 1992 Shaq Attaq Shoes on Friday, April 19th at 8:00AM!   Remember those, the ones that pumped up at the tongue?  These shoes are expected to sell out within 2 hours, so head over to Reebok and get a pair of the great Shaq Attaq Shoes!  I wish I knew who that dad was so that I could give him a heads up.   I know my husband would LOVE it if I could snag a pair for our son!!

What other things do you want to bring back from the past?   [Read more…]

It’s almost time to do my classroom inventory.  Teachers dread this time of year because not only are the kids completely ready for summer, we are, too.  We’re embarking on state tests next week as well. Then after that comes the onslaught of paperwork that is due before we can hand in our keys for the summer.   This is when we all start stripping the walls and packing up anything that won’t be used for the rest of the year. Too many times I’ve stored something away for safekeeping, only to NEVER see it again.  When I moved to a new position at a new school, a dear friend gave me loads and loads of supplementary materials that she used to use in her own classroom.  Of course I wanted to save it all and use it, too.  Unfortunately when I went on maternity leave a couple of years later, it had all disappeared.  Some of it had been put into storage; other items went who-knows-where.  I never did find it.  I’m not sure if it got tossed by the interim teacher, tossed by the custodians over the summer, or just borrowed by another teacher and never returned.  Ever since then, I’ve been at a loss about where to store my resources for the summer in a place that I’ll be sure to find it the following year.

Mabel’s Labels has done it again!   Just when I think they’ve thought of everything, they come up with something new and totally practical.  This time they created a new label that combines technology with organization!   You know that cool scan app that you’ve been using for ages?  What about using it to scan your own stuff?!    No more digging though every box to find that one cute pair of shorts or the elusive holiday decorations.   With these new Scan & Store labels from Mabel’s Labels, you will never misplace your items again!   [Read more…]

I’m always in the mood to look at timeless, well-made furniture.  Our family loves to browse furniture stores and antique shops for gorgeous pieces.  In fact, that’s mostly what my husband and I did for the first few years of our marriage!  We even spent our honeymoon looking at the antique shops of Charleston, SC.  We went to our small-town auction every week, learning about history and furniture collecting.  So when I saw this gorgeous chest from HGTV HOME FURNITURE (retail value is $999) and had an opportunity to participate in the giveaway, it was a no-brainer!

[Read more…]

Before baby, you might have taken the time to beautify your home with gorgeous furniture.  Now all you’re going to want to do is protect it from your child.  Waterproof fabrics are a must.  Washable fabrics are a given.  The opportunity to have both?  You’re in heaven. [Read more…]

I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Can you hear my heart pounding? I just finished Stress Test by Richard L. Mabry M.D. and WHOA it took me by surprise!   Imagine Dr. McDreamy in a Bourne Identity movie……yep, that pretty much sums it up.  Picking up this book was probably the last thing I did today. I honestly can’t think of one other productive thing I did other than finish it.  When was the last time you decided to read in lieu of sleeping?! [Read more…]

Welcome to the April New Release Giveaway Hop!  This event is hosted by booktwirps.com.  Each participating blog is offering an April release as a prize, so visit each giveaway on the linky below!

[Read more…]