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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Our Favorite Scholastic Books for January!

  *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Scholastic for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Here is a peek at what we've been reading from Scholastic in the last few months and a preview of a few books that will be available in January!

One Way or Another
By:  Kara McDowell

The average person makes 35,000 decisions every single day. That's about 34,999 too many for Paige Collins who lives in debilitating fear of making the wrong choice. The simple act of picking an art elective is enough to send her into a spiral of what ifs. What if she's destined to be a famous ceramicist but wastes her talent in drama club? What if there's a carbon monoxide leak in the ceramics studio and everyone drops dead? (Grim, but possible!)

That's why when Paige is presented with two last-minute options for Christmas vacation, she's paralyzed by indecision. Should she go with her best friend (and longtime crush) Fitz to his family's romantic mountain cabin? Or should she accompany her mom to New York, a city Paige has spent her whole life dreaming about?

Just when it seems like Paige will crack from the pressure of choosing, fate steps in — in the form of a slippery grocery store floor — and Paige's life splits into two very different parallel paths. One path leads to New York where Paige falls for the city… and the charms of her unexpected tour guide. The other leads to the mountains where Paige might finally get her chance with Fitz… until her anxiety threatens to ruin everything.

However, before Paige gets her happy ending in either destiny, she'll have to face the truth about her struggle with anxiety — and learn that you don't have to be "perfect" to deserve true love.

I Survived #20: I Survived the California Wildfires, 2018
By:  Lauren Tarshis

Eleven-year-old Josh just moved to a rural Northern California town. Still reeling from the life-changing challenges that propelled him and his mother across the country, Josh struggles to adapt to a more rustic, down-to-earth lifestyle that couldn’t be more different from the one he is used to.

On a trip into the nearby forest, Josh and his cousin suddenly find themselves in the path of a fast-moving firestorm, a superheated monster that will soon lay waste to millions of acres of wilderness and—possibly—their town. Josh needs to confront the family issues burning him up inside, but first he’ll have to survive the flames blazing all around him.

Sisters of the War: Two Remarkable True Stories of Survival and Hope in Syria
By:  Rania Abouzeid

Since the revolution-turned-civil war in Syria began in 2011, over 500,000 civilians have been killed and more than 12 million Syrians have been displaced. Rania Abouzeid, one of the foremost journalists on the topic, follows two pairs of sisters from opposite sides of the conflict to give readers a firsthand glimpse of the turmoil and devastation this strife has wrought. Sunni Muslim Ruha and her younger sister Alaa withstand constant attacks by the Syrian government in rebel-held territory. Alawite sisters Hanin and Jawa try to carry on as normal in the police state of regime-held Syria. The girls grow up in a world where nightly bombings are routine and shrapnel counts as toys. They bear witness to arrests, killings, demolished homes, and further atrocities most adults could not even imagine. Still, war does not dampen their sense of hope. Through the stories of Ruha and Alaa and Hanin and Jawa, Abouzeid presents a clear-eyed and page-turning account of the complex conditions in Syria leading to the onset of the harrowing conflict. With Abouzeid's careful attention and remarkable reporting, she crafts an incredibly empathetic and nuanced narrative of the Syrian civil war and the promise of progress these young people still embody.

For Which We Stand
By:  Yolanda Renee King ,  Jeff Foster

Discover everything you ever wanted to know about how the government really works with this accessible, highly designed and illustrated handbook from Marjory Stoneman Douglas AP government teacher Jeff Foster. Now more than ever, it's so important for everyone to understand our government; where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. And, after all, in the words of author and government teacher Jeff Foster, "If you don't participate, you can't complain." This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions like, 'What is the Constitution? What are the branches of the government? What is the Electoral College? What are the political parties? What are the different responsibilities of the city, state, and federal governments?' Plus, discover the complete backstory on some of our government's most important moments, like why we wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how people since then have worked with — and protested against — the government to improve the lives of all Americans.

Accidental Archaeologists
By:  Sarah Albee

Secret treasures are buried all around us — you just have to look for them!

Accidental Archaeologists takes you on an adventure through time to relive some of the coolest surprise discoveries by totally ordinary people all over the world. Meet:

The cowboy who found a prehistoric skeleton

A famous king buried underneath a parking lot

The team who found New York City's hidden African Burial Ground

A boy who finds the Dead Sea Scrolls while looking for his lost goat

And many more.

Packed with incredible stories and expert tips for making your own exciting finds, this is an accessible, action-packed introduction to the world of archaeology.

Separate No More
By:  Lawrence Goldstone

Since 1896, in the landmark outcome of Plessy v. Ferguson, the doctrine of "separate but equal" had been considered acceptable under the United States Constitution. Black and white populations were thus segregated, attending different schools, living in different neighborhoods, and even drinking from different water fountains. However, as African Americans found themselves lacking opportunity and living under the constant menace of mob violence, it was becoming increasingly apparent that segregation was not only unjust, but dangerous.

Fighting to turn the tide against racial oppression, revolutionaries rose up all over America, from Booker T. Washington to W. E. B. Du Bois. They formed coalitions of some of the greatest legal minds and activists, who carefully strategized how to combat the racist judicial system. These efforts would be rewarded in the groundbreaking cases of 1952-1954 known collectively as Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, in which the US Supreme Court would decide, once and for all, the legality of segregation — and on which side of history the United States would stand.

In this thrilling examination of the path to Brown v. Board of Education, Constitutional law scholar Lawrence Goldstone highlights the key trials and players in the fight for integration. Written with a deft hand, this story of social justice will remind readers, young and old, of the momentousness of the segregation hearings.

The Life I'm In
By:  Sharon G. Flake

In The Skin I'm In, readers saw into the life of Maleeka Madison, a teen who suffered from the ridicule she received because of her dark skin color. For decades fans have wanted to know the fate of the bully who made Maleeka's life miserable, Char.

Now in Sharon Flake's latest and unflinching novel, The Life I'm In, we follow Charlese Jones, who, with her raw, blistering voice speaks the truths many girls face, offering insight to some of the causes and conditions that make a bully. Turned out of the only home she has known, Char boards a bus to nowhere where she is lured into the dangerous web of human trafficking. Much is revealed behind the complex system of men who take advantage of vulnerable teens in the underbelly of society. While Char might be frightened, she remains strong and determined to bring herself and her fellow victims out of the dark and back into the light, reminding us why compassion is a powerful cure to the ills of the world.

Sharon Flake's bestselling, Coretta Scott King Award-winning novel The Skin I'm In was a game changer when it was first published more than twenty years ago. It redefined young adult literature by presenting characters, voices, and real-world experiences that had not been fully seen. Now Flake offers readers another timely and radical story of a girl on the brink and how her choices will lead her to either fall, or fly.


Scholastic has a huge variety of books for all ages and we love using them in our homeschool!  The books in this roundup are great choices for tweens and teens, but if you have younger kiddos, Scholastic has plenty of picture books and early readers!




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Monday, December 28, 2020

Loved + Blessed: A Christian Faith-Based Subscription Box December 2020


*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Loved+Blessed for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own.

We recently had the chance to review the December box from Loved + Blessed:


Loved+Blessed is a monthly membership and subscription care package for women who want to live life encouraged.

Each month subscribers receive:
-a box of encouragement
-a blog article
-a 4 week life application workbook
-4 video lessons
-online fellowship in our private community
-access to our membership library of past videos and workbooks


Let's take a look at this month's box:

Each box revolves around a central theme and comes with a mini poster, a sticker, a purse-sized scripture card and a gift.

The theme for the August box was Pass Hope On:




 The scripture card this month featured Hebrews 3:12-14 "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."


The special gifts for December were awesome!  


They included a stylus pen, a Choose Hope stamp and a lovely set of note cards to help you pass hope on! 


This box also included an encouragement kit to pass along to a friend:


I definitely think there is room for Loved + Blessed in the subscription box market and I love that their mission is to deliver encouraging products that support a fantastic message!

If that wasn't enough, Loved + Blessed gives a portion of the proceeds of each box sold to Union Rescue Mission, a charity that offers hope and healing to the homeless.  What an amazing cause!

They offer two subscription options.
-Month-to-Month for $25
-3 Month Prepaid $60 (this is a $15 savings)

Get your Loved+Blessed box and membership or gift someone else with this monthly dose of encouragement today!


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

#HolidayGiftGuide - Our Favorite Gift Books from Candlewick Press!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Candlewick Press for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

One more 2020 post for one of our favorite publishers, Candlewick Press!  This roundup features our favorite gift books!  

Anatomicum
Welcome to the Museum
by Jennifer Z. Paxton
illustrated by Katy Wiedemann

Ages 8-12

Welcome to a museum that is always open to explore. Inside these pages you’ll get a peek at the workings of the major systems of the human body, from the minute muscles used to convey emotion to precise workings of the human brain. With stunning artwork by Katy Wiedemann and expert text by Dr. Jennifer Z. Paxton, this beautiful book makes anatomical knowledge both accessible and beautiful. 

The Language of the Universe
A Visual Exploration of Mathematics
by Colin Stuart
Illustrated by Ximo Abadia

Ages 8-12

Designed to present mathematics in a new, approachable way, this book explores the history and application of math in the natural world. With incredible artwork from Ximo Abadía, the reader can visualize atoms, explore the geometric complexity of beehives, and wonder at the movement of the planets. With engaging, easy-to-understand text by acclaimed science writer Colin Stuart, this title will truly captivate and inspire.

Lost in the Imagination
A Journey Through Nine Worlds in Nine Nights
by Hiawyn Oram
illustrated by David Wyatt

Ages 8-12

Enter the elaborate “found” notebooks of the formerly fact-bound professor Dawn Gable and follow her on nine nightly journeys to extraordinary worlds. From King Arthur’s Round Table at Camelot to the majestic hall of slain heroes in Asgard, visit marvelous lands from myth, legend, and fairy tale. Intricate vistas and diagrams usher readers into a city of intelligent machines, the ancient African city of Kor, the miniature world of Lilliput, the flying island of Laputa, a mountainous home of mythical beasts, the primeval island of Buyan, the island of Atlantis, Captain Nemo’s Nautilus, and more. A mesmerizing gift for anyone who believes in the transformative power of stories, this is a book that readers will pore over again and again.

These books are fantastic!  So well illustrated and full of tons of great information presented in a way that makes readers want to keep turning those pages!  Candlewick Press always shines with their amazing collection of books for all ages.  Check them out this holiday season!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

#HolidayGiftGuide - EcoLips Stocking Stuffers for the Whole Family!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to EcoLips for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


Still looking for awesome stocking stuffers that will actually get used?  Check out some of our favorite EcoLips goodies:


Vegan Brazilian Lip Tint Blissful + Vegan Vanilla Sugar Lip Scrub

Luxurious with a creamy satin finish, this vegan Brazilian Lip Tint features ethically sourced Babaçu & Pracaxi Oils along with Cupuaçu Butter from Brazil to nourish, moisturize, and protect lips. Blissful is a soft dusty rose for a perfect barely-there flush of color on the lips. With a fruity, floral flavor of passionfruit, this Fair Trade Certified™, earth mineral tint provides pretty, matte coverage for everyday use. The vegan vanilla lip scrub provides exfoliation to prep your lips before applying the vegan tint. 

Mongo KISS Strawberry Lavender Lip Balm + Vanilla Honey Sugar Lip Scrub

Infused with African mongongo oil and Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa butter, this two-step Mongo Kiss lip care routine keeps your lips incredibly nourished and protected all day. Organic Vanilla Honey Sugar Scrub exfoliates, soothes and conditions while the Organic Strawberry Lavender Lip Balm provides a delightful flavor mix that will moisturize lips.

Lip Food 

Lip Food detoxifies, nourishes and hydrates to soothe the lips. Globally sourced & minimally processed plant-based ingredients in our Lip Food provide the ultimate lip soothing and moisturizing experience. Organic golden jojoba oil combined with organic, Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa butter and coconut oil provide the perfect base while organic spirulina blue-green algae extract, chamomile mushroom extract and organic pumpkin seed oil helps to remove toxins, hydrate and repair soothe the skin.

Mongo Kiss

Made from organic Mongongo oil and organic Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa butter, Mongo Kiss ultra hydrating balms provide essential nutrients for your lips. The flavors include Yumberry, Peppermint and Vanilla Honey. The Mongo Kiss lip balm line supports a group of women in Africa who harvest mongongo seeds, where the exotic oil is pressed from. 
 
Holiday Dessert Flavors

Made with certified organic coconut oil & beeswax and featuring organic flavors such as ginger, peppermint, chocolate, raspberry, vanilla and brown sugar for a decadent yet moisturizing  treat for your lips.

What we love about EcoLips products is that they are super nourishing and moisturizing!  They help keep lips soft, smooth and protected from the elements.  They use high quality, natural ingredients and produce excellent results!  Lip Balm is always a must-have in our family's stockings each year.  Check out EcoLips for some really fantastic options! 




Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Friday, December 11, 2020

#HolidayGiftGuide - MANSCAPED Lawn Mower 3.0 Personal Shaver

 

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Manscaped for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Have you heard of manscaping?  If not, it's the art of keeping things clean and tidy for men below the belt.  The awesome company Manscaped has come up with a fantastic line of products to help keep men fresh and clean from top to bottom and today we are going to share our favorite product from their site.

Manscaped grooming products are indulgent treats that every man deserves this holiday season!  Whether you are looking for a stocking stuffer or your main gift, they have something for every man on your gift list! 

Combining third-generation innovations in design, power & hygiene, The Lawn Mower™ 3.0 trimmer with SkinSafe™ Technology is the perfect tool for an incredible grooming experience.

The diamond-textured no-slip grip, LED light, and compact design help you navigate all your nooks and crannies, wet or dry.  The Lawn Mower™ 3.0 trimmer features precision-engineered blades for confident trimming below-the-waist, an Upgraded 7,000 RPM motor with QuietStroke™ Technology. and a Convenient charging dock powered by USB charges li-ion batteries for up to 90 minutes of use.


Manscaped also improved the sharp, durable SkinSafe™ ceramic blade to hold an edge longer so it’s less likely to nick your sensitive areas.


MANSCAPED™ trimmers are IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.

 

The ceramic and stainless steel blade was designed to withstand dirt, oil and buildup that can lead to irritation while also being easy to clean and replace. The Lawn Mower’s innovative replaceable blade ensures peak hygiene is within reach.

This grooming tool would make a really awesome gift idea for your significant other this holiday season!

Explore Manscaped an save 20% automatically off your purchase!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Monday, November 30, 2020

#HolidayGiftGuide - GoodCook Sweet Creations Bakeware and EveryWare Storage Containers for the Win!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to GoodCook for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 


This holiday season, GoodCook has got you covered for all of your baking and gifting needs with Sweet Creations Textured Bakeware and EveryWare storage containers.


We have been using Sweet Creations Textured Bakeware for over a year now and they are hands down our favorite pans!  They cook and bake evenly and are a breeze to clean.



These pans feature sidewalls that offer a straighter edge and a diamond-infused nonstick interior textured surface which means foods cook and bake more evenly and release with ease.


The dimensions of each piece are clearly marked on the side of each pan for easy identification.



They are ideal for making sweet and savory treats at home.  We use ours on an almost daily basis for cookies, roasted veggies, breads and much more.  If it's going in the oven it's almost always on one of the Sweet Creations pans. 



Sweet Creations Textured Bakeware is available on Amazon with a 4.7 (out of 5) Star rating, and Target.com. A six piece set is available for an MSRP of $74.99 on Amazon.  It is also available in 12 sizes including:

• round cake pans (6” x 2” and 9” x 2”)
• square cake pan (9”x9”x2”)
• oblong cake pan (9”x13”x2”)
• medium cookie sheet (15”x10”x1”)
• large cookie sheet (17”x11”x1”)
• oblong cake pan (18”x12”x2”)
• half sheet pan (18”x13”x1”)
• 12-cup muffin pan
• 24-cup mini muffin pan
• loaf pan (9”x5”x3”)
• 16” pizza pan

The assortment is available for an MSRP of $8.99-$28.99 and there is a pan for pretty much any baking or roasting need!

So now that you've got all of these awesomely delicious baked goodies thanks to your new Sweet Creations bakeware, it's time to store and gift them!  Thankfully, GoodCook has lots of tips on How to Pack, Wrap & Ship Baked Goods with EveryWare storage containers!





Step One: Stock up on containers 

Before you prepare baked goods to share with family and friends, stock up on GoodCook® EveryWare™ storage food line containers designed with a cool-grey, dome-shaped, click-and-close lid and is freezer safe.

The GoodCook EveryWare line comes in multi-packs and sets in a variety of shapes and is available at Target and Target.com for an MSRP range is $4.99 to $19.99.

Fun features: 
The “click” provides users with an audible cue that the lid is securely closed, and the dome-design provides the headroom needed between the contents and lid to accommodate for expansion of liquids and foods when stored. 
The lid is designed to nest, which helps to keep the containers neat when stacked and provides increase stability to avoid mishaps. 
Made of recyclable BPA-free, non-toxic #5 Polypropylene, one of the safest plastic materials. 
 

Step Two: How to Pack Baked Goods 

Pack items that are firm & moist  
Wrap individual pieces in plastic 
Arrange them in GoodCook® EveryWare storage food containers 
Freeze ahead of time, if needed 

Step 3: How to Wrap Baked Goods

Furoshiki - a fresh take on Japanese cloth wrapping 
Cut a large fabric square 
Fold in each side 
Knot atop your container 
Snowman wrap - DIY decor for reusable containers 
Cut red adhesive felt into 1” pieces 
Use scissors to cut fringe 
Adhere to the container 
Stick black buttons on with double-sided tape 
Ribbon Wrap -turn your baked goods into a beautiful gift 
Tie with curling ribbon or a bow 
Decorate with natural elements like pinecones or rosemary 

Step 4: How to Ship Baked Goods

Wrap twice - plastic wrap baked goods before wrapping in decorative box and/or shipping container. 
Insulate your goodies - use crinkle wrap to keep treats safe 
Secure - Seal with high quality shipping tape to keep package secure during shipping 
Send - add a label and send to your friends! 

So there you go!  GoodCook has got you covered for all of your baking, storage and food gifting needs this holiday season!  Happy Holidays!



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sunday, November 29, 2020

#HolidayGiftGuide - Scenties Scented Hair Accessories and Face Masks Make Great Stocking Stuffers!

 *DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Scenties for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Today, we have a great stocking stuffer idea for the kiddos on your gift giving list this holiday season!  Check out Scenties...scented hair accessories and face masks!


Remember back in the day when the highlight of your school day was earning one of those awesome scratch and sniff stickers!  What a blast from the past!  


Scenties has a great line up of hair ties, scrunchies, headbands, face masks and more.  When you stretch the elastic, the scent is released.  Pretty awesomesauce!


With fun scents like cotton candy, watermelon, cupcake, bubblegum and more, you really can't go wrong.


These goodies add a unique twist of fun to accessorizing that kiddos are sure to enjoy!



With the new addition of face masks to the collection, your kids will be wanting to keep their face masks on all day long! The masks themselves aren’t scented, but they are made with velcro sewn onto the sides so that kids are able to interchange the ear loops from one scent to another by simply sticking them on and off. The new Scenties masks are comfortable, washable, reusable, and they’re an exciting, interactive way to get your kids to want to wear their face masks every single day by letting them pick and choose their scent of the day. 

The products are really well made with styles and patterns that kids will be excited to wear, plus they are affordable! Sets retail between $6.99 and $21.99 and can purchased on the Scenties website.

It gets even better though...Scenties donates 5% of proceeds to the Child Mind Institute. They hope to help raise awareness for mental health and help children reach their full potential through this partnership. To learn more about the Child Mind Institute, please visit www.childmind.org. 



Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.