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Advent Calendars

I think for me, one of the things I love about the advent season is the Advent Calendars. Each night we gather as a family for devotions and to open our advent calendars together.

It’s fun, because receiving a gift every night for a month is fun. But more importantly, it’s great family time. Everyone is eager to get together and see what each night will bring.

My boys are just the right age for Legos! This year One had a Guardians of the Galaxy and the other had a Star Wars. I learned very early on not to get anyone the same advent calendar, especially when it comes to the lego ones! They love building (or having me build) their little item each night and they have so much fun playing with the legos throughout the month and early into the next year. It’s the gift that keeps going!

For girls, one of my favorites is Ipsy. I love getting their products throughout the year and their Advent Calendar is amazing!

I also tried the Fab Fit Fun advent calendar this year and discovered that it’s only 12 days and not 24. It did have some awesome stuff in it though. So, depending on what you’re looking for, it’s pretty great!

Because both of these are available through a box/discount group, the value for what I pay is terrific!

To go with my advent calendars, I received a couple of tasty beverages to review. This first one is some delicious Sumatra coffee from Indonesia. It’s organic and fair trade, which is terrific!

This coffee from Pure Origin is delicious! And I always feel good about drinking a fair trade coffee. Not only do they taste amazing, I’m doing something good for my community at the same time.

My kids love tea! Actually I love tea too. This Boost Tea from Red Pantz is super delicious but not that great for bedtime – whoops! My kids liked it too but we did have to make it a morning tea just so everyone can sleep at night!

We love including some tea or other hot beverages with our advent calendars and just kind of extend our family time together until everyone has opened their calendars and drunk their warm winter beverage.

 

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CSB Explorer Bible Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Introducing the new CSB Explorer Bible for Kids! With fun facts, timelines, photography, and more. Kids will see the Bible as real, exciting, and life-changing. QR codes even bring engaging videos, discussion questions, and activity pages to life! Available in hardcover and leathertouch editions.

I received a cardcover copy to review. I’m loving the bright pictures and fun illustrations. It makes it so much easier for my kids to read the Bible when it’s at a reading level they can handle and when it looks so fun! Some of the awesome features of this Bible include:

  • The engaging QR codes helps kids place God’s Word in the middle of God’s
    World.
  • Engaging features, easy-to-read 8.5 pt text, and full-color design connect with kids’ natural curiosity and help them experience the wonder and truth of the Bible.
  • From the two tables of content — one in order and one sorted alphabetically — to the topical concordance and index of Bible stories, each detail is designed to give kids the tools to find their way around God’s Word.
  • The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids invites young readers to investigate both the world and words of Scripture, including the history of real people and their cultures.
  • Alongside the CSB text, special features help readers understand the central message within each book and discover how all books of the Bible fit together.

Get 50% off your CSB Explorer Bible TODAY by using the code EXPLORERGIFT50. Valid for 50% off retail price for up to 1 copy of the CSB Explorer Bible for Kids. This is only available at LIFEWAY.COM. VALID THROUGH 12/31/22, CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, LIMIT 1 COUPON PER PERSON.

Enter below for a chance to win your very own CSB Explorer Bible!

 

#ExplorerBibleMIN #ExplorerBibleForKids #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Abide Bible Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson Bibles for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

I received this beautiful Bible to review. I had challenged my kids to read through the Bible in 2023 (they get to pick their version as I have a lot of different reading levels in my house) and my teen snapped this Bible up as soon as it arrived.

She loves that it has space on the side for her to doodle and write notes. And she loves the soft cover on this Bible. And honestly, I think she’s super excited about having a new Bible for her reading through the Bible challenge this year!

Features include:

  • Bible book introductions provide a concise overview of the background
    and historical context of the book about to be read
  • 365 Day Bible Reading Plan guiding you through the entire Bible in a year
  • Line-matched, single-column Scripture text for improved readability
  • Smyth-sewn binding lays flat in your hand or on your desk
  • Two satin ribbon markers allows you to easily navigate and keep track of
    where you were reading
  • Easy-to-read 9-point NET Comfort Print

Wanting some inspiration for what to read? Check out The Abide Experience: 21 Days in John, a FREE Video Devotion featuring Dr. Phil Collins, general editor of the Abide Bible, a Bible designed around five methods of Scripture Engagement that will change the way you read Scripture.

The Abide Experience is FREE and includes 21 Video devotions delivered by email and a full download of the book of John from The Abide Bible!

Transform your personal Bible devotions into intimate, ongoing conversations with God with various Scripture engagement approaches that keep Bible reading fresh and new. “Abide in Me.” John 15:4 Do you yearn for life-giving, intimate communion with God? The Abide Bible is designed to help you experience the peace, hope, and growth that comes from encountering the voice and presence of God in Scripture. Every feature in Abide is designed to teach and develop Scripture-engagement habits that help you know the power and spiritual nourishment of abiding in Christ.

And, for ongoing motivation, created in partnership with Bible Gateway and the Taylor University Center for Scripture Engagement, The Abide Bible’s features include articles, book introductions, and practical Scripture engagement prompts based on five ways of engaging deeply with the Bible such as:

  • Praying Scripture: Pattern your prayers after biblical texts, personalizing the
    prayer and gaining language for the thoughts and emotions you want to express.
  • Picture It: Place yourself in a biblical narrative as a bystander or participant in
    important events.
  • Journaling: Focus and reflect on Scripture and its meaning for your life, opening yourself to God’s voice as you ponder.
  • Engage Through Art: Consider a classic piece of art—photograph, sculpture,
    painting—and let it deepen your meditations on scriptural truths.
  • Contemplate: Follow the church’s longstanding practice of reading, meditating on, praying, and contemplating a passage of Scripture in order to experience God’s presence through the words of the Bible.

Want to check it out for yourself? Enter below for a chance to win a copy of the Abide Bible.

 

#AbideBibleMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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Bestway Slip N Slide

One of my favorite things about the beginning of Spring? It’s time to bring out the slip n slide again! This is the first thing out every year and the last thing we put away.

Our yard is surprisingly flat for our area of the country and this H2OGO triple water slide is perfect for our yard! The inflatable ramp – which I do NOT recommend blowing up without a pump – gives the kids just the right amount of speed. And it cushions their landing when they run and jump onto the slide. Really, it’s brilliant!

I think it’s the best slip n slide we’ve had so far – and trust me, we’ve had a lot of them!

#BestwaySlideNGlide #BestwayUSA #H2OGO #Bestway #Tryazon

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Happy Easter!

*Sponsored Post*

Easter is one of my favorite holidays! Probably because it heralds the beginning of spring, and I love the warmer months of the year.

As my kids are getting older. Finding the right items for easter baskets is getting harder and harder! My kids are going to love the items I found for them this year!

Buddha Board

My kids big and little love these boards! They come with the board and a brush for drawing on the board. My little one loves to turn the entire board black, and my older kids actually draw pictures or use it as “scratch paper” for math.

I even illustrated a geography/history lesson for my kids because they just couldn’t visualize it from their textbook. I drew a quick picture and it all made sense!

These boards have provided hours of endless fun.

Jelly Belly Gum

Packed with the flavor of their jelly bellys, this Jelly Belly Gum is super tasty! I had to hide these from my family just to get a picture. Once they tried them, everyone claimed a box (or two) and there was no more for me.

With the bright spring colors and flavors these are such a fun addition to the Kid’s easter baskets!

America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook for Teens

My teen loves this Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs! The recipes are tasty and not too challenging, making success in the kitchen almost easy. I love watching her try new things in the kitchen – and I generally also enjoy eating her creations!

I’m not sure if this is really a gift for her or a gift for me since it makes meal planning so much easier!

Make your own Cookie Kit

This kit comes with everything you need to make delicious cookies! All the way down to the cookie cutters.

And they’re as tasty as they look! These never actually made it to the Easter Basket because the kids helped me make them and then they helped me eat them.

Such a fun and tasty family activity. Those activities that make everyone happy are hard to orchestrate and now that I know we all love making cool cookies and eating them, we’ll be making more!

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Deflecto Organizing

With a small space, organizing is critical. And these cute Deflecto products help me stay organized and fun! All at the same time.

My favorite item is the chair mat. It’s so much fun and brightens my desk space in a helpful way. Their fashion mats and fun and practical!

And check out those little organizational cubbies on the left. They have several different drawer sizes and link together so I can stack them all up and store all my little stuff conveniently. How awesome is that!

Now I just need to reclaim my desk from my teen. She loves how organized it is and wants to take it from me! Actually, my girls love the fashion mat, so I did have to promise to get them each one for their school desks.

What’s one space in your house that you really want to organize?

#Deflecto #RoomRefresh #Tryazon

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The Flirtation Experiment – Review

The Flirtation Experiment

From popular Christian voices Lisa Jacobson and Phylicia Masonheimer, The Flirtation Experiment inspires you to strengthen your marriage with a fun, unexpected approach that leads to the depth, richness, and closeness you desire.

This book has a lot of suggestions for simple ways to flirt with your husband. 16 years of marriage and 4 kids sometimes make it hard to prioritize us. This book does a great job of giving me ideas for easy ways to show that I’m not just all about running a house but also want to keep that fire alive between us.

After reading The Flirtation Experiment, wives will…

  • be filled with hope and encouragement for how they can make a powerful, positive change in their marriages,
  • become empowered to pursue their husbands romantically,
  • understand the Bible invites women to be proactive in their marriages,
  • be motivated to consistently love in creative ways, and
  • forge closeness and intimacy in their marriages.

The Flirtation Experiment is available for purchase here.

Many thanks to HarperCollins Christian Publishing for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own. I did receive the product in ex-change for this review and post.

#FlirtationExperimentMIN #TheFlirtationExperiment #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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The Tiger Rising Movie – Review

*Sponsored Post*

I received a pre-screening link to watch Tiger Rising. Queen Latifah and Dennis Quaid star in this beloved tale based on the New York Times best-selling book by Kate DiCamillo. When 12-year-old Rob Horton (Christian Convery) discovers a caged tiger in the woods near his home, his imagination runs wild and life begins to change in the most unexpected ways. With the help of a wise and mysterious maid, Willie May (Queen Latifah) and the stubborn new girl in school (Madalen Mills), he navigates through childhood memories, heartache, and wondrous adventures in this heartwarming adaptation.

This film started and I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it, but, me and my 11yr old were glued to the tv for the entire movie! I know the trailer and such are all about the tiger. But really, the tiger is a representation of some of the struggles of childhood and learning to find your “inner tiger”.

I love how this film opened up an easy way to talk about the things that my kids find challenging and puzzling in their life and how we might start working through them together.

Plus…there’s a tiger!

Check out the Tiger Rising Website. And if you want some help getting the conversation started, they have some great resources available.

This film is being released digitally Feb 8. Enter below for a chance to win a digital copy for yourself!

#TigerRisingFilmMIN #TigerRisingFilm #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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New Year!

*Sponsored Post*

I don’t know about you, but I have a love/hate relationship with the new year. On the one hand, I love all the new beginnings, planning, resolutions, etc. And on the other hand, it’s January, it’s cold, and I don’t actually want to do anything.

One thing I do love about the new year is New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Pockimals

We went to a super fun New Year’s Even celebration with friends and got my little guy a new shirt (and a new stuffed friend) for the event.

Let me introduce you to “Pocket”, the little green dragon that fits in my little guy’s pocket. If you check out their website, his name is “Taco” but little man didn’t think that was a good name for a dragon and has landed on “Pocket”. I think Pocket is adorable and he’s so cute with his little Pocket Dragon.

Pockimals makes super comfy clothing with a pocket with a button hole. Each little animal has a button on it, and it buttons into the pocket. Making it easier to keep up with your little one’s bring along toy.

Pocket fits well in his hand and in his pocket and had lots of fun with us at our New Year’s Eve party.

Braxley Bands

One of my goals for this year is to exercise more. I’ve made some good effort at it this year, but with work being busier and with it being a desk job, I’m just not getting in the physical activity that I really want.

I’ve joined a January exercise / nutrition group and was super excited to try out this Braxley Band on my Apple Watch. Because it’s important to look good while I’m exercising, all the way down to my watch!

This band is super comfortable and secure and so much fun! I love having a cool new watch band to go along with my January goals!

Broken Top Brands

I love a good candle! And what better way to start off the new year than with one of these amazing candles from Broken Top Brands.

They started as a candle company and have branched out into home and bath products.

I absolutely love the scents of the two items that they sent me. They’re very natural and smooth smelling and I love using them.

I feel like I can use them to add scent to a space (like a room or linen) and it’s not overpowering. It’s subtle, which I really like!

All of their products are  gluten-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and vegan. And the scents are all very neutral so that anyone can use them. For example, I can use the linen spray on things for me and for my husband and neither one of us feels like the scent is too masculine or too feminine, it’s like this perfect middle.

 

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Last Minute Gift Ideas

*Sponsored Post*

Looking for a last minute gift that doesn’t feel last minute? Check out a few of my favorite subscription boxes! These are the kind of gift that keep on giving throughout the year, and are fun Christmas Morning as well!

Honey & Roses

Honey & Roses sells coffee, and it’s delicious! For your last minute gift, they have a variety of coffee subscriptions available. Decaf, Basic, KCup, Cold brew, etc. Basically, something for every single coffee drinker you know.

And they have the most amazing cookies ever! These cookie are so big and rich you’ll want to have a friend over for coffee and share. Maybe offer to bring the snack if your friend will share their coffee with you.

The coffee is made fresh by small batch roasters and has amazing flavor! There are so many varieties to choose from, and as a coffee lover myself, they make it the way I like it. In small batches and recently roasted.

Toca Life Box

Toca Boca is one of my favorite app companies for the kids. And, now they’re doing more than apps! They sent me one of their awesome Toca Life Boxes to review.

This box was super duper cute, and hilarious. The outside of the box was fun and creative, and inside, was a project for sewing your own slippers and sleep mask.

My 10 yr old daughter loves little needle crafts so she was all over this one! I had to help with a few knots hear and there, and she did a great job on the rest. The slippers and mask turned out super cute!

This is a monthly kids box of fun, and each month is something different. This month, I really enjoyed sharing a fun project that produced these super cute slippers for my daughter!

This is a super fun gift for that hard to shop for kid!

Fab Fit Fun

One of my favorite subscription boxes. Click through my link to get $10 off your first box! This is a quarterly box packed full of fun items ranging from household items, to clothing, to kitchen accessories, to bath products.

Don’t quite know what to pick for someone on your list? A few weeks before boxes ship, they can log in and customize the box. I love this feature because I get to choose between some items and make sure that my box is only full of things that I will love!

Fabletics

This is a monthly workout and clothing subscription. I love it because not only do I get cute clothing. They also have an app that has a variety of workouts. It keeps me motivated to try out my new stuff and exercise.

No worries, you get a monthly member credit that you use to select your monthly outfit, so you get to pick what you want to wear. I’ve been super happy with my selections so far.

And, while I may be a bit lazy about it in December, I do love the variety of workouts on their app and I’m making a plan for January!