How Do You Say Goodnight? (book review and giveaway)

  I'm back with another kids book review.  This book is perfect for the younger kids.  Tonight's book is How do you Say Goodnight?  This book is a fun journey following a young zebra named Zoey as she checks out how her other animal friends say goodnight.

  She stops and observes the nighttime routine of various animals.  How do elephants say goodnight, lions or even monkeys?

  Do they pray, give thanks or brush their teeth?  This book is great because just like us we all have a different routine.  Baths, stories, and prayer time are only part of a goodnight ritual as Zoey learns.  She also accepts that all of them are equally nice and hers is just fine too.

  How do you say goodnight? How do you praise or pray before bed?

  This board book offers little hands a great grip and the illustration is so fun.  I enjoy animals and to incorporate them into a book about bedtime routines is something anyone can relate to.

  Here's a chance to add this book to your home library.  Checkout the giveaway here!

  This was another great book.  My kids enjoyed the book and it's easy to follow along.  A great book to start a conversation leading into dedicating a  few minutes to God every night.

  I received this product complimentary for review purposes and all opinions are my own.

Born to Wander (review)

  Where are you going? Where have you been?  Born to Wander by Michelle Van Loon will take you on a path reflecting on your own journey.  I was provided this book complimentary for review purposes and all opinions are my own.

  I found this book easy to read and enjoy.

This book wandered with me everywhere including the pool until I was done with it!

This book contains 11 chapters including questions after each chapter encouraging you to consider what you read, your current life situation and ending with a prayer.  

Some chapters may mean more to you then others.  I had a few similarities with the author.  Each chapter titled gives you an appropriate taste of what you will read.  

Chapter 1: Uprooted

Chapter 2: Sent

Chapter 3: Waylaid

Chapter 4: Displaced

Etc........

We wander all the time.  Not just moving from one home to another but, in our jobs, with our friends and sometimes from one church to another.

Some moves may have been on purpose others on accident or coincidentally but, it's natural to wander.  We are in charge of our own happiness and in searching for the best fit, the happy life, satisfaction we wander.

The author adds an appropriate passage from the Bible or a story not just her own of a particular scenario to bring relevance to the chapter.

A copy of Born to Wander could be yours! Enter the giveaway

here.

This would be a perfect book for your small group book club.  Use the questions provided in the back for group discussion.  Wandering is so natural and common that this is a book anyone can read and walk away from with a different perspective.

  I felt this was a great book and as stated earlier all opinions and comments are my own.

Week 11 Recap and New Goals

  I ran errands and took it easy this week. As I write that it's funny to think I was home a lot and away at the same time.  Have you ever had one of those weeks?  Have you ever been not sure what you actually accomplished because you were busy the whole time?

  Goals last week were started but, not accomplished.

Book 7 is almost done.  I'm about 50 pages to completion.  New book is ready to go!

Clothes are in progress of being gone through.  I have started with my kids first. Its easier to get rid of their stuff then to go through my own.  Clothes with holes, too small and under appreciated (not worn) are being removed.

  I didn't see a pamper day but, I did go out to eat last week, had birthday cake and pie for pi day so I'll fill that into that spot.  Dessert and dinner out is kind like a treat and treats are like pampering, right?

  No cardio outside or inside this week. I skipped the gym all week. It could have happened a couple times I suppose but I just didn't make time for it.  Don't ever make an excuse; just own it.


 Here's to a new week:

Start on to book number 8!

Continue on with going through clothes. 

10 cardio miles outside! I'm going to aim for jogging over cycling because cycling 10 miles would be too easy.

 I need to get a few posts completed to schedule for upcoming busy weeks.

  I'm throwing in a mandatory pamper day!  There's no excuse to not have one.  I know I will feel good for at least that moment in time!

  What do you have planned for the upcoming week?  Are you already organized and know what needs to be done?
 

Week 10 Recap and New Goals

  Goals: something we set out to do or have to do (some goals are voluntary) whether we want to or not. 

  I set my goals based on a personal preference.  Something I want to achieve.  Something that has to get done and something fun (that may get overlooked).

Goals last week:
Freezer: lol, still not done.  I just keep forgetting. Now if I don't write it done, it will get done.

Book: I am onto book 7!

Outside cardio:  I am going to blame it on the rain and cold weather.  Two of my least favorite elements to run or cycle in outside.

Mealplan:  I did make and complete another successful breakfast plan last week. 

This week I'm going to get back to dinner plans.  I may make a few enemies in the house but, I'm looking at an all vegetarian week!

New Goals:

1. Finish book 7 and start on book 8.  I am way behind.

2.  Go through clothes. Everyones closet and drawers need to be gone through.  Stuff we don't wear, don't like, too small all needs to GO!

3. I think I'm over due for a self pamper day! Bubbles, pedicure and facial.

4.  Outside cardio!  If it's nicer this week I will try to get out and about.

  I think I'm good with just these this week!  I have two appointments and some necessary errands sprinkled through the week so I'm going to be busier then usual.

  I hope you have a good week and accomplish what you need to.  One load of laundry done, dinner on the table once is better then nothing if that's all you get around to.  Ask for help if you can but don't stress about it. 

Girlboss (book review)

  On my journey to read 50 books for the year I want to pause and tell you how much I appreciated #Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso!  She is the founder and CEO of NastyGal. Nasty Gal really meant nothing to me before (I hope I'm not the only one) I read the book but, while reading it and hearing the story of how it was born I had to check it out.

    I picked up this book due to the popularity around it (Instagram). After waiting a few weeks on the wait list at my library it was mine.  It is an easy read and I finished it in a day! Easy to finish in one day (if you didn't have my kids, have to cook, be responsible for long periods of time).

  The book is broken down into 11 chapters ranging from how she began, to how she survived to owning her individuality.  She provides her perspective!

Now that you mention it.  I bet money does look better on the bank but, to confirm that I'm going to have to try it first! Is it a certain amount or any amount?

Take care of your business. Don't worry about what someone else is doing.  Sophia says, "Fight for your idea.  Take the spirit with you to whatever job you're doing!" P.S. I like this quote she has from Abraham Lincoln (even though after research I couldn't confirm it).  The thought of the word hustle beginning back then makes me laugh.

I know we could look up motivational quotes online but, it's just better to find them randomly and appropriately placed in this book.  The make just as much as an impact as her encouraging words.

If I owned this book I would have highlighted many passages (there is a workbook though).  I have no desire to be an entrepreneur or run a company in any capacity but, I am walking away from this book feeling better having read it.  

I haven't gotten a chance to watch the series on Netflix yet (as suggested) but, I will.  It would be nice to see the lady behind the book.  I would actually go to stand in line for a meet and greet!

Do you believe in magic? 

It's OK (by me)

It's that time again. A time to reflect on what we did a little less then perfect but, who cares!  Shake it off! It's ok! I'm going to play along with airingmylaundry today as I tell you what items/events/activities are OK by me.

Check out her latest post here.

This week I'm OK that I missed the Oscar's.  Whether the movie won an award or the actor or actress won I will see it if it interests me.

  Im OK that it has rained here for days, and when the sun comes up its cold.  This is March just making a statement.  I'm happy the flowers are hanging in there!

  I'm OK that after filling out several applications for a job I will be lucky if one person calls but, that just means the other jobs were not meant to be.

  I'm OK that the new book I'm reading #Girlboss is better then I thought! I don't have the desire to be my own boss but her words are motivating beyond that title.  She offers encouragement to think more of yourself and do more with yourself.

  I'm OK that the scale has not changed in regards to my weight because I can see the fit of my clothes is better. My muscle tone is increasing and my but has got a couple compliments too!

  First full week of March! New month! Almost spring!  What are you OK with?

Week 9 Recap and New Goals

 Grab your drink of choice and start your to do list for the week!

Last weeks goals were not that difficult so why did I not succeed?

Because life happens and sometimes you just forget. You live in the moment and do something at hand. So let's try again.

1.  Freezer wasn't done last week so I'll roll it onto this week.  It's not really dirty as much as I want to get the ice build up removed.

2.  I didn't get any outside cardio time in.  I still hit the gym and exercised on some indoor cardio but I didn't get any fresh air.

3. I did finish book 5. Finally!  So on to number 6!

4.  I don't have a current dinner mealplan ready yet but, another breakfast mealplan is ready and will be posted tomorrow.

The crepes I made were a hit with the family!


  I am extra motivated after a few good things happening last week and carrying over into this week.  Good luck to everyone else on your upcoming week.

Week 8 Recap and New Goals

  Is it the end or just a new beginning?  Another week down!  Looking back at my goals I did ok.

1.Finish 2 books.
Nope not yet, I'm still working on Monday's Lie! This is week 9 and I'm on book 5.  I really need to get a move on.

2. Fitness. I did 33 miles in a combination of walking, elliptical and spin bike. I didn't take 4 classes only 3 this week. TRX, Barre and Mixxedfit.

3. Forgot about that freezer!

4.  I did make granola!  We had it as part of breakfast with yogurt on Friday as well as a snack.

New Goals

1. Freezer!  Since I dropped the ball last week. 

2.  Finish THE BOOKS is it more serious if I put it in caps?

3.  The weather is getting nicer outside I would like to get out and walk or jog or cycle. I don't remember the weather so I'm not going to out a number down. 

4.  Set up meal plan for a couple weeks! What's for dinner tomorrow ?  I don't know.  What's for breakfast?  There's almost always cereal!

  The banana muffins were good and appreciated last week.  I was planning on blueberry this week!

   Alright everyone! Good luck on what you accomplished last week and what you still need to do this week. 

STEM in Session

What is STEM?

Science
Technology
Engineering
Mathematics


  STEM is a learning with a concentration in these four areas.  It's a program used in all areas and levels of education.  My kids because they are younger enjoy this program at their library.

  The STEM program at the library starts out with a book that will give a preview of what will be learned that day.

The kids were able to experience snow, cold and winter in this STEM event.

We measured each other with mittens.

Made igloos or snow castles out of foam blocks and shaving cream.

A sensory bin is always present.  It's a big hit with my kids.

I like the endless possibilities that can be used in a sensory bin! This one used rice and had a scale for the kids to play with.

The science of ice and salt impressed my son.

His expression is priceless!  

Do your kids like Science or Math?  Do you enhance their love or learning of either?

Week 8 Goals

  Let's get ambitious this week and aim high!  No, don't we do that already? 

1.  Finish 2 books!

2.  Fitness: 25 miles, 4 classes

I like TRX I just struggle with the time.  I like all types of cardio but, to meet 25 miles of accountability I need to stick to machines because I don't have a fitbit, lol.  So if I choose to swim or even dancing those are free unaccounted for steps/miles 

3.  Cleaning: freezer

4.  Make a snack for the week.  I'm thinking granola this week! This is my favorite recipe.


  I'll stop at 4!   Anything after that will just be a freebie!

  Good luck on your new week. A new week is a clean slate!  Full of new opportunities and possibilities! Challenge yourself and be kind to yourself. 

Week 7 Recap

  Do you every have those weeks where your running in a meaningless circle?  That lovely never-ending circle.  How do we get in there?  I think it's a definite jump in kind of thing.  A don't look but leap deal because if we knew there was no way out would we jump in at all?

I only made it to the gym 3 times this week as I felt like a cold was coming so I was trying to fly low.

1. Finish the book!!!!
Done! Finally I am on to book 5!

2. Pitch to 3 more brands and update resume. 
I did pitch to 2 brands! So I was only short by 1.

3. Download pictures.  The memory is getting full on my phone again and things start to slow down.
I don't think I will ever have enough space!  I did download then I turn around add back my apps and take more pictures immediately. 

4. Have some Valentines Day fun with my kids! Because sadly, I may not if I don't write it down.  I may have just gave a box of chocolates to them and called it a day.

I did make krispie hearts with my son to share with his sisters!  I helped my daughter make cards for her important people! I also surprised everyone with a donut and box of chocolates! 

5. New recipe.

No, new recipe today.  Even my menu plan wasn't followed through because we had a lot of leftovers. 

As I'm feeling better at the end of the week and feel a little more productive I look forward to tomorrow and the new week.

Good luck and best wishes as you start your next week! 

Week 7 Goals

  I struggled with making new goals this week. It's not like you run out of them but, it's more that it's a chore to make them and write them down.  If I didn't though, what would I do?  A little or maybe a lot less, that's for sure!

This weeks goals:
1. Finish the book!!!!
2. Pitch to 3 more brands and update resume.
3. Download pictures.  The memory is getting full on my phone again and things start to slow down.
4. Have some Valentines Day fun with my kids! Because sadly, I may not if I don't write it down.  I may have just gave a box of chocolates to them and called it a day.

5. Try a new recipe!

  Ok, there it is! I feel complete!  I'm going to skip a cleaning chore this week.  Although now that I'm writing this I guess I will put freezer down for next week.

  Good luck on your goals for the week!

Week 6 Recap

  Well I knew the week was going to be hit or miss no matter the effort I put in.  My goals did help me stay positive and a little more focused which kept me with something to do other then unnecessary stress.

Goals for last week were:

1. Mealprep.

I did pretty good in that department.  I used leftovers from last week and added an egg and corn to the mix.

2. Hydration will always be a goal whether I write it down or not.  I have added a daily cup of hot tea to my morning so I'm getting a little more in but the 5 I strive for last week is not sticking.

3.  I am still on book four but have about a 100 pages left.  Girl on the Train will be finished soon!

4. I have done my best with engaging more with my followers on some some social channels and would like to increase that and continue.  

5. Pitch!  I actually did pitch a couple people for collaborations and am waiting back to hear from them.  I'm excited to continue trying to work with more brands in the future.