Welcome Winter with a Cozy Book

Disclosure: I received this book from Buoyancy PR. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Winter activities like playing in the snow don’t really appeal to me. Now, reading….yes!  The reviews for Shepherd, Potter, Spy, and the Star Namer by Peggy Miracle Consolver were upbeat and positive, so I can’t wait to check it out.   [Read more…]

How to save money on Crest Whitestrips – Sweet Savings

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

You guys know how much I love my subscription boxes. It’s fun to get “good” mail, and trying new products is exciting. If you’ve wondered how to save on pricey Crest whitestrips and toothpaste, here’s a tip. Recently I discovered the Amazon beauty sample box and was really impressed! The best part is that the $11.99 cost is CREDITED back to your Amazon prime account when you purchase selected items. Basically, it pays for itself!

The Whitestrips had a $10 off coupon on Amazon, which stacked with the $11.99 credit. Since I was already planning to buy Whitestrips as stocking stuffers, this was a huge savings. I also tried the Crest Whitestrip sample box. It’s only $4.99 and also comes with that awesome credit feature, and it stacked with the other credit PLUS the $10 coupon. So, my total out-of-pocket expense for the $36.xx box of Whitestrips was under $23. That doesn’t include the other samples I received, which were really top-notch as well. Here’s what my final screen looked like (remember, I also got the Crest sample box and used it to buy a twin pack of toothpaste.)

You do have to be a Prime member to take advantage of these sweet savings, so if you don’t already have it, I highly suggest the Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial.

We are gifting one lucky reader with a beauty sample box. (If, for some reason, Amazon doesn’t allow it to be shipped elsewhere, we will substitute a $12 Amazon gift card.) To enter, visit the giveaway form below. The giveaway is open to US readers who live where Prime ships free. Ages 18+, void where prohibited by law. Good luck!  Giveaway ended. The winner is shown below.

Life Is Tough But So Are YOU #centsofstyle Fashion Friday Story @centsofstyle

Disclosure: Cents of Style chose me to be one of their Fashion Friday Story bloggers; I received this shirt to feature. Post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

A few days ago, I happened to come across something I haven’t opened in a while– my “Happy” folder.  It holds the notes, cards, and drawings students have given me over the years.  When I moved the file folder, a folded note fluttered out.  A student in my math class — at least 15 years ago — wrote it as a nomination for some type of award.  In the note, he expressed appreciation for my help as he struggled with math over the entire school year.  The note brought tears to my eyes; that student worked so hard to master difficult math concepts.  Words like this remind me how lucky I am to be a teacher. My students know I care about them, but they also need to know that they’re strong.  No matter what challenges they face, whether it be hardships at home or struggles at school, I want them to know that, just as my shirt reads, Life is tough, but so are you! [Read more…]

Help your daughter get her head above the waves

Disclosure: I am a Tommy Mommy blogger and received book samples. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

If you were riding in the van with us this morning, you would have thought I was mother of the year.  My sweet almost-teen daughter and I were sharing beloved worship songs, listening to each other’s music and talking about old favorites like Rich Mullins.  Every once in a while, my son chimed in with his own thoughts about the songs.  Life isn’t always like that for us — it’s just that right now, my daughter’s head is above the waves of life.  It’s inevitable that more storms will bring waves crashing down upon us…..we don’t expect constant happiness.  For now, though, this is enough.  If you’re struggling with your daughter’s life waves, here are some things that might help. [Read more…]

Bookish Best of 2016 – Really Woolly 5 Minute Bedtime Treasury

Disclosure: I received one or more books in exchange for review. This post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

 

There were many wonderful bookish best moments of 2016 around the Savings in Seconds homestead. Here are a few of the highlights! [Read more…]

Midwife or Modern Medicine? The Mark of the King book review

Disclosure: I received the book for participation in the book tour. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Choosing a midwife over modern medicine is gaining in popularity over the past few years. When my children were born, I definitely considered all of my options. I wasn’t keen on a bathtub birth or going natural, for that matter. Still, I’m fascinated by the way that millions of women have braved the birth process with the help of a midwife!  What’s your opinion on it?  If you’re interested in how it was done in the late 1790’s, you need to check out The Mark of the King.
[Read more…]

Be the friend you wish you had #CravingConnection

Disclosure: I am part of the Craving Connection launch team and received products to share; post contains affiliate links.  Opinions shared are mine.

You might remember that my word for 2017 is “Connect.”  Instead of sticking my head in the sand, like I usually do, I’m going to do a better job of serving others in encouragement.  That’s why the Craving Connection (in)courage line from DaySpring is just perfect for me!  If you want to be the friend you wish you had, why not check out the product line?

[Read more…]

Share grace with the new (in)courage #CravingConnection line from DaySpring

Disclosure: I am part of the Craving Connection launch team and received products to share; post contains affiliate links.  Opinions shared are mine.

I used to love to write encouraging cards and notes for people.  Over the years, it seemed obsolete, and I gradually stopped doing that.  Last night, one of our small group members commented that encouragement really means a lot to him.  It occurred to me that maybe God wants me to encourage others!  I love the song “I Wanna Live Like That” and it reminds me to be love.  That’s why I really like the Craving Connection (in)courage line from DaySpring. Share grace and encouragement with the message of connection!  [Read more…]

Getting your teen into a book (and vice versa)

Disclosure: I received this CD from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine; post contains affiliate links.

Twenty years of working with teenagers has taught me this, at least……they don’t like to do anything they’re told to do. While you might understand the benefits of being a strong reader, most teenagers DON’T CARE.  If you’re telling your teen, “You should read this book” and it’s not working, try these sneaky strategies to get your teen into a book. It worked for me! [Read more…]

Down Squash Blossom Road by Janet Chester Bly

Disclosure: I received the book Down Squash Blossom Raod from the author. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

I hope you’re enjoying this January day, readers.  We recently had the chance to review Down Squash Blossom Road sent to us from the author, Janet Chester Bly.  [Read more…]

badge