Disclosure: I received free books from the publisher. Post contains affiliate links; opinions shared are mine.

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, this would be a good time to set up a Love To Read family day!  It’s so simple and fun, you’ll want to make it a regular occasion.

This family event can be as simple or elaborate as you want.  The whole goal is to get everyone excited about reading…but it’s really a sneaky way to convince your reluctant readers that reading is FUN.  Grab a few blankets and build a reading fort, or squeeze everyone onto the biggest bed in the house.  Provide snacks or hot cocoa to kick off (or end) the big reading day.  Whatever you decide to do, make it lots of fun.  Your family will pick up on the vibe!  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive copies of these books. Post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn commission.  Opinions shared are mine.

Our family looks for candy-free holiday gifts because the kids tend to let the sweets go to waste.  You won’t be shocked to hear that we give books for almost every occasion. When our children were small, we kept holiday themed books in baskets.  It was fun to switch out the baskets with the seasons.  For Valentine’s Day, consider these titles from Running Press.  [Read more…]

Disclosure:   The post contains affiliate links; I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post.

I love adorable clothes for kids.

For years, I’ve been a HUGE fan of Gymboree.  We had a friend who shared her baby’s Gymboree outfits with us, and I was hooked.   That’s right. I drank the Gymboree water and I got the credit card. Seriously.

Their outfits had personality,  just like my little sweeties.   The quality of fabrics (even stain resistance) was amazing, and my kids always looked adorable! As a bonus, the gently-used Gymboree clothing always fetched top dollar at consignment sales and resale shops.  These clothes wash and wear well.  There’s always a great coupon or sale going on, so it was like my kids got to wear their cute clothes for next to nothing.  It still makes me smile to look back on these photos from so long ago!    You may have heard that Gymboree and Crazy 8 brands will be shut down.  So sad!  Happily, you can still find a unique look at Janie & Jack.  [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive a prize pack from the sponsor. Opinions shared are mine.

We recently found a new-to-us Ryan’s restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina.  What a treat, since our Greeneville restaurant closed a few months ago!  The Asheville restaurant had all of our favorites.  Can’t wait to go back for their Family Night!

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Disclosure: I received this book through the book tour. Post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase, I may earn commission. Opinions shared are mine.

My 6th grade students get a big kick out of funny chapter titles.  I can only imagine the giggles I’d hear from “Pee in the Fridge” and “Somebody Invented Underwear?”   Since my son got in trouble at school for talking about pee masquerading as lemonade, he might not laugh at that first one, though. [Read more…]

*Disclosure*I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

Recently, a blast from the past landed in the mailbox.  A colleague from many years ago sent a baby announcement that was a huge surprise.  My friends and I scrambled to buy baby gifts for this months-old sweetie.  If we’d been able to see the little cutie as a newborn, I know a Janie & Jack keepsake gift would have been the perfect welcome!

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Disclosure: I won a copy of this book. Opinions shared are mine.

You never know what goes on behind closed doors.  B.A. Paris taught us that!  So, why was I so shocked by Annie Ward’s Beautiful Bad?

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

For me, nothing chases away the winter chill like a good book and a cup of hot tea.  I’m from the South, so my tea comes with a nice dose of sugar.  I usually add a splash of milk, too. In her book Ten Healthy Teas, herbalist Valerie Lull offers tips on tea remedies and uses. [Read more…]

Disclosure: I will receive a prize pack like the one pictured here. Opinions shared are mine.

We love the trailers for THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING and it’s almost time for the movie to release!   This modern twist on the Sword in the Stone legend will transport families on an epic adventure in theaters starting  Friday, January 25th!

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Disclosure: I received a free book through the blog tour. Post contains affiliate links, so I will earn commission if you make a purchase. Opinions shared are mine.

I love when an author creates a charming, sweet name for a small town.  Hope Springs is one of the cutest names you can get.  In Robin Lee Hatcher’s book Who I Am With You, it’s the perfect place for renewal and…well, hope.

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