Books To Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islanders Heritage Month from Scholastic!

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

Scholastic has some great books to help you celebrate Asian American Pacific Islanders Heritage month.  Here are some of our favorites:

Picture Books for Younger Readers:

The Rice in the Pot Goes Round and Round

The rice in the pot goes round and round,

Round and round, round and round,

The rice in the pot goes round and round

At the table where my family gathers round...

At the table where this family gathers, they share food, laughter, and, most of all, love. Readers of all ages are sure to delight in this joyful, expressive sing-along, slurping noodles, squishing tofu, and tapping chopsticks as they sing along to this familiar tune.

Rhythmic text from The Great Wall of Lucy Wu author and Asian/Pacific American Library Association Award winner Wendy Wan-Long Shang, and vibrant, playful illustrations from artist Lorian Tu bring this heartwarming, mouth-watering story to life. Informative back matter includes a food glossary and etiquette guidelines that are sure to delight and engage young readers.

Lala's Words

Oh, there goes Lala! She carries a pot of water around the corner, down the block, and over the fence, to a patch of dirt and concrete where tiny weeds sprout. "Hello, hello, friends!" she whispers. Lala waters the plants every day, but it is her kind words that make them sway and nod.

Lala's wild nature and quiet compassion enchant in this evergreen story about the power of kind words and the magic of being loved for who you are.

Young Adult books for teens:

Force of Fire

Pinki hails from a long line of rakkhosh resisters, demons who have spent years building interspecies relationships, working together to achieve their goal of overthrowing the snakey oppressors and taking back their rights. But she has more important things to worry about, like maintaining her status as fiercest rakkhosh in her class and looking after her little cousins. There is also the teeny tiny detail of not yet being able to control her fire breathing and accidentally burning up school property.

Then Sesha, the charming son of the Serpentine Governor, calls on Pinki for help in defeating the resistance, promising to give her what she most desires in return -- the ability to control her fire. First she'll have to protect the Moon Maiden, pretend to be a human (ick), and survive a family reunion. But it's all worth it for the control of her powers . . . right?

Zara Hossain is Here

Seventeen-year-old Pakistani immigrant, Zara Hossain, has been leading a fairly typical life in Corpus Christi, Texas, since her family moved there for her father to work as a pediatrician. While dealing with the Islamophobia that she faces at school, Zara has to lay low, trying not to stir up any trouble and jeopardize their family's dependent visa status while they await their green card approval, which has been in process for almost nine years.

But one day her tormentor, star football player Tyler Benson, takes things too far, leaving a threatening note in her locker, and gets suspended. As an act of revenge against her for speaking out, Tyler and his friends vandalize Zara's house with racist graffiti, leading to a violent crime that puts Zara's entire future at risk. Now she must pay the ultimate price and choose between fighting to stay in the only place she's ever called home or losing the life she loves and everyone in it.

From the author of the "heart-wrenching yet hopeful" (Samira Ahmed) novel, The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali, comes a timely, intimate look at what it means to be an immigrant in America today, and the endurance of hope and faith in the face of hate.

Share these fantastic books with your kiddos to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!

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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.

Get Your Summer Sun Protection from Tenth Street Hats!

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

'Tis the season for finding the perfect sun hat!  I do a lot of gardening and have been on the lookout for a stylish, well-fitting hat to wear while outdoors.  I have pretty fair skin and need to be super protected from the sun.  It's pretty hard to find a hat that fits well, keeps me cool and shaded and looks great.  However, this summer I'm in luck thanks to Tenth Street's Straw Hats!  Check out the hat I'll be donning each time I head out to the garden from now on:

Isn't it gorgeous?  Meet the Miami from Tenth Street:

Miami is designed by Cappelli and ticks all the boxes on my garden hat wish list.  The woven design keeps my head cool, the band is comfortably snug, the brim protects my face, neck and shoulders and the details in design make Miami absolutely gorgeous to wear!

 

Tenth Street aren't just sun hats though.  They offer amazing hats of all kinds.  From beach to church, the Kentucky Derby to the new Western line and everything in between, you are sure to find the perfect hat at Tenth Street!

But wait, it gets better!  These high quality hats are affordable and backed up by Tenth Street's  30-day, hassle-free return or exchange policy as well as a one-year, craftsmanship guarantee on their hats. They will replace your damaged hat for free within the first 12 months!  Pretty great, right?

Get yourself ready for summer with a lovely hat from Tenth Street!

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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.

#FathersDayGiftGuide - Books for Dad from Quarto!

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

We have some great books for Dad from Quarto today!  No matter what your Dad is into, Quarto has something he will love.  They have a huge selection of books covering tons of hobbies, from cars to gardening to food and drink and much, much more!  Here are a few of our favorites: 

Iconic Whisky

Tasting Notes and Flavour Charts for 1,000 of the World's Best Whiskies

Featuring 1,000 listed whiskies from around the world, this exceptional and unique guidebook is a must-have for whisky amateurs and connoisseurs alike. It provides a visual categorisation of the main aromas (nose, body, finish and strength), plus additional tasting notes based on the authors' uniquely conceived aroma wheel. Including maps which illustrate geographical areas of production and different terroirs, as well as 3D illustrations of whisky production, Iconic Whisky provides an amazing wealth of information about the nature and origins of whiskies from all around the world.

From different types of whisky to the different stages of the production process, grain types (and how these affect flavour), casks (sizes and history), glassware and vocabulary, this book contains essential resources that all amateurs and professionals need to know in order to refine and reinforce their knowledge of whisky culture and tasting techniques.

Bourbon Curious

A Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker with Tasting Notes for Dozens of New Bourbons

In Bourbon Curious: A Tasting Guide for the Savvy Drinker, award-winning whiskey writer and Wall Street Journal best-selling author Fred Minnick creates an easy-to-read interactive tasting journey that helps you select barrel-aged bourbons based on your flavor preferences. Using the same tasting principles he offers in his Kentucky Derby Museum classes and as a judge at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Minnick cuts to the chase, dismissing brand marketing and judging only the flavor of this all-American whiskey.

Bourbon Curious groups bourbon into four main flavor profiles—grain, nutmeg, caramel, and cinnamon. While many bourbons boast all four flavor notes, one delicious sensation typically overpowers the rest. This book reveals more than 50 bourbon brands' predominate tastes and suggests cocktail recipes to complement them. In addition, Minnick spends some time busting bourbon's myths; unraveling its mysteries; and exploring distiller secrets, disclosing the recipes you won't find on a bottle's label.

This updated edition contains all the best new bourbons and revised tasting notes on any bourbons that have undergone a substantial change since the original edition. And like good-tasting bourbon, Bourbon Curious is approachable to all!

The Craft Cocktail Compendium

Contemporary Interpretations and Inspired Twists on Time-Honored Classics

Muddle, mix, shake, stir, pour--whatever the method, you'll learn how to create the perfect cocktail.

Whether you're new to mixing drinks or have been creating your own cocktails for years, The Craft Cocktail Compendium has everything you need to know to mix, shake, or stir your way to a delicious drink. With over 200 craft cocktail recipes, expert mixologist Warren Bobrow will help you broaden your skills and excite your taste buds with unique takes on timeless favorites and recipes you've likely never tried before.

--Feeling distracted and edgy? Sip a Lemon Balm Gin and Tonic to soothe jangled nerves.

--Need some tranquility? Slowly sip a Cabin in the Pines, a magical blend of roasted stone fruits muddled with white whiskey and Fernet Branca.

--Enjoyed one--or three--too many drinks last night? The Corpse Reviver might be your curative of choice.

--Chasing sleep and counting sheep? Try the German Relaxation cocktail with an Alpine herbal elixir and honey syrup.

Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, 2nd Edition

Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles for Texas Gardens

In this updated 2nd edition of Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, you'll find much-needed advice and practical tips on growing an edible garden, no matter which part of The Lone Star State you call home.

Growing in Texas isn’t easy. It’s either too hot, too cold, too wet, or too dry. The state ranges from a cold winter climate in the north to an almost tropical one in the south. And it goes from very alkaline limestone soils in the Hill Country to extremely acidic soils in East Texas. That's why this region-specific garden guide is a must-have for every Texas gardener!

Seasoned horticulturist, conservationist, garden writer, and seventh-generation Texan Greg Grant simplifies the ins and outs of Texas gardening and serves as your guide to success. Regardless of whether you're tending an in-ground plot, a small container garden, or a series of raised beds,Texas Fruits & Vegetable Gardening is an invaluable resource. From soil preparation and starting seeds to fertilizer tips and techniques for safely managing Texas's most troublesome vegetable garden pests, you'll find all the answers you're looking for.

Inside, you'll find detailed profiles of over 60 edible plants that thrive in Texas's distinctive growing conditions, including favorites like cantaloupe, tomatoes, collards, summer squash, okra, and pomegranates. In addition to vegetables and fruits, also featured are popular herbs and even edible nuts. Helpful charts and planting graphs keep you on track, while the garden maintenance tips found throughout ensure a lush, productive, and high-yielding garden.

Regardless of whether you're a first-time grower or an experienced Master Gardener, the modern varieties and well-researched gardening information found here will have you going from seed to harvest with confidence and know-how.

Texas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening is part of the regional Fruit & Vegetable Gardening series from Cool Springs Press. Other books in the series include CaliforniaFruit & Vegetable Gardening, Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, Carolinas Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, and many others.

Check out Quarto Publishing Group for some really fabulous books to gift to Dad this Father's Day!

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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.

#FathersDayGiftGuide - Dave's Gourmet Hot Sauce for Foodie Dads!

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

Today, we have the perfect gift for the dad who likes to spice things up...delicious hot sauces from Dave's Gourmet!

Dave's Gourmet offers up some really tasty hot sauces from tame sauces made with mild peppers to fiery sauces made from super hots...some of the hottest peppers in the world!! We got to sample a few of their creamy sauces and we loved them all!  They are super versatile and add a punch of flavor to any dish.  They are great when used as an ingredient, dipping sauce or drizzle.  Read on to find out more about each sauce:

Creamy Ginger Citrus Sauce

Red jalapeños, lime, and ginger combine to make one zesty flavorful hot sauce. Try a spoonful and experience the rich creamy texture followed by a hint of citrus and the zest of garlic and red jalapeños. This sauce is moderately spicy so you don’t have to be a hot sauce lover to enjoy it.

Creamy Roasted Jalapeno Sauce

Roasted jalapeños, tomatillos, and garlic create a deep and slightly smoky hot sauce. Try a spoonful and savor the creamy texture and bright citrus notes that are followed by the lingering zing of roasted jalapeños. This sauce is moderately spicy so you don’t have to be a hot sauce lover to enjoy it.

Creamy Garlic Red Pepper Sauce

A blend of spicy red chilies, sweet roasted peppers, and garlic with spices. Try a spoonful and savor the creamy sweetness of roasted red peppers followed by the zip of red chilies. This sauce is moderately spicy so you don’t have to be a hot sauce lover to enjoy it.

These sauces are all Gluten-Free, GMO free, Vegan, have no preservatives and are proudly made in the USA.  Dave's Gourmet creamy hot sauces are all  moderately spicy and so super good!  If your Dad is a hot sauce lover, check out Dave's Gourmet for a hot sauce gift for chili-heads of any level. 

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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.

#FathersDayGiftGuide - Grill Masters Club Subscription Box!

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

If your Dad loves grilling, smoking and everything BBQ, a subscription to Grill Masters Club would make the perfect Father's Day gift!

Every month Grill Masters Club sends you a box of 4-5 products to step up your grilling game.  You can expect to find sauces, rubs, marinades, wood chips, new recipes, and grilling accessories to your door.

Check out a typical box from Grill Masters Club:

A multi-page booklet with tips, tricks, info on the products and recipes to use them:

Fat Boy Caliente Rub:

Fat Boy Haugwaush Sauce:

Corspice Blackened Ops Seasoning:

Smoking Wood Mesquite Chips:

Pretty awesome box, right?  Grill Masters Club subscriptions start at $29.99 for a month-to-month options with discounts for purchasing multiple months upfront, making this an affordable gift idea that your grill-loving Dad is sure to love!

Give the gift of delicious sauces, rubs, seasonings, grilling inspirations and more with a subscription to Grill Masters Club this Father's Day!

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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.

#SummerFun 2021 Roundup

 

It's hard to believe that Summer 2021 is finally here!  To celebrate, we thought we'd round up some of our favorite products that make our summer tons more fun!  Check back here for daily additions to our list of summer must-have products!

Food

Poptime Snacks

Review Link

Purchase Link

Quevos Snacks

Review Link

Purchase Link

Fun

Blobby's Pizza Game

Review Link 

Purchase Link

Home

Puracy Cleaning Supplies

Review Link

Purchase Link

Fashion

Tenth Street Hats

Review Link

Purchase Link

#FathersDayGiftGuide - SprezzaBox for the Fashionable Dad!

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

Check out this awesome Father's Day gift idea for the Dad who loves to look classy...SprezzaBox!

SprezzaBox is a monthly subscription service that delivers 4-6 on trend accessories for the professional male that are handpicked by a stylist.  Typical items will include ties, socks, pocket squares, grooming products and other lifestyle accessories. 

Check out what we got in our Back To The Grind box:

Two fantastic ties including the Dusty Blue Floral Cotton Tie and the Blue Chambray Tie, each a $25 value.

Comfy Paul Evans Gray Stripe Socks, ARV of $12.00.

Schick's Hydro Skin Comfort Razor:

What a great box to get you back to the office and looking good!

SprezzaBox runs $28 per box and you can choose from several boxes.  Plus, they offer the individual pieces as well.  If you have a professional Dad or husband, SprezzaBox is a great way to add great accessories to their wardrobe this Father's Day!

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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.

Daily Goodie Box...It's More Than Just Free Samples! May 2021

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

I just found one of the easiest ways to get great free samples...Daily Goodie Box!

It couldn't be much easier.  You sign up and the folks at Daily Goodie Box will send you a box of free goodies.  All they ask is that you let them know what you think of the products. Shipping is free and no credit card required.  After your first box, you are more likely to be chosen for another box if you have reviewed your goodies.

Have a look at a typical Daily Goodie Box:

Looks awesome right?  Check out the products we received: 

NFco - Original Natural Toothpaste

We love using toothpaste that is natural and this one is pretty great!

YouTheory - Immune+ Daily Wellness Supplement

An easy way to get the goodness you need from a daily capsule!

Herbal Zap - Herbal Health Drinks

I love the variety that Herbal Zap offers!

Beauty Without Cruelty - Fragrance Free Hand and Body Lotion

This is a great fragrance-free lotion for your whole body!

Artisana Organics - Pecan Butter with Cashews

The perfect spread for your morning toast!

Hudson Henry Baking Co. - Maple, Pecans and Coconut Granola

We loved this sprinkled over yogurt!

Home Free Treats - Chocolate Chip Mini Cookies

The kiddos devoured these delicious treats!

Bare Republic - Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick

Perfect for fun in the sun this summer!

Daily Goodie Box is more than just free samples though.  You get money-making opportunities thanks to surveys and review opportunities too!  Daily Goodie Box has a very user-friendly portal to help you keep track of all of these great opportunities as well as chances to win Bonus Goodie Boxes along with your regular Daily Goodie Box!  This is a really fun and easy way to try out free products for very minimal effort on your part:)  Check it out and if it sounds interesting to you, get signed up...easy peasy! 

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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.

LaLa Horse Subscription Box for Horse-Loving Girls! May 2021