For our first camping trip in Pigeon Forge, we chose Gatlinburg East KOA Campground in Cosby, TN.  There were so many options in the area that the selecting one was overwhelming!  We finally chose the KOA because it had excellent TripAdvisor reviews.  It was simple to make reservations online, and the Value Kard fee paid for itself ($30 cost, gives a 10% discount).   [Read more…]

I don’t normally get to title a URL with “The Hamptons.”  This is a good day.
Disclosure: I participated in the blog tour. Opinions shared are mine.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I partnered with Smart Buy Center for this review. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn a commission. Opinions shared are mine.

This year, I’ve sadly neglected my garden.  It’s overgrown with weeds and untamed vegetable plants. Somehow it struggles on without my help, relying on rain and hope to keep going.  Today I harvested a few tomatoes, and discovered 2 yellow squash that were so big and hard that they resembled gourds you’d use for a bird feeder.  What to do?  It was time to pull out the Vegetable Spiralizer I just received from Smart Buy Center. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received a free membership to Faithful Workouts.  Opinions shared are mine.

My family and friends are too nice to comment about it, but it really bugs me that I’ve gained 90 pounds in 13 years.  I remember the day the scale showed 150 pounds when I was walking into the hospital to deliver my first child…that seems like my SKINNY days now!  There are a lot of barriers to losing the weight, but time is the primary factor.  Between work, commuting, parenting, wife-ing, and all the other responsibilities I shoulder, going to a gym does not appeal to me at all.  We live on a busy road where walking=a death wish.  Most of my activity happens on camping trips when we swim, walk, and ride bikes.  What to do in between those weekend excursions?  I was invited to try Faithful Workouts and decided it was time to stop making excuses.

[Read more…]

Disclosure: I partnered with National Geographic for this post. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a commission. Opinions shared are mine.

For years, I tucked a $20 bill inside a great book for my nieces and nephews on gift-giving occasions.  My children usually request a title or two for their own gifts.  You don’t have to be a language arts teacher, or even a bookworm, to find fabulous gift-worthy books!

Many of my students have told me that they received a book from a relative as a gift, and it became a favorite.  Wouldn’t it be an honor to be the one to gift that beloved book? [Read more…]

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I  may earn a commission – at no additional cost to you. Opinions shared are mine.

Since joining the Library Love Challenge, I’ve been checking out books pretty regularly.   You know, because there aren’t enough books here at my house.   HA HA  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I am posting as part of a blog tour. Opinions shared are mine.

My kids are HUGE into fandoms.  They love talking about characters from games and books.  Sometimes they also role play, a fun game of pretend that I remember playing as a child.  My son is a big fan of comic books in particular, and he really enjoys drawing.  The Super Hero Kids contest is perfect for him!

Does your child love comic books and super heroes?  If so, here’s a chance for you to make your child’s dream come true.  He (or she!) could be illustrated as a super hero!  This contest is in partnership with the Action Storybook Bible which my children LOVE to listen to in the car.  I bought it for around $20 a couple of years ago, and they listen to it all the time.  It’s been a fun way to learn about Bible stories, and it’s very different than the typical Sunday School class story!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I received these books for review. Opinions shared are mine.

One of the best things about reviewing books is having a well-stocked bookshelf. Sometimes, though, it gets overwhelming! I’m currently behind in my book reviews, so clearing my shelf is a necessary step to make room for more. One lucky reader will receive these 5 books!

[Read more…]

When we packed up for the Roan Mountain State Park campground last weekend, I decided not to fill the fridge with meals.  Before work, I put a roast in the slow cooker, which we enjoyed for supper the first night.  After that, we alternated between leftovers and going out for meals.  It was a real treat for me, since I didn’t need to cook and clean for our short trip.  On Saturday morning, we tried to find a new dive for breakfast.  We hit the jackpot with Kaye’s Kitchen!

[Read more…]

So, when we got discounted tickets for the 7D ride at The Island in Pigeon Forge, I had NO IDEA about the other rides that were just around the corner. It was our first time going there, but I just hadn’t researched it at all.  We didn’t have time to check out the rides, so we promised the kids we’d go back the next day when we had more time.  My son was especially interested in the ropes course!

[Read more…]