Book Review: Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

Book Description

Begin your adventure here! The Adventure Bible Book of Daring Deeds and Epic Creations: 60 Ultimate Try-Something-New, Explore-the-World Activities contains lessons on knot tying, writing coded letters, building tree swings, and more, perfect for kids ages 8 and up. Boys and girls will love this interactive book filled with step-by-step guides and fun, full-color illustrations, and parents will enjoy the key verses and biblical takeaways that make this the perfect companion to the NIV Adventure Bible, the #1 Bible for kids. From easy, do-it-yourself crafts to fun outdoor activities, this book will show kids how to find adventure indoors and out.







Adventures include:

• Top-secret coded letters
• Geocaching fun
• Identifying animal tracks
• Camping like a pro
• Learning sign language
• Bible arts and crafts
• And more!

My son absolutely loves this book. He loves reading his bible and seeing what things were like.  I've often caught him reading it and trying to draw certain things out, like the tabernacle. I think this book is going to help him develop those skills, along with learning new skills and continuing to relate the Bible to his life. This is a perfect book for a crafty or adventurous child. 

Book Review: Beginner's Bible Bedtime Collection

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

Book Description

The beloved The Beginner’s Bible® brand is the bestselling Bible storybook of our time, with more than 25 million products sold. The Beginner’s Bible Bedtime Collection: 20 Favorite Bible Stories and Prayers is the first-ever bedtime book to come from this trusted brand. The book features a padded, glow-in-the-dark cover as well as 20 favorite Bible stories. Little ones will love the vibrant, 3-D art, and parents will love sharing the good night prayers with their children. The perfect addition to your nighttime routine, The Beginner’s Bible Bedtime Collection will bring children closer to God as they get ready for sleep.




I love The Beginner's Bible, so I was so excited to get this book. However, it surpassed my expectations. The illustrations are absolutely adorable and we just love the glow in the dark on the cover. We are actually giving one as a gift as well, so we are hoping that family loves it as much as we do. This is a perfect gift for a new baby, first Christmas, first easter, and even first birthday. I think it would even be a great gift for a new grandparent.

DIY Doll Nunchucks

I'm always trying to find new things to make for the kids' dolls. I try to think of things they enjoy doing and they have to make their dolls like them, especially snapper. She has stuff for "Bailey" to be like her nina (I even gave her a port since her Nina is going through chemo). They are learning to use nunchucks with rubber ones and love learning martial arts with their papa. I thought they would love for their dolls to have a set too, and I was right. I made these, and they were so very simple- and the kids love to play with them.

This is seriously the easiest doll project I have done. All you need is a shoestring and duct tape. Cut the shoestring at about 5 inches and wrap each end in duct tape. Easy Peasy. I made a green set and a pink set, but you can do it with any color/ pattern combination! 

Doll Therapy With Our Generation

I have mentioned before about my daughter's doll, Bailey, being a wonderful therapy tool for her. This isn't just for her "conditions," but also for everyday life and for things that come along, like sickness, new experiences, and so much more.

With my MIL going through chemo, I've been doing a lot with Bailey to help Snapper understand and not be scared. She even had an infusion Tuesday after her Nina's chemo. I think it helped Snapper understand more, seeing what Nina is going through.

My cousin's daughter also recently had to stay overnight in the hospital with her doll and it helped. I also have a nephew arriving in June (Yay!). Another thing is that Snapper is going to have to be tested for diabetes along with other things to see what is going on with her poor little jittery body.

So, as you can imagine, I have been thinking a lot about ways to help children who are going to have to be in the hospital, have a family member going through a sickness, or that are going through a sickness themselves. My advice- girl or boy, get them a doll best friend. It will help- even if they need someone to talk to- their doll will always listen.

Here is Bailey with her port:

Bailey got a port like Nina @melissageorge_paranormalauthor

A post shared by Cari | Chief This Handler💭 (@cari_on) on Apr 18, 2018 at 8:50am PDT

I will be sharing products, ideas, and DIYS to help children get through these tough situations. I'm starting with Our Generation!

Going My Way Doll Carrier


This carrier can ensure that your child has a safe place to keep their doll. It has backpack straps, a carry handle, and plentyof storage for what that doll just has to have. It has a strap to keep the doll secure and even a window so your little girl can see her pretty face!

Polka Dot Sleepover Set


Is your daughter or son nervous about the next day, having to stay in the hospital, Are you having to go out of town to visit sick family or to get treatments? This sleepover set will make it fun for your child and what is more fun that a sleepover? Overnight bag, sleeping bag, pillow, curiling iron, straightening iron, phone/ earphones, toothbrush, toothpaste, 2 slices of pizza, 2 dishes

Sick At Home Accessory Set


This doesn't need much explanation, but I also think that this may be something just to have on hand for all kids- for those sick days. Toy tissue box, bed tray, tea and honey, soup, a hot water bottle, thermometer, blanket, activity book and a pencil.

Well Traveled Luggage Set


This is a beatiful set that would be perfect for traveling, or staying in a hospital (even a hot meal!). This has everything that a doll needs to be comfortable away from home. If a family member has to travel for treatments, your little girl can be packing her doll as well! Suitcase, travel pillow, luggage tag, camera, toiletry case, toothbrush, toiletries, pen, activity book, travel documents, snacks, hot meal, and more. 

I hope this gives you ideas on how to help your child(ren) through a hard time.

Tips For Controlling Mosquitos In Your Backyard!

I live in South Carolina, where the state bird should be the mosquito. They are the number one pest at our house. With my MIL going through chemo, we have to be very careful about her getting bit and with all the diseases now that mosquitoes carry, I worry about them with the kids. Why are they so bad at our house? We have a creek on the property, pets, cows across the street, and even things for birds to drink water out of. I saw a mosquito yesterday, so it is time to be on duty and I wanted to share some tips with you as well about how to control the pest called mosquito.

1. Change dog and cat water often- don't forget the birdbaths.

2. After a rain, make sure there is no standing water in toys, buckets, or anything else.

3. If you have something like a kiddie pool, make sure it is treated with chlorine, like a big pool would be, or change it often.

4. Make sure you rake the dead leaves in the fall. Water can stand under the leaves, making a perfect place for mosquitoes to lay eggs.

5. Keeping your grass cut can eliminate breeding spots for mosquitoes as well.

6. Make sure that tents and canopies have mosquito netting. If it is an option, screening in your porch is wonderful.

7. Wear darker colored clothing- light and bright colors are attractive to mosquitoes.

8. DEET is considered the most effective mosquito repellent, but should not be used too heavily or on infants under 2 months. An alternative repellent Picaridin by Bayer, is an odorless and colorless repellent and has been recommended by the World Health Organization for use in Malaria stricken countries. (https://www.megacatch.com/mosquito-faqs/mosquito-control-tips.html)

9. We use all natural citronella candles and incense to keep the mosquitoes away while we are sitting out enjoying our yard. We also put repellant bracelets on the kids, which can be found at most retailers.

10. TIP FOR BITES: This may seem strange, but the best thing we have found to cut down on the itch of mosquitoes, chiggers, and stings is Monistat. It works on sensitive skin and is amazing at relieving the itch, even for young children. I actually keep a tube in my purse just in case.

Free Printable: Weight Loss/ Fitness/ Health Tracker

I went to the cardiologist a few weeks back and in addition to my pulmonary stenosis, I also now have a Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction. Basically, when my heart relaxes, the left ventricle takes longer to relax and has a harder time filling up with blood so that oxygen can get through my body, resulting in being tired, short of breath, swelling, and other problems. He basically told me that at the moment I am in no danger, my heart is functioning above 50%. However, if I do not get my weight off soon and do something about my blood pressure being too high and too low that I will go into diastolic heart failure- which we just do not want. So, getting healthy and getting the excess weight off is top priority. What am I doing to help with that? Drinking more water, walking, cutting down on the sweets, and doing weight watchers.

I created this printable to help. Maybe it will help you too!

You can use a new one each week, laminate, and use it however you want. This is what is included for each day: 8 glasses of water, 5 small meals, bp (heart), vitamins, steps (watch) and either exercise or weight (scales- I use the top for weight and the daily ones for exercise).

Download here

Experience New Worlds with a Sensory-Friendly Screening of Ready Player One at Regal this Saturday

WHO:	Regal invites adventurous movie fans to enjoy the fun, action-packed universe of Ready Player One. This film is rated PG-13.
WHAT:	My Way Matinee sensory friendly screening of Ready Player One
WHEN:	Saturday, April 21 @ 10:30 a.m. (Tickets are $6.50)
WHY:	Come join us at Regal for the latest My Way Matinee movie, Ready Player One, this Saturday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:	The following Regal Cinemas:
	Regal Augusta Exchange Stadium 20 & IMAX – Augusta, GA Regal Crossroads 14 & RPX – Taylorsville, UT Warren Broken Arrow 18 – Broken Arrow, OK Edwards Eastvale Gateway Stadium 14 – Eastvale, CA Regal Eastview Mall 13 – Victor, NY Regal Gallatin Valley Stadium 11 – Bozeman, MT Regal Grand Parkway 22 – Richmond, TX Regal Lone Star 19 & IMAX – Tomball, TX Warren Moore 17 & IMAX – Moore, OK Regal New Albany Stadium 16 – New Albany, IN Warren West 17 & IMAX – Wichita, KS UA Washington Township 14 – Sewell, NJ Regal North Hills Stadium 14 – Raleigh, NC Regal Franklin Square 14 – Gastonia, NC Regal Branford Stadium 12 – Branford, CT Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & IMAX - Fresno, CA Regal Tikahtnu Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX - Anchorage, AK Regal Peoples Plaza Stadium 17 - Newark, DE Regal Natomas Marketplace Stadium 16 & RPX - Sacramento, CA Regal The Loop Stadium 16 & RPX - Kissimmee, FL Regal Goldstream Stadium 16 & IMAX – Fairbanks, AK Edwards Grand Teton Stadium 14 - Ammon, ID Regal Hollywood Stadium 20 & RPX - Greenville - Greenville, SC Regal Rockville Center Stadium 13 – Rockville, MD Regal Warrington Crossing Stadium 22 & IMAX - Warrington, PA Regal Village Park Stadium 17 – Carmel, IN Regal Louisiana Boardwalk Stadium 14 & IMAX - Bossier City, LA Regal Colonie Center Stadium 13 & RPX - Albany, NY Regal Mayfaire Stadium 16 & IMAX - Wilmington, NC Regal Manahawkin 10 - Manahawkin, NJ Regal Winrock Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX - Albuquerque, NM Regal Galleria Mall Stadium 16 - Poughkeepsie, NY Regal Destiny USA Stadium 19 IMAX & RPX - Syracuse, NY Regal Nanuet Stadium 12 & RPX - Nanuet, NY Regal Virginia Gateway Stadium 14 & RPX - Gainesville, VA Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 & RPX – Asheville, NC UA Kaufman Astoria Cinemas 14 IMAX & RPX - Astoria, NY Regal Southwind Stadium 12 - Lawrence, KS UA Sheepshead Bay Stadium 14 IMAX & RPX - Brooklyn, NY Edwards Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX - Boise, ID Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 & IMAX - Tigard, OR Regal Salmon Run Stadium 12 - Watertown, NY Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 IMAX & RPX - Nashville, TN Regal Coldwater Crossing Stadium 15 – Ft. Wayne, IN Regal Barkley Village Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX - Bellingham, WA Regal Deerfield Towne Center Stadium 16 - Mason, OH Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18 IMAX & RPX - Knoxville, TN Regal Grand Central Mall 12 – Vienna, WV Regal Short Pump Stadium 14 & IMAX - Richmond, VA Regal Niagara Falls Stadium 12 – Niagara Falls, NY Regal Stonefield Stadium 14 & IMAX – Charlottesville, VA Regal Oaks Stadium 24 – Oaks, PA Regal Champlain Centre Stadium 8 – Plattsburgh, NY Regal Valley River Center Stadium 15 & IMAX – Eugene, OR Regal El Dorado Hills Stadium 14 & IMAX – El Dorado Hills, CA Regal Westfork Stadium 13 – Pembroke Pines, FL Regal Texas Station Stadium 18 – North Las Vegas, NV Regal Dickson City Stadium 14 & IMAX – Dickson City, PA Regal Citrus Park Stadium 20 – Tampa, FL Regal Cape Cod Mall Stadium 12 – Hyannis, MA Edwards Canyon Country Stadium 10 – Canyon Country, CA Regal Fox Run Stadium 15 & RPX – Newington, NH Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 & IMAX – Rancho Mirage, CA Regal Bella Bottega Stadium 11 – Redmond, WA

About My Way Matinee:
My Way Matinee gives everyone the opportunity to experience a movie once a month with the sound turned down and the lights turned up. All screenings for the sensory friendly movies will begin at 10:30 a.m. for the special ticket price of $6.50. For additional information, please visit www.regmovies.com/mywaymatinee.


About Ready Player One:
The trailer for Ready Player One can be found here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kijNjrTqeRs.

Get Organized For Summer: Get Organized Now Have Fun Later!

Of course for me, organizing is fun. I understand that it is a job for some people, but the thing to remember about organizing is that it saves a lot of time later. If you get organized now for summer, you can save time to have more fun when it is time to start an adventure.

These tips should help you get organized and set for all the adventures your heart desires.

1. Put the things that have to be done in your calendar now. Go ahead and make those summer doctor appointments now and schedule the fun around it. You'll be glad that isn't hanging over your head. 

2. Make a "summer bucket list" this can be as fancy or as simple as you want. Put it somewhere for the whole family to see. When you are trying to think o something fun to do with the family, check out the list. At the end of the summer, you won't be saying "I meant to take the kids to the waterfall this summer."

3. Make a schedule for the kids including chores that must be done daily/ weekly. Go ahead and set screen time limits. If you do it now, you will be ready for their first day out of school!

4. Sort swimsuits and summer clothes now- see what fits, what needs retired to play clothes, and what needs to be replaced. Make a shopping list so that when you see items out for sale, you know what is needed. That way, you do not end up with 10 pair of shorts for sue, no swimsuits, and nothing for Johnny. 

5. Check summer equipment - does anyone need new goggles, new lifejackets, a new basketball, new floats? Be sure to go ahead and set the tent up and check for leaks- you do not want to realize it has a leak when it starts pouring the first night of camping!

6. Make lists- especially kids' needs change each year, so go ahead and revamp those "go to" lists, like babysitters, camping, packing, and day trips. 

7. Check expiration dates of chapstick, sunscreen, aloe, hair products, benedryl, insect repellant, and other items your family uses in the spring and summer. Replace it now so you do not end up in a bind. 

8. Find a fabulous beach bag and get it ready for fun adventures. I actually use 2- one for at home and one for away from home. The one away from home gets changed depending on what we are doing. The one for at home usually keeps the same stuff in it, but if we are at the pool or fire pit, I do not have to keep running back to the house for everything the kids need- I just need to throw in snacks, drinks, and a couple of toys for each kid and they are content. 

9.  Check your outside! Make sure you have comfortable seating areas, your fire pit is cleaned out, start working on the pool, clear backyard trails, sort outside toys, etc. 

10. Remember to have fun- you can't get these days back and you do not want to look back and wish you'd had more fun with your family. 

Absolutely Free Summer Activities (And Some Extremely Cheap!)

I like to make sure I have things around the house to make summer more fun without feeling that I need to go buy toys or take the kids to a park. Sometimes it is just nice to stay home, but keeping kids (especially special needs kids) entertained can be a job. I wanted to share some of the things that I do with you guys!

1. Keep plastic containers (spice bottles, butter dishes, etc) and wash them out. On hot days, put water in a large bin and they can play in the water. You already get the stuff, so use it for fun.

2. Make it rain, yes kids do still enjoy it- you should see the smiles on Tbomb and Snapper's faces when we make it rain on them.

3. Yard Scavenger Hunt- you can just job down some things or sketch out them- you don't have to make it fancy. Give them a paper bag and the list and set them lose.

4. Use pieces of cardboard to let the kids slide down a grassy hill. This was one of my favorite things to do as a kid.

5. Do you have a big old tree with roots that stick up? Fill those roots up with water and let the kids use action figures and barbies like it is a town or water park.

6. Do you live near the woods? Family nature hikes are fun! If you have woods near you that do not belong to you? Ask permission- many people are happy to see kids walking through the woods.

7. Play kickball, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc- anything you have the equipment for- break it out and use it with the kids.

8. Make up a game- as kids, we used to do this all the time and we made up some crazy ones.

9. Build a fire and sit around roasting marshmallows, wienies, popcorn- anything you have available. You could even cook dinner over the fire. Tell jokes, campfire stores, and family stories. Sing songs together. This is something your kids will cherish when they are grown. I do my own childhood memories like that.

10. Set the kids loose to let their imaginations run wild. This is fun for parents and kids.


Things to keep on hand for even more fun!

1. Dollar Store water balloons- you don't have to have fancy ones.
2. Sidewalk Chalk
3. Large sheet of plastic or tarp- it can be a slip and slide, water trampoline, tent, and so much more.
4. Huge balls that only cost about $2.50 are good for hours of fun!
5. Paper bags- you would be amazed at the fun, including homemade popcorn.

Comparing Studio Thirty-One From #ThirtyOneGifts

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

I blogged last week about my new Studio Thirty-One bag and how much I loved it. Well, I did have one thing that I wanted different and that was the bigger base. I got it and wanted to update.

I also found something out about the strap- if the crossbody is adjusted to the shortest length, you have an in-between strap, and it will hit about hip length- so you actually have three strap options!

What I love is that all of this stuff below fits in both bags- there is just more room in the larger of the two. (Here's a tip- use the key fob to keep track of things. I use mine for my stun gun and then hook it on the strap d-ring and put it down in my purse)

Attention Upstate SC: Celebrate with the Thirty-One Celebration Tour

**MEDIA ALERT**

Thirty-One Gifts Heads to South Carolina on its 69-City Tour to Celebrate Their

15^th Anniversary and Gives Greenville Residents a Peek at Exciting New Product Lines

One of The World’s Largest Direct-Selling Companies, Thirty-One Gifts

Rolls Into Town with a Big Pink Mobile Van and New Options for Women and Parents

What:    On Wednesday, April 18, a huge pink Thirty-One Gifts mobile shop will roll into Greenville as part of the company’s 15^th anniversary 69-city Celebration Tour.

            The shop serves as a big, visual and interactive opportunity for visitors and guests to explore the many fashion, home organization and utility products offered by Thirty-One Gifts, as well as to learn about opportunities to become an independent sales consultant. Visitors can also get a peek at some of the company’s newest additions: Studio Thirty-One, which enables you to customize your purse with different straps and flaps to match your outfit or mood and Baby by Thirty-One, an online-only collection of specially designed diaper bags and thermals. Baby by Thirty-One also includes nursery décor and organization favorites in adorable new prints.

            With the theme “The life you love is in the bag,” Thirty-One will give away an organizing tote to the first 50 guests (18 and older). There will also be prize drawings with $100 worth of products awarded to five guests each day. But no one will be left out! Everyone who visits the shop will receive a gift. And anyone who signs up to become a Consultant at the tour stop, will get a free Close to Home Tray ($58 value).

            Thirty-One Gifts is one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies, boasting an independent sales force of more than 60,000 sales consultants throughout the U.S. and Canada. This sales force includes nearly 300 consultants in South Carolina, alone.

            Thirty-One Gifts, however, is about much more than its products. It is a family of individuals who share a passion for empowering women, and who are committed to celebrating, encouraging and rewarding others for who they are. The name Thirty-One Gifts comes from Proverbs 31, of the Bible, which describes the attributes and the importance of a “virtuous woman.” With a mission to help women by giving them the opportunity to own their own businesses, Thirty-One provides many of the tools to help them earn supplemental income and support their personal “whys.”

Where:  Hilton Greenville / 45 W Orchard Park Dr / Greenville, SC 29615

When:    Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19

              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

New Lines From Thirty-One Gifts

Baby by Thirty-One: A line of eight baby products and six nursery décor products in 13 prints, as well as 11 baby personalization options. The collection includes diaper bags and thermals that make the parenting journey easier, plus everything needed to create a comforting, cozy space for a little one – so families can enjoy every moment together. Baby by Thirty-One is being released April 1, and is an online-only collection. Samples are now available.  

 

To see the beauty and functionality of our new Baby by Thirty-One line, please watch this video.

Studio Thirty-One: A collection of purses  that offer endless combinations,

using a purse base in various colors, along with changeable flaps that zip on and straps to change them look easily.  Women can create several looks from one basic purse for far less expense.  Start with a base purse – one of two styles (Modern or Classic) – and choose the color for the base. Then, select the zip-on flap you want with it. Finally, choose the strap (either crossbody or shoulder).

 

Thirty-One Gifts is one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies, offering products via independent sales consultants at home parties and online. We offer purses and wallets, totes, home organization solutions and décor, thermal bags, jewelry and more. With a mission to help women by giving them the opportunity to own their own businesses, we’ve grown to include nearly 65,000 independent sales consultants across the U.S. and Canada. Through our philanthropic initiative Thirty-One Gives, we partner with nonprofit organizations that serve and support girls, women and families, and have donated more than $100 million in product and cash to nonprofit organizations.

10 Tips To Make Hiking With Kids More Fun & Safe

We love taking the kids on hikes through the woods behind our house and up near the river. Over the years of hiking with them, we have found some thing that have helped. I wanted to share some of those with you. 

1. Remember that whether you are close to home or far away, taking safety measures is a must. Kids can get lost or hurt no matter how close you are to home. 

2. Bring along safety items. Attach a whistle to every person in the party, attach safety harnesses to little ones so they cannot wonder off, and if it can be afforded, invest in GPS trackers. When it comes to the safety of our family, there is no such thing as overboard. 

3. Let your kids bring along a camera- they will love the adventure of finding new and interesting things. 

4. Binoculars are always fun for bird watching, seeing sights in the distance, and even playing I-spy!

5. Make it a science lesson. Teach the kids about animal tracks, plants, habitats, and ecosystems while you are on your hike. Seeing it up close will get the kids more excited. 

6. When hiking in the woods, it is always a good idea to wear pants and sturdy shoes- this helps cut down on brier scratches, bug bites, and sore feet. 

7. Put bright colored hats on the kids so you can spot them immediately. It is a good idea to color code the kids so that you can easily spot which one you do not see- Tbomb wears bright green and Snapper wears pink!

8. Listen to the world around you- the sounds you will hear are soothing and so different than in town. 

9. Let the kids get loud and sing songs, especially if you are in a known bear area- this lets the bears know you are in the area and you do not sneak up on them. Most bear attacks are because the bear was startled.

10. Have fun and enjoy your time with the kids!

I hope this helps and I challenge you to take a hike with the kids this spring!

Get Ready For Travel With Sophia's Doll Clothes

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to travel, camping, and being away from home, a must-have for our family is to have items for Snapper's doll to go with us as well. Sometimes Tbomb likes to take his doll along as well. From Sophias, your daughter and her friend can have everything they need for adventure time. We absolutely love the suitcase and travel seat, the clip-on chair, and the picnic set (as well as the wonderful Coleman camping gear items). They also offer a variety of doll carriers, a seat that snaps on a suitcase,  a puppy carrier, and even clothing that is perfect for travel!



Again, this chair is made of high-quality materials and construction, One cool thing I noticed is that dirt actually can be brushed off really easily, which is always a win! This chair's arms are adjustable for a snug fit on a variety of tables. Plus, the design is just adorable. I love that it looks like a crown- perfect or the little princess in your life. Why not let your little girl have crafts, makeup time, lunch, and more with her best friend. It can even double as a car seat and go into restaurants with her. Don't forget that picnic set and milkshake so her doll can eat as well.

This chair is perfect for taking a summertime break, especially after swimming!

Get Outside With Sophia's Doll Clothes And Accessories

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

At this time of year, I'll take anything to get the kids out of the closed up house and in the spring air. Of course, Snapper takes her "Bailey" everywhere, even outside. So, finding outside toys for her doll is a must-have and it never hurts to have some extra outside toys to let your little girl have extra fun outside.

Sophia's has a ton of playsets that are perfect for outdoors and sports. They have a ton of doll camping supplies and medical supplies. They also have scooters, snowboarding, sports sets, beach sets, swimming, and picnic supplies. If it is something your daughter or son enjoy doing, they have something complimentary.

As always, these toys are made with quality materials and with great construction. This scooter set was easy to put together and has stood up to plenty of play with my rough kiddos. Snapper loves riding "Bailey" around on it before they get on her tricycle and go for a spin. She just puts Bailey in her seat with helmet on and puts the scooter in the back for another adventure (it fits in the back of the 4x4 as well). This set will insure hours of play with your little girl and her friends.

Look how much fun Snapper and Bailey are having!

It's All About The (Doll) Shoes: Sophia's Doll Clothing and Accessories

Disclaimer: I received items to review. All opinions are my own.

As I have mentioned, Snapper's 18-inch-doll is a perfect therapy tool for her. Part of using it for therapy though means that finding items that match her and that are accessories that go along with her adventures is vital. I had been searching for tennis shoes for her doll because she doesn't like wearing tennis shoes (so it would encourage her to wear them) and for some doll water shoes, because that is all she wants to wear in the summer.

Sophia's has an amazing selection of doll sneakers. There will definitely be some that your son or daughter will love. I love that I finally found a pair that do not tie because we are always losing doll shoestrings. However, if you are trying to teach your child to tie shoes, some that tie may be just perfect!

Sophia's also has a wonderful selection of sports shoes, including these water shoes. They also have golf shoes, ballet slippers, and soccer cleats. I love these because the only shoes I can get Snapper to leave on in the summer is water shoes, so these are just what her doll needed. 

All of Sophia's doll shoes, along with all their other items, are made with very high-quality materials and construction. They are also easy for children to use. Most of the other doll shoes we have, Snapper has to bring to me to put on, but with these, she can do them herself. I'm always impressed with Sophia's and their shoes are no different.

Doesn't Bailey look cute taking a break from learning to dive in those shoes?

Book Review: God Bless You And Goodnight

Disclaimer: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own.

Summary

The bestselling God Bless You and Good Night has sold more than a quarter of

a million copies as a board book and this beautiful expanded picture book will

make a perfect gift for families.

God Bless You and Good Night sparked a series that is as beloved as it is adorable.

The original board book has sold more than 280,000 copies and continues to grow.

This expanded picture book offers a classic, collectible item that readers will love for

their own home library and is a beautiful gift option for baby showers and birthdays

or as an announcement gift for soon-to-be grandparents.

With its deluxe formatting, larger art spreads and expanded content, this picture

book will be the family favorite for bedtime.

The A God Bless Book series has sold more than 600,000 units and has appeared on

numerous bestseller lists.

Contributor Bio

Hannah C. Hall estimates that she has read approximately 4,500 bedtime stories to

her children over the last few years. She is thankful to get to add her own books to

their daily rotation. Hannah and her husband, Josh, have five children and live in a

small town in Arkansas.

Steve Whitlow lives in northern England, on the top of a (very) windswept hill, with

his wife and young family. Steve followed his artistic calling from an early age and

was first published at age 16, producing vibrant characters for greeting cards and

then children's publishing. With no formal art training and only his natural talent,

Steve has now been working as a professional artist for more than twenty years. "My

kids are my critics," says Steve. "The best reaction I can hope for is an exclamation

of 'Cool, Dad!' from either Sam or Ethan-or both."

Purchase Here

My kids and I absolutely adore this book. The rhymes are sweet and soothing and the pictures are soothing, while still encouraging wonder and imagination. They want to read it every night and take turns taking it to bed so they can look at it while they fall asleep. I love the whimsey of the animals in their jammies.

You read that right- click here to enter!

Book Review: I Can Only Imagine (Picture Book)

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

I Can Only Imagine (Picture Book)

A Friendship with Jesus Now and Forever
By Bart Millard with Laura Neutzling; Illustrated by Sumiti Collina
Published by Thomas Nelson

Encourage your children’s sense of wonder and faith with I Can Only Imagine, inspired by the hit song by MercyMe. This beautiful picture book will capture your family’s childlike faith and imagination.


I Can Only Imagine asks questions a child might ask and invites families to wonder together: What is heaven like? What does God do? What would it be like to spend a day with Jesus? Children will see that although experiencing the glory of heaven may be far off, we can enjoy a friendship with Jesus every day - right here on earth. Whimsical, playful illustrations and thought-provoking questions make this a book that families will cherish.

Fun and vibrant illustrations offer a vivid visual and will help your children see that God can be found everywhere, every day.

I think about heaven as I look up at the sky

And watch the fluffy clouds roll by.

The more I imagine, the more I wish I knew.

I wonder, would God like pancakes with extra syrup too?

And if God and I spent the day together, what exactly would we do?

The Christian worship song “I Can Only Imagine” touched countless lives with its glorious representation of being in the presence of God, and this beautifully illustrated picture book invites you and your children to imagine those same wonders. Share the joy of a personal relationship with the Lord with your family today through the creative, faith-filled book I Can Only Imagine.

My children really enjoyed this book and I enjoyed reading it to them. I love how it puts God and Jesus into their world in such a real way for them. Of course, children think about what God would like to eat and play. However, so often when children ask questions like this, they are hushed and they stop asking. This tells them that they can really think of God and Jesus like they do the rest of their friends.

Book Review: NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own.

NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture
By Craig S. Keener , John H. Walton
Published by Zondervan

CONTEXT CHANGES EVERYTHING

You’ve heard many Bible stories hundreds of times, but how many behind-the-scenes details are you missing? Sometimes a little context is all you need to discover the rich meaning behind the stories of Scripture.

That’s what the NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible provides. Every page is packed with expert insight into the customs, culture, and literature of Bible times. These fascinating explanations will serve to clarify your study of the Scriptures, reinforcing your confidence and bringing difficult passages of Scripture into sharp focus.

Discover new dimensions of insight to even the most familiar Bible passages as you take a behind-the-scenes tour into the ancient world.

The Bible was originally written to an ancient people removed from us by thousands of years and thousands of miles. The Scriptures include subtle culturally based nuances, undertones, and references to ancient events, literature and customs that were intuitively understood by those who first heard the Scriptures read. For us to hear the Scriptures as they did, we need a window into their world.

I absolutely love this Bible as an addition to my bible study resources. It is a little big to carry around, but when I start my bible study and I'm digging into the scriptures, this is exactly what I need beside me. I love reading the scripture in my bible and then finding explanations to what is going on in the culture. That always brings further explanation, as well as giving the scripture another dimension in my mind. I actually keep it on the family bookshelf so the whole family can use it!

The Life You Love Is In The Bag

**MEDIA ALERT**

Thirty-One Gifts Heads to South Carolina on its 69-City Tour to Celebrate Their

15^th Anniversary and Gives Greenville Residents a Peek at Exciting New Product Lines

One of The World’s Largest Direct-Selling Companies, Thirty-One Gifts

Rolls Into Town with a Big Pink Mobile Van and New Options for Women and Parents

What:    On Wednesday, April 18, a huge pink Thirty-One Gifts mobile shop will roll into Greenville as part of the company’s 15^th anniversary 69-city Celebration Tour.

            The shop serves as a big, visual and interactive opportunity for visitors and guests to explore the many fashion, home organization and utility products offered by Thirty-One Gifts, as well as to learn about opportunities to become an independent sales consultant. Visitors can also get a peek at some of the company’s newest additions: Studio Thirty-One, which enables you to customize your purse with different straps and flaps to match your outfit or mood and Baby by Thirty-One, an online-only collection of specially designed diaper bags and thermals. Baby by Thirty-One also includes nursery décor and organization favorites in adorable new prints.

            With the theme “The life you love is in the bag,” Thirty-One will give away an organizing tote to the first 50 guests (18 and older). There will also be prize drawings with $100 worth of products awarded to five guests each day. But no one will be left out! Everyone who visits the shop will receive a gift. And anyone who signs up to become a Consultant at the tour stop, will get a free Close to Home Tray ($58 value).

            Thirty-One Gifts is one of the world’s largest direct-selling companies, boasting an independent sales force of more than 60,000 63,000 sales consultants throughout the U.S. and Canada. This sales force includes nearly 300 consultants in South Carolina, alone.

            Thirty-One Gifts, however, is about much more than its products. It is a family of individuals who share a passion for empowering women, and who are committed to celebrating, encouraging and rewarding others for who they are. The name Thirty-One Gifts comes from Proverbs 31, of the Bible, which describes the attributes and the importance of a “virtuous woman.” With a mission to help women by giving them the opportunity to own their own businesses, Thirty-One provides many of the tools to help them earn supplemental income and support their personal “whys.”

Where:   Hilton Greenville / 45 W Orchard Park Dr / Greenville, SC 29615

When:    Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19

              10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Press:    Sara West; swest@thirtyonegifts.com / 614-414-4900

For more information about Thirty-One Gifts visit www.mythirtyone.com.

More information about the Thirty-One Celebration Tour can be found at: www.mythirtyone.com/info/CelebrationTour.

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