The Mapmaker’s Children – Sarah McCoy
As if aligning stars, author Sarah McCoy takes historical fact and weaves it into a fictional story-within-a-story in The Mapmaker’s Children. Tennessee is rich with Civil-war era history, and I’ve driven by so many houses with the temptation to stop and learn their secrets. At the edge of my consciousness, it seems like I might hear the whispers between the house and my soul. Reading my mind, McCoy starts her exquisite novel with such a house.
The Mapmaker’s Children by Sarah McCoy
March 2, 2016 By 1 Comment
Be a champion for girls’ education with Malala #HeNamedMeMalala #WithMalala #ad
February 29, 2016 By 1 Comment
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for 20th Century Fox. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Teaching social studies really opened my eyes to the plight of women over historical periods and across geographical borders. If you haven’t been challenged before, try teaching a group of 6th graders about the way education works in other countries. You might also explain how non-democratic governments work, and why it’s so important to value the opportunity to vote. Tweens have a way of bringing the truth into the open, and they can sniff out injustice like bloodhounds. When Malala’s story went viral in 2013, the focus was on her injuries. As I read more about her, though, it stunned me to learn that Malala had been an advocate for girls’ education for years! This courageous young woman has so much to give to a world that longs for freedom and individual rights.
Amazon is full of green for St. Patty’s Day #LuckyIrishHop #giveaway
February 29, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission. That is how I pay for self-sponsored giveaways like this one!
It’s hard to believe that March is already upon us! This is a busy time of year for our family. The kids’ birthdays are coming up, and school is getting wild with the anticipation of spring testing. We broke ground on our new garden today, too. Yet even with all of these events going on, there was still time to peruse my beloved Amazon for green items. They have a whole page devoted to St. Patrick’s Day green items! It is, after all, time for the St. Patty’s Day giveaway hop!
Live Better Lineup is now here at Tropical Smoothie Cafe – #BeWell
February 29, 2016 By 69 Comments
Disclosure: Tropical Smoothie Cafe sent me the same prize package that one lucky reader will receive. Opinions shared are mine.
The next time we’re in Knoxville, TN, I plan to visit Tropical Smoothie King. The new Smoked Queso Chicken and Mojo Pork & Swiss flatbreads are calling my name! I’ll chase it all down with a Live Better Smoothie. Which one should I choose….the Chia Banana Boost? An Immune Blast or the Chia Banana Max? Perhaps I’ll select the Detox Island Green. It all sounds so tempting! [Read more…]
The Legend of the Easter Robin book review #EasterRobin #FlyBy
February 27, 2016 By 48 Comments
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.
This year we get to celebrate Easter on March 27. That means we’ll have to be on our game, because it’ll be here in less than a month! If you’re looking for a wonderfully sweet treat to share with your kids that DOESN’T include a candy wrapper, consider The Legend of the Easter Robin. [Read more…]
New spring looks made easy!
February 26, 2016 By 15 Comments
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn commission. I received a hair gloss sample. Opinions shared are mine.
We’ve had a crazy-weather week here in TN. It went from high 50’s to snow, and now we’re expecting 60’s temperatures this weekend. Daffodils have already bloomed, and my sister’s tulips are starting to show through the ground. If you’re feeling spring in the air, too, it’s time to freshen up. New spring looks are made easy with these great offers.
The first biggie that I’m taking advantage of — Spring Lightweight Scarves – 2 for $8.99! PLUS FREE SHIPPING w/code SCARVES2 I’m getting the Allie Floral Outline Infinity Scarf in sea foam and the Kaye Rose Print Ombré Infinity Scarf in black. UPDATE — just went back and placed another order, because the Floral Stamped scarf was calling my name! And bonus — it was the new 99-cent scarf today. HOORAY!! This affordable deal is also great to stock your gift closet. A scarf is a lovely gift for friends, sisters, teachers, and coworkers. Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you just get them for yourself!
Wishful Thinking Giveaway Hop Sign Ups Open!
February 20, 2016 By 1 Comment
Join us for the first annual Wishful Thinking Giveaway Hop hosted by Savings in Seconds. This is an open themed hop so get creative. The idea is to find prizes that you or your readers have wished for! Details below!
- Event starts April 16 at 12:01 AM. Event ends April 30, 2016 at 11:59 PM. Signups will close April 13, 2016.
- Hashtag for tweets– #Wishful2016 #giveaway
- I am working on finding a grand prize sponsor. If you post on time, your link will be included in the grand prize entry form.
- Add your link below – be sure to add the event to your calendar! You must have a dedicated giveaway, with a form located only on your blog, for this event. Giveaway may be self-sponsored or brand sponsored.
- There is no minimum prize value, and you may give multiple prize packages. Please be specific about the exact prize(s) you’ll be giving.
- Include in your post: event button, link to host, grand prize sponsor link, and linky.
- There is no participation fee, and no announcement post is required. Please consider sharing the sign-up information — more participating bloggers means more traffic for everyone!
I will send out a post reminder with information a few days before the event. If you have any questions, please email me.
Bloggers — if you want to know about future giveaway hops when they open, please subscribe to my giveaway hops email list. You’ll only receive an email if a new hop is added.
Chocolat Frey Scavenger Hunt #IntroducingChocolatFreyNA #ad
February 18, 2016 By 530 Comments
Disclosure: This is a Fashionista Event and a promotional item was provided to me by Sweetworks. Opinions shared are mine.
Welcome to our Chocolat Frey fest! I was introduced to this wonderful brand through the Everyday Assortment and Bunnies box. When the delicious delivery was made, my family rejoiced. Seriously, few things get our giddiness like chocolate. Chocolat Frey was special right from the start. The beautiful wrappings hint of the quality and treasure within. Silver, gold, blue, and pink metallic foil make the chocolate even more special. I wanted to incorporate the wrappings, flavors, and fun into a spring activity for my kids. Join us for the Chocolat Frey Scavenger Hunt!
Good Night Little Love book review — snuggle with a little one tonight!
February 16, 2016 By 42 Comments
Disclosure: I received this book as a TommyMommy blogger; opinions shared are mine.
Cuddle time is never so sweet as the moments just before bed. The best way to celebrate the Hop On giveaway is with a Valentine-worthy bunny book, don’t you think? One lucky reader will be gifted with the book Good Night, Little Love, thanks to sponsor Tommy Nelson.
[Read more…]
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds Collection
February 15, 2016 By 310 Comments
Disclosure: We are genuine customers of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They sent us free product with our last order. Opinions shared are mine.
The Heirloom Seed Collection from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is the perfect way to save money and acquire a safe, secure food supply for your family. Most of the seeds in this package will store 4-10 years if kept cool and dry. What a great way to try many heirloom favorites. These easy-to-grow varieties have been tried-and-true for generations! The collection contains 25 full-sized packets of seeds and a Clyde’s Garden Planner—all packaged in a sturdy, resealable, mylar bag for long lasting storage. If you’re not familiar with Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, I encourage you to visit their site. They participate in the Safe Seed Pledge, which means they use non-GMO seeds and plants. Varieties in this package are chosen to be productive in most climates throughout the United States. Bakers Creek supports innovative sustainability methods, such as urban gardening, and helps to teach children how to grow crops. We’ve been using their seeds for years! Thanks to our Grand Prize sponsor, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, one lucky reader will receive the Heirloom Seed Collection and the 2016 Whole Seed Catalog. This Grand Prize package is valued at $58. Good luck! [Read more…]
