Disclosure: I received product samples. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Do you celebrate your pet’s birthday? Our dog was born in August, so we always give her an extra fun day when her birthday rolls around. She doesn’t appreciate a card, though! Still, it’s worth keeping some cards in your cabinet to prevent that last-minute trip to the store. A box of basic birthday cards, blank inside, is helpful to have around!

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions shared are mine.

Books for middle grades and teens are just so important. Adolescence is that armpit of life that sometimes stinks, feels uncomfortable, and always makes you feel self-conscious. Characters in books like those found in the Blink Summer Reading Tour can help with that issue. These characters are mirrors for young people; their experiences might be found in print, but they still encourage readers to think and consider and empathize. I’m so excited to participate in this tour! I had the chance to read Meet the Sky by McCall Hoyle.

Disclosure: Post contains affiliate links; if you may a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Yesterday was declared Lazy Times. We sat around under blankets, ignored the thunderstorms lurking outside, and did quiet activities. I recently won the copy of Never Have I Ever on I’m Into Books blog, and I spent the whole afternoon reading it. My husband brought me pad thai from the nearby Thai restaurant, so this was sitting beside me on the couch. All evening. Perfection, I tell you!

Disclosure: I received discounted product samples. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

Back in the day, a high-quality pen was a status symbol. Then we had the whole Lloyd Dobler pen moment in Say Anything. In today’s era of digital everything, it can be difficult to even find a pen to use anymore! If you’re going to use a pen, make it a moment. My new crystal diamond pens make me feel like a rockstar when I’m filling out back-to-school paperwork. Grading hundreds of essays might just be a little more fun!

Disclosure: I received books from the publisher; opinions shared are mine.

At the Savings in Seconds house, summer has been an absolute delight. We traveled a bit, relaxed a lot, and generally enjoyed being together. This month I finally got to spend some time in my garden.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

When I’m looking for my next read, thrillers and suspense usually top my list. A couple of months ago I won a copy of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and decided to read it this week. This historical fiction had me in tears more than once. My goodness, it was good!

Disclosure: I will receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Post contains affiliate links; I may earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

Meet our new DIY project! A few months ago, our travel trailer was stolen right out of our driveway. Can you believe someone would do that?! 🙁 Big sad, as my daughter would say. Our family missed camping together, so we pinched our pennies until we could buy a used popup. This fixer-upper needs some TLC but it’s perfect for us. I’m no Joanna Gaines so don’t expect to see shiplap inside. I never thought we’d be doing a popup makeover. While we’re talking about fixing up stuff, check out The DIY Guide to Building a Family That Lasts by Gary Chapman and Sherry Warden. It’s a whole different way of looking at home improvement — and it might just be the most important thing you ever do for your family!