Showing posts with label holidays

I’m delighted to be working with two local companies today, both of which are small businesses just like me. As we head into the holiday season, I feel it is more important than ever to support local and small businesses whenever possible, so I’m thrilled to bring you a superbly scented opportunity to win a Holiday Candle Sampler 3 piece set from Amber Vale Home in partnership with a local digital company, Lev3l Digital. My love of candles keeps growing now that I’ve has an opportunity to try these delightful wood wick candles. Read on to learn all about them and the company that makes them and enter the Amber Vale Holiday Candle set giveaway too.

Holiday Candle Trio:



Amber Vale Holiday Candle set review & giveaway #ad

Happy Halloween and Merry Christmas! I have never had the opportunity to meld these two holidays together before, but I had to share this feel good movie before it opens in theaters Monday! I just finished watching the screener provided to me by Lev3l Digital as part of their blogger program and I in the merriest of moods! Are you ready for the holidays? Then read on to learn all about this family friendly movie and how you can win it on DVD.



                         Christmas Jars Movie #ad #giveaway


It's that time of year again.  I bet your house is buzzing with activity, just like mine. Thoughts of hosting out-of-town guests, throwing holiday parties, cookie exchanges, and decorating the mantle has put me in complete nesting mode!

Not surprisingly, my desire to have a clean, welcoming home intensifies in November. Call me crazy, but there is just something deeply satisfying when I step out of a just cleaned room that sparkles and smells good.

New holiday scents from Mrs. Meyers at Grove Collaborative:


#ad Holiday cleaning is easy with Mrs. Meyers #grovepartner

This post is sponsored by Depend, Poise, Ensure, and Glucerna but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.


The countdown to the most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived! My fall and holiday baking season will truly begin now and requests for my family’s favorite pies, cobblers, loaves of bread and cookies coming in. I’ve already baked a Pumpkin Pie, brownies and a dozen cookies. While I love having sweet treats on hand, I want to be aware of my sugar intake and theirs. Some of my close family members had or have prediabetes and type 2 Diabetes, so I’ve learned the importance of being aware of your blood sugar levels throughout the day and how certain foods and drinks can help minimize blood sugar spikes now and throughout the holiday season. 


#ad Glucerna shakes can help maintain blood sugar levels #FamilyCaregivingatSC


We are in the home stretch, friends! With Christmas just 5 days away, I thought it was the perfect time to share an easy, tasty cookie recipe that doubles as a great last minute hostess gift or a special show of appreciation to a teacher, bus driver or neighbor. 


Peanut butter toffee cookies make perfect gifts #recipe


I love baking from scratch whenever I can, but sometimes this busy work-at-home mom needs to streamline the baking process, too and that’s when I turn to premade cookie mixes. Mixes like Betty Crocker's help me keep calm and whip up a batch or two of these easy Peanut Butter Toffee cookies in no time. Trust me when I say, these cookies are so quick and delicious, nobody will believe they aren’t from scratch!


Here’s my quick and easy recipe for Peanut Butter Toffee Cookies. 


Ingredients:


  • 1) 17.5 ounce peanut butter cookie mix
  • 1) 8 ounce bag English toffee bits (found in baking aisle of most grocery stores)
  • 3) Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2) Tablespoons water
  • 1) Large egg


easy peanut butter toffee cookies you'll love to give #recipe




Directions:


  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In large bowl mix oil, water and egg in peanut butter cookie batter until no longer grainy.
  • Gently fold in toffee bits.
  • Shape dough into 36 small balls or make drop cookies like I did by gently sliding off tablespoon-size dough balls onto parchment paper.
  • Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes for regular size cookies, or 9-11 minutes for large cookies.
  • Allow to cool.


If you are giving cookies as gifts like I am, get your cookie container ready while the cookies cool. I prefer using Ziploc containers because they are sturdy and reusable, which truly comes in handy this time of year! Sometimes, I even receive my container back with a goody inside as thanks

easy peanut butter toffee cookies you'll love to give #recipe



I’ve found that a dozen cookies fit perfectly in the 1.25 quart size plastic containers. Sometimes you can get lucky and find the holiday containers, but if not, you can decorate your container as festively as you want.  It really is a simple and easy way to spread kindness and cheer at this special time of year!


I hope you enjoy these cookies and all the joy that this, the most wonderful time of the year, brings.



Merry Christmas from middle Tennessee!

Merry Christmas from us to you!





Happy December and happy holidays readers! We are on a countdown to Christmas at our house and while we deck our halls, we have to listen to Christmas music. It’s tradition. I jumped at the chance to receive a complimentary copy of Amy Grant’s newest CD, Tennessee Christmas from my friends at FlyBy Promotions because I LOVE this song and I live in Tennessee, so I really do know about the tender Christmas’ Amy sings about. 




Tennessee Christmas CD by Amy Grant


Did you know that Amy recorded Tennessee Christmas when she was just 22? Crazy at this may sound; this beloved holiday classic was recorded in the summer of 1983! Fast forward to 2016 and Amy is still performing this song. I think you are going to love hearing it on her new CD too, which was recorded at her home in Nashville, Tennessee



This CD has a casual, warm laid back vibe that I love.  I turned it on while I’m working on my greeting cards and found it to be the perfect companion, so I know I’ll be adding it to my play list all season long.  All the warmth of family and friends gathered round’ comes through in track after track. I especially love Amy’s and husband Vince Gill remake of Baby its Cold outside. 


Here are the songs on Tennessee Christmas:

  • Tennessee Christmas
  • To be together
  • Christmas for you and me
  • Melancholy Christmas
  • December
  • White Christmas
  • Joy to the World (Amy says she’d never sung this song so slowly. I think you are going to enjoy that she did!)
  • I’ve got my love to keep me warm
  • Baby, it’s cold outside (featuring Vince Gill)
  • Christmas don’t be late
  • Still can’t sleep



Here’s a video of To be Together to get you in the holiday mood!








Share your Holiday Spirit with Amy Grant:




Amy Grant at home for a Tennessee Christmas (on her CD)



Have you got a video or photo of you surprising a loved one during the holidays? Amy Grant wants to see them, so upload a video, share a photo on Amy’s social channels and tag them #TNChristmasSurprise. Those chosen will be part of a compilation video that Amy herself will share on her large social media outlets!  Find Amy Grant here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook





My Thoughts:


I will always love the original cut of Tennessee Christmas, but just like Amy, I understand growing and changing in your field. She’s not 22 anymore and that is reflected on this paired down, mellow collection. This is one of those CD’s that can unobtrusively play in the background while you visit with family and friends this holiday season, and I think that is exactly what Amy was trying to achieve with this one. I think you’ll like it! You can purchase Tennessee Christmas, learn more about Amy Grant and see her whole music collection by visiting here.




Win It:

Tennessee Christmas by Amy Grant CD


Thanks to #FlyBy Promotions, one lucky reader will win #TennesseeChristmas just in time for the holidays!  Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below. 



Terms:

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter form below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel. 


Good luck and from our home near Nashville, Tennessee (where we enjoy tender Tennessee Christmases) to yours Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

a Rafflecopter giveaway




Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of Tennessee Christmas from Flyby Promotions to facilitate this review and giveaway, all opinions and love of Christmas music are my own.

Color of the Month- Silver and Gold

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, December 17, 2015
Merry Christmas! This is the final color of the month post for 2015 and I couldn't think of a more perfect color combo for this special honor than silver and gold.

This month's colors were inspired by the classic Christmas Carol and all the beautiful displays I see everywhere!

Silver and Gold decorations for the holidays


I found tons of wonderful pins on Pinterest and I've highlighted just three of my fav's above. I hope you enjoy my board for December and will return for this monthly post in 2016.


Follow Linda A.'s board Color of the Month- December- Silver and Gold on Pinterest.

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to you!

Color of the month February 2015 Sunset Pink

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Oh February, how I want to love you.  You are positively filled with celebration days: National Freedom Day (2/1), Groundhog Day (2/2), Valentine's Day (2/14), Mardi Gras (2/17) Chinese New Year (2/19). 

 All of these days fill my mind with vivid colors just thinking about how I might decorate to celebrate the day- but it's not enough. I want to look out my window and see a colorful landscape, but dear February, you just can't manage that.  

What you can manage and do provide most beautifully is glorious sunrises and sunsets. It was a toss up which I'd pick for this months color, but in the end, the sunsets won.


Here's a photo of a resent sunset in my neck of the woods.


February #sunset pink


And here's my Pinterest board for this month. I hope you like it! 




If you have a sunset photo you'd like me to see, or other pins (family friendly) that boast a sunset pink vibe, let me know in comments and I'll add it to my board.

Stay Warm! 


Please share in comments: Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets and why?


Coach Tanner Tote Giveaway

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, December 02, 2014

#GivingTuesday isn't over here on My WAHM Plan! What's better than one giveaway today? Another giveaway- and ladies, get ready to fall in LOVE, because this giveaway is for a beautiful Coach Tanner tote! She's a silver, leather beauty that any lady would love to own! 


#Coach Tanner Tote #giveaway



I've collaborated with a small group of bloggers and Everything Mommyhood to bring you this fabulous giveaway just in time for the Holidays! We have put together a little bit of our own money to purchase this amazing prize from Coach!



#Coach logo


#Coach Tanner Tote #leather #silver
Coach Tanner Tote in Silver


About the Coach Handbag:


  • LEATHER TANNER TOTE (COACH f19924)
  • Leather
  • Color: Silver/Parchment
  • Inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets
  • Zip-top closure, fabric lining
  • Outside zip pocket
  • Handles with 7" drop
  • 12 1/2" (L) x 14 1/4" (H) x 5" (W)
  • Retail $498



Now for the giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a Coach Tanner Leather Handbag, valued at $498.

Terms: 

Open to US only, 18 and up. Void where prohibited. One entrant per household/IP Address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Winner will be emailed and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.

Giveaway ends 12/17/2014 at 11:59pm CST

Entering is easy using the entry form below.


Good Luck and Happy Holidays!



Disclosure: Everything Mommyhood and the participating bloggers were not compensated for this posting Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google, and any other social media are not affiliated with this posting or giveaway. Everything Mommyhood is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment. Only one entrant per household, per address may enter. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond. Failure to respond in a timely manner, a new winner will be chosen and you will forfeit your prize. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. If you have any questions about this event or would like to see your event hosted by Everything Mommyhood, please email EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com.

Holidays- Winter Break Boredom Buster

in , , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, November 30, 2012


The countdowns have begun; we are decorating, baking and making things merry and bright.

This truly is The Most Wonderful Time of the year, full of hope and peace and goodwill toward men and boredom. Wait, boredom shouldn’t be in my happy moment, but we Moms know once the novelty of new gizmos wears off we had better have some boredom busters up our sleeves to get us through school break and bad weather days.

Here is a product sure to please your elves and you’ll have some fun too! Check out Colortime Crafts and Markers.
 


Here is more about Colortime:
Since 1990, over 5 million children and adults have loved creating t-shirts, pillowcases, backpacks, tote bags, bandanas, and more for parties, slumber parties, and scout meetings with our permanent fabric markers. We have provided our customers the opportunity to entertain their guests with a creative activity that becomes a permanent keepsake. Also, we are a licensed vendor of the Girl Scouts of America. Check out our wholesale program, great for your organizations.

We also offer free downloadable coloring pages (
http://www.colortime.com/Free-Coloring-Pages-c64.html) and a "Birthday Club" (http://www.colortime.com/Birthday-Club-c85.html) with special incentives. 
 
 
 
 Want to save? Sure you do!
 
Get 15% off all orders Promo Code: 15USFG when you check out at colortime.com
 
I think we will do some tote bags. If you take advantage of this offer, please stop back by and tell me what you picked.
 
Happy, Merry Holidays to you and yours!
 

 


Friendship

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Saturday, November 26, 2011



I've been taking it easy the last few days, truly enjoying my dear family and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

I tried reaching out to some of my girlfriends before the craziness of the "holidays" set in, but sadly I found several already too busy, or worse too engrossed in their own " stuff" to really connect with me.  I got off the phone wondering if the call was even worth it.

This saddens me, because female friendships can be hard-won and tricky to keep, especially as we get older. I try to value the friends I have, but friendship must be reciprocal to thrive! I wondered why they couldn't see all they had to be thankful for? Was I living in my own rosy little world?
I know my best friend is happy and I am so very thankful for her.

 But the rest of my circle? I have doubts.

So when I saw this movie over at Simple Truths I just had to share it. Maybe one or two of my " friends" will watch it and realize that alot of the stuff they " talked " with me about is mentioned within.
 Oh, and they might also notice that they never stopped to ask me how I was. Maybe they just figured I was still happy-go-lucky me... but it would have been nice for them to check.

 In the end, it's all good because I really care about them and I've learned over the years to lighten up and not take everything personally .. but I am going to keep my heart open to new friends.

I hope you will enjoy
Simple Truths-it's not just me

and remember this little diddy:

Make New Friends
But Keep the Old
One is Silver
and the other Gold

How do to stay connected with your friends? How do you invite new friends into your circle?

Fall Back

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, November 08, 2011

courtesy of www.flickr.com
 Saturday night we set our clocks back and were thankful for the extra sleep we'd get after the busy, fun week we'd all had.

Usually, setting the clock back not only signals shorter days and my hubby getting home from work in complete darkness, but also a frenzy of activity in my business.

For the better part of the last 5 years, I was in direct sales, doing my best to keep my business hours " part-time" and not let the business interfere with family. With the " Holiday Sales" mantra so prevalent in our society, I can tell you that is easier said than done.

Looking back on those years now, from my new non-selling perspective, I see just how wrong my thinking was. They say hindsight is 20/20 and I must agree.

I thought I was happy with all that busy-ness. Even after I quit direct sales, I jumped into trying to earn from online channels, until I exhausted myself. It took me a while to hit the wall, but hit it I did.

And at the end of it all, our accountant always put down Homemaker as my Title. I didn't earn enough to warrant changing our filing status.
Rather than look back on this as a failure, I choose instead to see it as a learning experience, not only for me, but for my daughters. Sometimes in our effort to have it all, we fall short.

This is the first November in a long time where I am free to just be happy and in the moment. I'm just Linda, happy wife, mom, friend and it feels so good and liberating!

My to-do lists are not sources of frustration any longer because I can and do complete my tasks which are mainly home-centric now. Being a part time admin for my husbands business and a full-time wife and mom suits me and my family. I know that sets me up for ridicule by some who feel all Moms should be earning, but I don't care.
I think my happiness and that of my family is far more important. It is my job to teach my daughters how to cook and clean and nurture and build a happy home. It is what's in my heart, it's what my family wants. Does this paint me as a June Cleaver wanna be? Probably, and that's ok too.

To those who do work outside the home: I applaud you and lift you up high. I know yours is not an easy path. I pray that you are at a job that blesses you so that when you are home, you are content.

So, if you are reading this and are feeling stressed, please stop, if only for a moment and double check your course. You may be surprised to find you are on the wrong path. It's okay to stop and change directions.

If you could eliminate just one source of stress right now, what would it be?

Happy Holidays.
 
 
 
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