Giving Back During the Holiday Season

This year the kids and I put together shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. They have SO much fun picking out items to fill in the boxes. The whole time John is asking questions like "I wonder which country this will go to?" "Do you think the boy who gets my box will like what I'm picking?" Then he goes on to say things like "I wish there were no poor children in the world. "I want everyone to have food and a house." Living in the USA I know I'm spoiled. My kids are spoiled. I thank God everyday that my kids will never know what its like to not have a safe house to go and wondering when their next meal will come. Although my kids usually get most of the things they ask for they still understand the need to give and find so much joy in doing it. Operation Christmas Child is a fun way of giving back and is on such a personal level for kids since they are picking the gifts. For information please see their site Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.

This is the week for Shoebox drop offs November 17-24. Search your zip code for drop-off locations in your area.

New this year is paying the requested $7.00 donation for shipping online and you can track your package to see which country your shoebox ends up in.

OUR BOXES

Summer Solstice in Pictures

"Take Me On" by Katie McGarry

This week I received my first ever ARC (Advanced Reading Copy) from NetGalley.  I was seriously overjoyed and doing a happy dance. When your a book junkie and get one before it is released it's like the best Christmas morning that you ever had as a kid.

Title: Take Me On

Author: Katie McGarry

Publish Date: May 27, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Description:

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night.  But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor.  Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young.  All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from.  Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley.  About who he really is.  But helping her - fighting for her - is a shot at redemption.  Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart.  He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Haley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring.  But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

Review:

I've read all the other books in this series "Pushing the Limits" by Katie McGarry and I enjoyed them all. I have to say that my favorites were the first book "Pushing the Limits" and now "Take Me On". I really loved the main characters Wes and Haley. The authors style was continued in this book. Teenagers dealing with different serious issues at home. Katie's ability as an author to shape this world and the progress of her characters growing and changing from beginning to end is amazing. She fully captures the feeling of being a teen and having to learn and figure life out even if you don't have a solid adult role model. Most of her characters in the books are having to figure it out on their own. 

This is my favorite cover for one of her books so far. I love the coloring of the clothing and background. My only complaint is that Haley isn't shown in any gear. When I see this cover I see a shy girl that was won over by the "cute fighter". Which isn't at all who she is. I think this cover misrepresents her. She's tough. She kicks ass. I would have liked to see her in gloves also. I think younger female readers would see that and be empowered.

Follow me on GOODREADS to see what else I'm reading. 

Spring Purples

I've found that I love purple nail polish all year long. It really works for every season. Here are a few that I've purchased over the last couple of months. I know the last one is gray but I had to share because it's my favorite color I've purchased this spring. It's such a pretty neutral and it lasts so long. 

1/2/3/4/5/6

Spring Snippets

A little spring update to what has been going on around here. I needed the night to relax (so I blogged) after a hard day. Our truck broke down today 45 minutes away from home. I had Olivia and the bff Sarah (35 weeks preggo) in tow. There were some tears (from me) and aggravation but it worked out. We found a little lunch spot and at least were able to eat while waiting to be rescued. No update on the truck yet :(

 

                                            

    

I'm obviously feeling "blue" this spring. Freshening up our front door. (Rugs available at Target each $12.99 and there was a discount with the Cartwheel app for the second one pictured). I threw that wreath together in a couple of minutes. Polka dot burlap was a find at Walmart ($3.97 it was near the party /decor aisle at my store). All that is underneath is a wrapped straw wreath form. There were some really cute patterned burlap options. The next purchase will be the coral chevron print! The little felt flowers were found at Target on a clearance end cap for $.50 for all 4. 

Sarah's Baby Shower

              

                  Olivia's First Haircut                       Once Upon a Time Event with Elsa (my girl Jenny)

Fun walks with Daddy

.....and BUBBLES! all the time BUBBLES! Her new favorite activity!

Those curls! 

Shades of Blue

Winter's grasp is hopefully starting to thaw in the Philadelphia area. We had beautiful 80 degree weather on the weekend and dropped over night last night. Were currently enjoying a 46 degree day with some wind. Eek! It was freezing this morning getting my son off to school. Anyway back to the point while browsing in Target the other day I was feeling "meh" about my nails and every polish that I have at home. I stumbled across this amazing shade of blue by Essie called "Find Me an Oasis" it's so light it's almost white. It got me started on looking at every brand's displays and I found quite a few that were great shades of pastel/light blue. So I figured I would share. Now I couldn't get a link to Target's site for the Find Me an Oasis but it was obivously available on the shelf. For how long...who knows.. so you better get in there.

Essie/ Truth or Flare

Essie/ Bikini So Teeny

Essie/ Lapiz of Luxury

Sally Hansen/ Breeze Blue #481-- Currently on my nails :)

Essie/ Find me an Oasis

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri/ Blue Away #425-- Great for when your in a hurry. I've had this color for a couple of years. Perfect for a quick coat on your toes.

Revamping my site

I have been in a huge "blogging rut" since the New Year. I've had my monthly 100 Book Challenge updates sitting in my queue but haven't finished any of them. I'm thinking of just consolidating and letting you know what number I'm at and which books were really great. Also a link to my Goodreads since they are all on there anyway. I'm planning a few posts for after the Easter holiday this weekend. I'm making a dessert that I got off of Pinterest so we will see how it goes. I've done some great spring/summer shopping and want to share my finds. Also my must have makeup! See you soon :)

Also Game of Thrones Season 4. Can we just talk about how epic episode 2 was on Sunday. Epic in such a great way! (You know what I'm talking about) (Totally satisfying episode)