We’re kind of strict around the Savings in Seconds house. We don’t watch Spongebob, my kids aren’t allowed to say the words “hate” and “stupid,” and we try to treat each other with kindness all the time. This is kind of struggle for my kids when it’s time to express a little animosity. My son tries to get around it with creative insults. Today when he was upset with me (I wouldn’t allow him to jump into the deep end of the pool without his floatie) he got angry and said to me, “You are the worst leprechaun!”

Then there’s my 9 year old daughter. She has creative ways to express her opinion, too. As we were getting ready to swim, she explained why she needed to wear her brother’s goggles. In a very roundabout way of using an excuse, she said that a baby bumblebee died in her goggles because she left them outside.
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In the summer, I tend to re-read my favorite books.  Of course, there are lots and lots of new books on my summer reading list, but there are a few that I read over and over again.   Divergent by Virginia Roth is a cool dystopian novel that makes “being different” illegal.  Actually, it’s a life-or-death situation if anyone finds out.  Since the third book in the series comes out this fall, you’ve gotta read the first two NOW so you’re ready!!

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Disclosure: This post is brought to you by The Uncommon Dog. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

It’s been nothing but rainy and humid around here in Northeast TN for what seems like a month! I’ve been very frustrated about it because we haven’t been able to swim on the hot days (went back to school) and on the days we were home, it was raining. At least this afternoon it was warm enough to get outside and the rain held off for a few hours. While we were out, it was a great opportunity to try the Evaporative Cooling Dog Pad that was sent to me by The Uncommon Dog. We’ve had this for a few days but it hasn’t been dry enough to try it!

Our little dog loves to be outside with us when we’re swimming and gardening. She adores tomatoes and climbs up into the plants to pick her own. While the kids are swimming, she jumps into the raft and makes a little splash of her own. It gets hot on the concrete by the pool, so she really needed a cooler place to lay down. I’ve tried putting out a beach towel or wetting the concrete for her but it just gets hot again within a few moments. I hoped that the cooling pad would help make her more comfortable while we were in the heat.
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This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walmart for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Last year my sixth-grade students were head-over-heels for Duck Tape®.  Many of them mentioned to me that they got Duck Tape® in their stockings at Christmas or as an exciting birthday gift.   It always brings a smile to my face when one of my students makes me a handmade gift. This flower pen is one of my favorites.

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I was compensated with a bonus.  The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

What’s your favorite chair or piece of furniture?  The one you look forward to sitting in at the end of the day?  In the picture above, you can see my favorite chair — the best chair ever.  A few years ago when I was expecting my daughter, I went into preterm labor.  Laying down caused contractions.  Sitting up caused contractions.  Walking….well, you get the idea.  The only thing I was able to do to stay contraction-free was to lean on my side in my recliner for weeks at a time until she was thoroughly baked.  We had precious little furniture at that time, but fortunately we had purchased a discounted recliner only days before I went on bedrest.  That recliner became my day-and-night bed until my little girl was born.  For weeks afterward, I spent hours upon hours in that chair.  Feeding her, rocking her, and just treasuring those moments that I got to hold her.   When I was expecting my son, I slept in the chair yet again.  I went into preterm labor again, at the exact same point of my pregnancy, and was terrified of going through the bedrest again.  While the doctors were able to keep the preterm labor at bay through  medication, I felt a lot more comfortable while sitting in my recliner.  Possibly it was a subconscious thing. Perhaps I felt reassured that the chair kept my babies safe on the inside.  My son was born and once again I sat in that chair for hours, rocking and feeding and singing.  That chair is precious to me.   Each time I sit in it, those memories make me smile and want to cry at the same time.   I guess I’d say it’s my favorite chair.  Except there’s one problem….it’s 9 years old and has long worn out its comfort.  The cushions are no longer cushiony and the rocker squeaks in protest when someone tries to make it move.  The headrest is faded and no longer shines with the newness of the leather.  Ah, well.  This chair has done its duty and may soon be replaced.   [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains my affiliate link.  I received a bonus for this post. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

A few weeks ago while sitting in an inservice, one of my colleagues shared some of her amazing Pinterest-worthy decor projects with me.  Seriously, she needs to start her own DIY blog because she is the envy of all of us.  Her classroom is always cute, colorful, and fun to be in.  (I told her I’d give her a shout out…. this one’s for you, Cristy!)  My room, on the other hand, looks as barren as a college classroom in comparison.  It seems that God ran out of the decorating gene when he got to me.  My biggest decor item is the glitter letters that were purchased on a whim at Hobby Lobby.   [Read more…]

Disclosure: I was not paid for this post. I will receive free product coupons for posting this information. I’ll be sharing those product coupons with you in a future giveaway!

Since school started back 3 weeks ago, I’ve lost a couple of pounds without trying.  Don’t tell me it’s water weight.  I want to believe that it’s because I’ve been packing a good lunch every day instead of picking at a cafeteria meal then raiding my desk for snacks that have been hidden in the corners for over three years.   The problem is that I tend to lose my momentum with packing my lunch if I don’t put some forethought into it.  Leftovers are good sometimes, but I also need some options that can be stashed in the fridge and pulled out as we run down to the lunchroom.  We eat with the kids and everyone only gets 20 minutes to eat!!   Taking five minutes to heat up my lunch is a waste of precious time.  Then there’s the issue of getting bored with the same old, same old.   To keep my lunchbox and my tummy happy, I’m going to have to change things up and keep it interesting.

I’m completely inspired by the Wholly Guacamole OMGuac Your Lunch contest.  Pack your guac and win some green —  that’s going to be my new motto. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase through the link, it benefits Savings in Seconds. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.

Everyone’s headed back to school right about now.  In between shopping for new clothes (thanks to the great Tea Collection sale — ends August 18!) and getting my own classroom in order, I’m adding one more thing to my calendar.  Brands, it’s that time of year — time to submit your product for the Savings in Seconds 2013 Holiday Gift Guide.

Only family-friendly products will be considered.   Product referrals with additional giveaway options will be given priority.

The gift guide will premiere in mid-November and will end on December 24.   Email me at savingsinseconds@yahoo.com for consideration or complete the form below.    I look forward to hearing from you!

Readers, what type of gifts would you like to see featured on Savings in Seconds? 

A new month always brings great new books, doesn’t it?   This month I’m excited to share with you another thrilling read from James Rubart.  If you’ll remember, my review of Soul’s Gate revealed how intense this novel was.  When I received my review copy of Memory’s Door I got that same chill of goosebumps from the vivid cover imagery.

When you look at the cover, what emotions do you expect to feel while reading this captivating novel? [Read more…]