Mommy Has to Work

Joyful – by Shelley Shepard Gray

September 28, 2014 By Anne

I so enjoy reading Amish novels. They are a light, easy read that always make me feel good on the inside.

About the book: A young Amish couple gets a second chance at love in New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray’s final book in her Return to Sugarcreek series. Randall Beiler is doing his best to put his family and the farm’s needs first, even forsaking love. But though he tries, Randall knows he needs help caring for his younger siblings and keeping the house together. When his brother offers pretty Elizabeth Nolt a job taking care of the house and cooking for the family, Randall is furious—and guilty about the way he once broke Elizabeth’s heart. But when he learns that Elizabeth and her grandmother are struggling to make ends meet, he knows the offer, no matter how painful, is the right thing for everyone. Elizabeth wants to refuse—to stay far away from the man who hurt her—but she needs the money. Though she vows to protect her heart, spending time in the Beiler household makes Elizabeth realize that, while she’s older and wiser, her love for Randall still burns strong.

Randal, too, seems to want something more. But does he want Elizabeth because he truly loves her—or because he needs a housekeeper? If Randall sincerely wants something more, he must find a way to show Elizabeth—or risk losing his chance at love forever.

About the author: Shelley Shepard Gray is a two-time New York Times bestseller, a two-time USA Today bestseller, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time Holt Medallion winner. She lives in Southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town’s bike trail.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Jif To Go Dippers Photo Contest #MC #GetGoing #sponsored

September 25, 2014 By Anne

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of I nfluence-Central for Jif To Go Dippers. I received a sample to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.

Do you like taking pictures? I do. I’ve always loved taking pictures and now that I have children I take so many pictures of them. How about a contest where you can win $1000 for your pictures? Sounds awesome, right?

Jif has just that! The contest started on August 20 and will go through October 1, 2014. Jif To Go is celebrating life on-the-go by asking fans to share a picture of how they get going in the #GetGoing photo promotion. You can enter several ways – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or online. Just make sure to use the hashtag #GetGoing and tag Jif. You can enter each week for a chance to win $1,000 to use for your next adventure. See their website for more details – buff.ly/WT8bQR

“We know that peanut butter fans are always looking for convenient snacking options, and Jif To Go Dippers are the perfect portable solution for busy families,” said Maribeth Burns, Vice President, Corporate Communications, The J.M. Smucker Company. “We can’t wait to see all the fun and memorable moments our fans create and share through their photos while they are on-the-go this summer.”

This is a great contest and you know I will be entering. We are a family that is always on the go! And who couldn’t use $1000? What would I use the $1000 on? We have always wanted to take the family on a cruise, so I would put the money towards that. What an awesome adventure that would be! Or…maybe towards a trip to Paris? Okay, I have too many places I want to go!

If I want to be honest though a cruise for the family or a road trip next summer is what the money would be used for. We ere just talking about renting an RV and traveling during the summer on our way up to Indiana.

Where would you go with $1000?

Anne

Apparel n Bags for less

September 24, 2014 By Libby Blumberg

I received this complimentary bag for the purpose of writing a review.

Port Authority BG401 Ladies Laptop Tote

I am enjoying this bag. It’s a grown up bag! I am usually toting diapers, wipes, snacks, and juice, but this bag was all for me! I might actually look professional as I stroll into the coffee shop with my laptop, Iphone, to do list, and various other items in tow. This bag is the perfect size and has about five compartments and pockets, that either zip or velcro. I can fit my laptop, notepad, small purse, pens, and much more.

I can tell that it will be easily cleaned, being 100% polyester and a nice dark color. The bag comes in Espresso or Dark Charcoal, both classy colors. At a price of $20.78, I see it as a great buy.

At first, I was disappointed that the straps weren’t longer. I thought I wouldn’t be able to carry it over my shoulder, but I can. The straps are just long enough and it keeps me from stuffing it too much and wrenching my shoulder.

I searched their site for quite a while. You can find just about anything you want to wear, either in clothing or bags. Visit their About Page to learn more and then do some shopping!

Libby Blumberg

www.mamagonewild.wordpress.com www.ohbabee.wordpress.com Libby is a SAHM with one daughter, Emma, and husband, Jeff. She is a blogger, business owner, and active community member in the Town of Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, FL.

BOGO 50% entree at Ruby Tuesdays

September 18, 2014 By Anne

Get it while it’s hot! A coupon for Buy one get one 50% off only available today and tomorrow (Friday September 19)!

But! You can use the coupon for up to two weeks. Download your coupon here.

Ruby Tuesday introduces endless choices, endless combinations, endless lunch for $7.99 with our Garden Bar. Try unlimited trips to our Garden Bar and choose from over 30 ingredients to mix and match as many times as you want. Available Monday – Friday at most locations.

Garden

Garden bar includes: Spring mix, fresh garden greens, crisp vegetables, premium cheeses and toppings, our famous croutons, and a variety of dressings.

Add on 2 Minis (Sliders), 2 chicken or fish tacos, or a quesadilla for $2 more.

New entree items to try: Coastal Trio, Crispy Fried Shrimp, Hickory Bourbon-Blazed Pork Chop, Southern Style Chicken Tender Dinner, Low Country Shrimp and Grits, or Baked Ravioli

Our full kid’s menu starts at $3.99

Anne

Perspective on Perfection

September 18, 2014 By Anne

Written by Libby Blumberg, Contributor

I am reminded almost daily of my desire to be an open minded mommy when it comes to my daughter’s artistic choices. There are a few things I have to keep in mind so I am actually helpful with her creation, as opposed to showing her how I would do it. Just the other day was no exception.

We were “renovating” her fairy house, made originally at a birthday party, with frosting, marshmallows, gumdrops, pretzels, and graham crackers. Thank goodness I was successful in explaining that the food needed to go, but the house could be redecorated. The shell was made from an inverted plastic tub attached to a piece of wrapped cardboard, with a little cut out for the door. So cute!

So, after enjoying a few stale gumdrops for the next day or two, I carefully cleaned the shell and we began our renovation. I thought we could use play dough, but it didn’t stick to the plastic. We kept it simple. Stickers. You can never go wrong with stickers. But here are a few reminders that came into play.

2.) She might just quit most of the way through and make you think it needs more. She has the attention span of a gnat. There might be empty spots that you are just dying to fill in. Nope. Don’t do it. It’s perfect.

3.) It’s a toddler’s prerogative to change her mind. Even though she wanted to make a cute little fairy to put inside, “her mommy eating a donut” was the final artistic choice. Perfect.

Our renovated fairy house is proudly displayed in the living room, already losing some of its stickers. Even so, it still maintains its importance. It’s just perfect.

There are some really fun fairy house DIY ideas on Pinterest. Check them out, try them out, and remember, no matter what, it will be perfect.

1.) Remember that this is 100% her deal. No matter what, this house is going to look exactly how she wants it. And it will be perfect.

www.mamagonewild.wordpress.com
www.ohbabee.wordpress.com

Libby is a SAHM with one daughter, Emma, and husband, Jeff. She is a blogger, business owner, and active community member in the Town of Nocatee in Ponte Vedra, FL.