Disclosure: The Pfizer Pediatric Platform products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. All thoughts and reviews are my own. *It is important to remember to always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Pfizer Pediatric Platform products and to use as directed.

When my first baby was on the way, my husband’s family gave us a surprise baby shower.  Since it was relatively early in my pregnancy, I hadn’t registered for gifts yet — mostly because I had no idea what a new mother needed.  Aunt Stacey gave us a laundry basket filled with medicine.  I must have looked puzzled, because she assured me that I would need them at some point.  Oh, how right she was!  These days, one of the things I can guarantee we used from that baby shower was the medicine.  Now that my kids are 6 and 11 years old, I can testify that a well-stocked medicine cabinet is fully appreciated when the middle-of-the-night fever hits.  When you’re getting gifts for a new mom, consider giving her a stash of Pfizer medicine so that she doesn’t have to run out at 2 AM to get infant ibuprofen.  When #SickJustGotReal she will thank you!

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Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

From Scratch was the first time I’ve heard of C.E. Hilbert. What a treat! Set in a bakery, the story wrapped around a sassy baker named Maggie, and a police chief – Sean. It’s a quick read, filled with chills-up-the-spine moments. Although you’d expect it to be a sweet story (what with the bakery and all), Maggie’s dangerous past lingers in the plot. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I participated in the book tour for The Calling.  I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review; opinions shared are mine.

The Calling, the second book of the Seer series, takes us into a whirlwind of excitement right away.   Since I hadn’t read book 1 (The Choosing), I felt more than a little bit lost.  I highly recommend reading the first book in the series to gain some background and perspective on the situation! As the story progressed, I began to sort things out. Still, I’m tempted to backtrack and read book 1 just to get my bearings. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are mine.

Many of the books I receive to review have a mystery laced with romance. Playing the Part by Jen Turano was similar in that regard. However, the biggest difference in this story was the tongue-in-cheek humor that swirled around each scene.  Some situations were really a hoot!

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Spring is in the air here in TN — even though today is chilly, the days have been wonderfully warm until this weekend. I spend most of my free time in the garden. When the hours go by and the kids remind me that it’s time for dinner, it takes me by surprise. If you’re in the same boat, enter this giveaway for a chance to win 4 Krystal combo meals! These vouchers were sent to me for an earlier promotion, but we didn’t use them. So I’m sharing them with you! Spring in the USA means time spent outside, and if you have these coupons you might not have to cook. Score!
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Disclosure: I received a prize pack like the one the winner will receive. Opinions shared are mine.

A few days ago, my kids asked if we could go to Ryan’s soon. It’s one of their favorite restaurants; the rolls, mashed potatoes, and dessert bar rank among the top of their wishlists! We ended up going for breakfast this morning (Sunday), and it was delicious as always. We plan to go back for our favorite – Family Night – and see the Amelia Bedelia party! That’s right, the beloved children’s book character is celebrating at Ryan’s!  Created by American author Peggy Parish in the early 1960’s, Amelia Bedelia is known for her literal takes on figurative language.  This wonderful family promotion can be found at the Ovation Brands’ portfolio of restaurants, including Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, Hometown Buffet, and Country Buffet from March 17th through May 12th. One lucky winner gets to celebrate the promotion as well as with this special prize pack, which includes an Amelia Bedelia sticker pack, bonnet pack, poster, brochure, and 4 paperback books: Amelia Bedelia’s First Apple Pie, Amelia Bedelia Makes a Friend, Amelia Bedelia, Amelia Bedelia Means Business. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through the links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Opinions shared are mine.

Entertaining the kids can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t have the juice to keep even yourself going. Whether you’re trying to get the kids to stop watching so much TV, or you’re hosting the nieces and nephews for a weekend, here are some tips — and free activities — to keep you on your feet while they have fun!

1. Get a new box of coloring pencils, stickers, and plenty of paper.  Have the kids draw outside on the patio or deck.  If necessary, give them a task — such as drawing the buds on a tree, or sketching birds that appear in the yard. Just make sure to have a sharpener handy for the coloring pencils, or the fun might be short-lived!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

In our house, the abundance is selective. We moved to a smaller home to downsize, and it worked in some ways. I tried to reduce clutter around the house, which worked in some ways. One thing that we do have in great measure — BOOKS. I’m always happy to see the Spring Cleaning giveaway hop come around, because it gives me an excuse to share books that need a new home. [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by SheSpeaks/POWERADE. Opinions shared are mine.

My career in education allows me to cheer for lots of budding athletes.  JV football and basketball games develop the skills that take players to the collegiate arena.  One of my former students received a silver medal in the Paraolympics.  Being an athlete is a superpower! For all of my students, the biggest gift of support I can give falls within the bounds of encouragement. Sixth graders don’t always see that their skills can help them to earn scholarships and a ticket to their future.  I strive to help them realize those dreams, which can be attained by athletes at all levels. So when my own personal athletes came along, giving that same support was part of my parenting style.  Powerade was part of our daily routine as we drove countless hours to softball practice….

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Disclosure: I received this box to review. Opinions shared are mine.

A few weeks ago, a sweet friend of mine, Jessica, was preparing for surgery. She sent an anxious prayer request to her friends, and asked us to write a favorite verse on a notecard so that she could it take it with her to the hospital.  When I received the Love and Blessed box, I knew it would be the perfect gift for Jessica.  Happy mail is always fun, but mail that comes with instant uplifting is even better.  Who wouldn’t want to receive a box of encouragement every month?  Uplifting, and bright, the contents are a joy to receive.

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