Disclosure: This book was sent to me for the tour – opinions shared are mine.

Move over, Augustus and Hazel Grace. There’s a new book couple on my radar now.

Public Service Announcement: If you read only one book before the end of the year, make it Hannah Both Ways!  [Read more…]

When I received the book A Rare Nativity to review, I worried that it would have a sinister tone. From the first few pages, I just wasn’t sure what the book would contain.  This was probably due to the voice in my head, hearing the words as I silently read.  By the end of the story, though, I realized that the nature of A Rare Nativity was pure and good. [Read more…]

Being a teacher’s kid means that the likelihood of receiving educational toys is pretty good.
Being the child of TWO teachers? The education toys are guaranteed.
Luckily for us, Ryan’s makes learning fun!

This year as part of their Family Night offerings, the Ovation portfolio of restaurants have partnered with Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab series. One lucky reader will receive a A Thomas Edison Secret Lab Prize Pack (and so will I).
Each Thursday from 5-8PM (excluding holidays), participating Old Country Buffet, Ryan’s, Hometown Buffet, and Country Buffet restaurants will host a science-themed event.

– November 12 “Why Do Things Float”
– November 19 “Sweet Dreams/ PJ Party”
– November 26 Thanksgiving DVD Sweepstakes (Each restaurant will give away a DVD)
– December 3 Cotton Candy Experiment
– December 10 Genius Dress Up
– December 17 What’s Your Bright Idea!
– December 24/31 Thomas Edison Secret Lab Activity sheet available

Some restaurants will even be showing episodes of the popular series — check with your location to see if it’s included! In addition to this giveaway, the brand is also sponsoring a sweepstakes featuring a trip for a family of four for 5 days/4 nights to sunny Florida!

The special Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab “Genius” Prize Pack comes complete with themed, collectible products including a Secret Millionaire’s Club (SMC) “Business in a Box” lemonade stand, a SMC Car Wash and SMC DVD and of course FREE MEAL COUPONS from any of the more than 300 Ovation Brands restaurants. The prize packs are valued at well OVER $100 each!!!!!

To enter the giveaway, visit the giveaway form below. The contest is open to US readers, ages 18+. Void where prohibited by law. Good luck!

For 13 years, we lived in a house on a hill. It was a BIG hill, and my kids were not allowed to take their bikes outside alone. I was afraid (with good reason) that they would fly uncontrollably down the driveway. Sad, right? Well, we moved, and now we finally have a pancake-flat yard. Oh, happy day! So when we received the Rockboard Scooter for the kids to try out, it was an instant hit! I mean, look at it. How could it not be an instant hit? Don’t let Santa get credit for the Rockboard Scooter. It’s too good to pass off on an incognito guy in a red suit. Hide it behind the tree, Christmas Story style, and let the hugs and kisses pour in. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am a Kinivo blogger; product was received and post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

What’s in this small package? Oh, I’m glad you asked. It’s the set of Kinivo Bluetooth Headphones (model #BTH260) that just made my Thanksgiving break a lot more enjoyable. These sport headphones are so comfortable, and easy to use, that my kids have made them a constant accessory since we got out of school for Thanksgiving. [Read more…]

I received this book to review, and the post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine!

Rain Saga is a clean, exciting dystopian novel with fresh characters and unique settings. It’s been a while since a book like this was on the scene. You’ve got to watch the book trailer! [Read more…]

Wondering what to read before Christmas to get you in the holiday spirit?  Check out these titles!  I received these books to review. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Melody Carlson outdid herself in this clean, Christmas Thelma-and-Louise style adventure. Pairing two unlikely characters is just the start of the fun. I loved reading about the era-specific decorations! A road trip isn’t the same without making some exciting pit stops, and that’s just what Miranda and Joy did.  The Christmas Joy Ride is a fun-filled story that will make your heart smile!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am a Family Christian blogger. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

Thanksgiving is over…..do you know where your stocking stuffers are?  They’re waiting for you at Family Christian!  You can find something for every person in your family.  In this giveaway, one lucky reader will win the board book Jesus.  This would make a sweet snuggle-worthy read for a special little one in your life.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received this book to review. Post contains affiliate links. Opinions shared are mine.

A few days ago, my mother-in-law had some exciting news. While cleaning out a closet, she found a recipe that she’d thought was lost forever. It was her mother’s carrot cake recipe, a special treat that the family had enjoyed for years. Her mother passed away at a young age, and her recipes were lost as the kids grew older and moved away from home. When my dear mother in law found the recipe, she called her sisters, who all celebrated with her. They plan to get together at some point and make the delicious cake. My husband commented that even after all these years, and after her death, his grandmother’s recipe is still bringing the family together.

Books are like that, too. There’s a magical quality about books that makes readers come together for intelligent discussion, laughter, and sometimes even tears. Books draw a response from the reader’s heart, and help a reader visit an exciting locale without leaving a chair. It’s amazing! In The Forgotten Recipe by Amy Clipston, memories and sadness intermingle for Veronica. When she discovers a mysterious chest in the attic, it’s immediately a moment to remember. It even had an old lock! Sigh. [Read more…]

Disclosure:  This post is brought to you by Monroe and Main. Opinions shared are mine, and I’m a regular customer! 

Some people can prepare for the holidays over the course of a few days, or even weekends.  Since I tend to procrastinate, my holiday preparations are typically completed over the course of a few hours (and usually limited to a Saturday).  This is our first Christmas in our new home, so we’re finding new places for our favorite decor.  From hanging wreaths to reaching into closets, my outfit was stylish and chic, thanks to Monroe and Main!  For my daytime errands and activities, I wore the Crossover Rib Sweater (in cashmere) and the Knit Denim Legging.  It was tough to select my pieces because there were so many items I loved in the Monroe and Main holiday collection.  In the end, I decided to go with pieces that would be comfortable for everyday wear, as well as holiday gatherings. [Read more…]