isclosure: I received a starter set; opinions shared are mine.

You probably heard about the big wildfires that have been raging through East Tennessee. This week, we had the relief of some wonderfully rainy days to quench our dry earth.  During those storms, the wind blew down a few trees and scattered pine cones everywhere.  Before long, winter will be here and the birds will be needing some easy-to-find nourishment.  It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since I posted about homemade suet cakes. It’s a delightful way to bring feathered friends to your backyard.  Think about the people on your Christmas list.  Is there an outdoorsman?  An elderly shut-in? A mother with small children who would enjoy having an easy activity to do with the kids?  You Do It Suet makes a wonderful gift!  The starter kit sets you up with a silicone mold and simple recipe selection.  [Read more…]

I worked with Whiffer Sniffer to bring you this post and giveaway.  Opinions shared are mine.

I’ll be dating myself with this question, but remember scratch and sniff stickers?  My friends and I would meet up on the school bus and trade our favorites.  Whiffer Sniffers are for the new generation!  This adorable collector’s item combines stuffed toys with favorite scents. [Read more…]

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.

One of my favorite things to look for at summer yard sales is vintage books.  My kids have been introduced to some of my childhood favorites, including Frog & Toad, Little Bear, and Where the Wild Things Are.  Charlie the Tramp was new to me this year, but it really reminds me of those wonderful old books I loved as a child. [Read more…]

Disclosure: The post contains affiliate links; I may earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

I hate reading.  Have you heard this declaration from your children before? 

When students enter my class each August, it’s inevitable that some of them will claim, “I hate reading.” It makes my heart hurt a little, because reading is so crucial to survival in our modern age.  Every day for the rest of their lives, their reading skills will influence their success and understanding of the world.  However, my approach to this teenage brick wall is very passive.  I don’t try to change their minds. I try to change their experience.  It’s hard to overcome a teen’s determination to be stubborn.  I’ve found that most students who claim they don’t like to read just haven’t found the book they like to read.  By introducing them to titles of different genres, it’s usually possible to find at least one book they’ll grudgingly admit they like.  Here are my secret strategies…just don’t tell the kids! [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive product samples; post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

Is lounging part of your winter routine? We love the cozy days of Christmas. Brentwood Home has lovely items that bring warmth and comfort into any room in the home. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Mixbook and contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links, I may earn a small commission. Opinions shared are mine.

This is a beautiful river near our home. I took the kids there over the summer and we walked along the riverbank. What a fun afternoon we had! Do you display your memories of special moments like this?

Looking for something special for that person who’s so hard to please?  Do some social media sleuthing and have home decor made with a special vacation photo!  My friends post pictures of their families, vacations, and DIY creations all over social media. When we visit their home, though, they don’t have any prints of those special memories. After all, it takes time to print off images. A lovely acrylic or vibrant poster of a special moment is so simple to create with a few clicks of your mouse. Like the photo of my special river, those memories are clear in my mind but haven’t made it to my wall.  Wouldn’t it be lovely to give a friend such a personal gift? 

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive a copy of the book. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

If Periwinkle — the charming blue penguin on this book’s cover — looks familiar, it might be because she’s from the author of the Suzy’s Zoo characters.  Just as you’d expect, Periwinkle’s Journey is as cute as can be!   The book sends a positive message about looking at the inside, not at outer appearances.  It also provides an educational viewpoint into the penguin species, highlighting fun facts and habitat information.   [Read more…]

Disclosure: We received these beautiful samples to feature in the Holiday Gift Guide. Opinions shared are mine.

The Krafty Chix have been hard at work getting pretty personalized gifts ready for your Christmas shopping list.  Go ahead and start checking it off!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these books for the holiday gift guide. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

The week before Thanksgiving, our school hosted a book fair in the library.  It was wonderful to see my students get so excited about reading.  My students keep their own TBR lists (to-be-read) in their reader/writer journals. Many added titles like these National Geographic kids books on their TBR lists.  Why not consider some of these for the holiday gift list.  Whether you’re shopping for the kids, their teachers, or a holiday angel, you’re sure to hit the target with these.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these products to sample. Opinions shared are mine.

Chocolate might be on Santa’s list, but many of us look for zero calorie stocking stuffer treats.  Consider these goodies for guilt-free indulgence!

We just returned from a family trip to Disney World.  On one chilly evening, my son passed a popcorn cart and couldn’t stop thinking about it.  After he asked for some “buttery popcorn” the third time, we had to stop at the cart and get some! [Read more…]