Fall, One of the Happiest Seasons of All

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, September 24, 2012

 
I simply adore this season for a host of reasons and I have passed on that love to my girls.

fall cooking baking fun
Courtesy Ms. T
 


The other morning it was a little chiller than normal and the front window was steamed up from our cat looking out. I hadn’t even noticed it as I got my oldest to the bus on time; but it was THE first thing my youngest noticed. She was so happy to see that steamed up window.  Why does that make you so happy I asked? Because she said “it means that baking season is here”! She is her mother’s daughter.
As if by some physic link my oldest texted my from the bus saying that the nice crisp morning made her think about my Apple Pie. Coincidence? I think not.
See it has been so ghastly hot this summer, here, there, everywhere! That I haven’t done much baking. I was loath to turn the oven on for the 2 minutes it takes to broil some sourdough crustini’s, but there was simply no way my family was doing without them.
We love fall here, not just for the baking, but for the cooking of favorite recipes and the seasonal activities- Fall Festivals, watching football games, going for nature walks on our property, driving down the Natchez Trace to look at the pretty leaves, raking up our own batch of pretty leaves, yard work and prep that is soothing in its traditions. Ever since my girls were little they have helped my ready our yard and porches for winter. This year will be no different. With one exception: they are bigger and filled with more stories and memories.
Fall is a busy, happy time here and I hope it is for you and yours. 
Do you love Fall as well? What is your favorite Fall activity? Share your love with us!


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My Well- Being.com Review

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 14, 2012
This post brought to you by My Well-Being Powered by Humana. All opinions are 100% mine.

Recently we spent a Saturday assisting a senior family member do things she once did for herself just a few short years ago.  I couldn’t help but contemplate the passage of time and this dear ladies health and wellness.
#volunteer
Source

 I found myself wondering what my husband and I could do now to help ensure our future will be a healthy, happy, active one.    

 Enter My Well-Being powered by Humana.
                                                                         

Have you heard of this website?  It’s the place that knows that well-being is about every aspect of your life—your health and your loved ones, your finances and your leisure time and it’s the place that can help you find it with content that’s personalized for you.

 You can read expert articles, watch videos, get daily tips—and create the website you want. Plus you can save your favorite content in one place, and share it easily with others.  
Click here to watch one of their videos.
About MyWell-Being from mywell-being on Vimeo.


The site even has games to help you stretch those mental muscles.   Very cool.

I signed up for a free account and took the My Well Being Assessment test.  
This assessment is easy and quick! I just answered a few simple questions and I was told what area’s I was doing well in and what areas I should look in to. One area was building community relationships. So I read of few tips and articles under that heading.

 I invite you to come spend some time at My Well-Being. Sign up for a free account.  Take a look around and explore what they have to offer, including a FREE Dummies book.  I requested the Well-Being for Dummies book.

I’m glad I have this interactive, user friendly resource as I move forward in this chapter in my life and get a glimpse into the senior years as we assist this beloved family member. I’m sharing this great resource with her too!


This sponsored post for My Well-Being. I was compensated. However, all opinions are my own. 

 Visit Sponsor's Site
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Almost Wordless Wednesday-Hummingbird

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, September 12, 2012
 
I wish I could share all of my husband's amazing shots of this beautiful bird. Here's two.
 
 
in rain
Hummingbird coming in to drink
 
 
at feeder
Hummingbird in Rain


 
Did you know that Hummingbirds will drink the juice from Cherry Tomatoes? We didn't either until we caught one doing it! I wish we could have snapped a picture of that, but they are ay too fast.


Have a happy Wednesday!

 
 

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Rubbermaid LunchBlox Review

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 07, 2012

 With the girls back in school, I was happy to do a review for Rubbermaid's LunchBlox.

 Both girls take lunches from home all school year, so I was intrigued by the portioned containers which would allow me to buy in bulk, split yogurts and snacks, and cut back on storage bag usage. Saving money while feeding my girls a healthy lunch is a top priority for me.

 
If you aren’t familiar with these cool lunch sets, take a look at this cute, organizing set.
 
 
Lunch
Courtesy: Rubbermaid
 

Company Description:

 
Rubbermaid LunchBlox™ makes packing lunch easier than ever. These modular containers snap together in multiple configurations to efficiently use the space in your lunch box or bag. Containers are perfectly portioned for your favorite lunch foods with handy measurements on the sides of each container. Your lunch stays chilled with snap in Blue Ice™. Individual containers are sold separately from kits so you can configure a different way everyday.
 
Highlights:
 
Containers stack compactly to stay organized.
Ice pack keeps your lunch cool on the Go.
Secure lid seal.
BPA- free.
Microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe.
Sandwich container holds regular and specialty bread. 
Sandwich kit includes 2 snack containers, 1 side container, 1 sandwich container and 1 medium blue ice.
 
 
 
My Review:
At first I thought the small 4oz. container wouldn’t hold my regular serving size of baby carrots, but looks can be deceiving. I had plenty of room.
The sandwich container is very roomy, allowing me to use hearty, 12 grain bread for their sandwiches.  While their old sandwich keeper had me smooshing down their sandwiches, I had plenty of room with the Rubbermaid LunchBlox.
My other concern was that the small ice pack, which goes in between the containers, may not keep lunches cold long enough, but I was pleasantly surprised again. My youngest got off the bus at 4:20 pm and asked if she could finish her turkey sandwich from lunch. I checked its temperature and it was still cold! Impressive!
The lids come off easily, so even the youngest kids can master them. Although I would remind them to keep track of all their lids.
Both girls gave the Rubbermaid LunchBlox 2 thumbs up and as the Chief Lunch Preparer, so do I. 
 I highly recommend this product.
If you would like more information about this and other lunch solutions from Rubbermaid, please visit them here.  While there, look for their coupon, or use the link below.

coupon
Click Here for Coupon

 
I hope you found this review helpful. Please feel free to share this with friends and family.
 

 
Rubbermaid sent me one LunchBlox to review. I was not compensated. Coupon link is not an affiliate link.  All opinions are my own.
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Day for Kids

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, September 04, 2012
of America

I am working with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) to help Clubs spread awareness around their upcoming Day for Kids event on September 15. 

 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country celebrate Day for Kids by hosting picnics, indoor and outdoor festivals, and walks for the entire community to enjoy.  Last year more than 85,000 people attended 950 events held across the country and overseas.

This is such a wonderful way to help kids not only be active and remember to play, but it also helps build up our communities.

I am happy to offer my readers a one week free trial membership to a local Boys and Girls Club, just use the printable coupon below.



 When you click on the above picture, you will go to their site, put in your zip code to find your nearest participating Boys and Girls Club of America.
 
Content and/or other value provided by our partner, BGCA.


 You can also donate by clicking below.




I encourage you to please share this with your family, friends, neighbors and readers.


Thank you!



I was not compensated in any way to share this information on my blog. As a BGCA Influencer, I may qualify to be entered in a contest for sharing the free trail membership. All opinions are my own.

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Gutzy Gear Party Fun

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Several weeks ago I got an email from Mom Select asking me if I would be interested in hosting a Gutzy Gear party.  A what I wondered aloud. Enter my tween daughter Ms. M, who immediately said,” say yes please! I’ve wanted to show you the commercial for those”.  Thankfully, I was chosen.
fashion
Gutzy Gear

Don’t have a tween talking in your ear about Gutzy Gear? From their website:
 Gutzy Gear is a great, new way to express yourself by customizing your back back, sports duffel, messenger bag, and more! Gutzies are cool looking removable patches. Gutzies stick to a Gutzy strap cover that you put wherever you want to go Gutzy! With 56 Gutzies in a series and new Gutzies constantly being introduced, you can collect and trade a world of Gutzies.
Fast forward to Saturday afternoon.  What do you get when you have a group of tween girls, games, snacks and Gutzy Gear?
A fabulously fun afternoon filled with lots of giggles and bonding. It’s amazing what you can learn about your kids and their friends when you sit back in another room and let them be creative.  The girls loved drawing versions of Gutzy Gear patches. Even though we could have played Gutzy Bingo, or a matching game, the drawing was a hit.
 I got to be the “judge” and pick my favorite drawings to see who got to draw their Gutzy patches from the grab bag first. That was a really fun part for me because I loved seeing how creative and talented they were!
After the drawing was done, the girls ripped into the patches but only after a few trades had been made.  They loved how soft the straps were and all of them commented on helpful they were going to be with their heavy backpacks. If you’ve ever hefted your 4th graders backpack, you know their shoulders could use the T.L.C.



Afterwards I served a light snack and much to the girls surprise 2 hours had past and it was time for them to pack up.  
Here is Ms. M's backpack: 

 *2/19/13: I have removed the pictures associated with this post due to a large number of visits from websites in foreign countries.*
We had a blast at our Gutzy Gear party and would highly recommend them as a fun, creative activity for a sleep-over, birthday party, or play date. And, Moms- Gutzy Gear isn’t just for girls! They have the boys covered too.  
Head on over to Gutzy Gear and check out their current buy 1 get one get 1 free deal. Also, between now and September 7th, your kids can win 1 of 100 Toys ‘R Us gift cards, worth more than $5000 by showing us how you “go gutzy”. Visit their Facebook page HERE for more details.


Thank you to Mom Select and Gutzy Gear for sending me a home party box to host this party. I was not compensated. All opinions are my own.




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Back To School

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Yesterday was the first full day of school for us.

watch out for buses
Watch out for school buses and school zones!


Ms. T and I start our days at 5:35a.m. It is hard to get up that early! No amount of prepping and doing dry runs can truly make you feel happy about greeting the day at this hour. But, we try.  

Ms. T is a good sport.  She sets her own alarm and then actually gets up and turns it off. Not many 8th graders do that. I didn’t. I relied on my parents. Since both of them worked, I could lay there for “just one more minute” knowing one or both of them would rouse me.

As a work at home Mom, I know I am blessed to have the ability to stand in my kitchen each morning, cup of coffee in hand, talking with my girls and husband, helping them be prepared for their day. 

It was and still is the lifestyle choice that works best for our family. I am a work at home Mom- a Hybrid, balancing both, but putting more emphasis on home than on career. Still,  I can see both sides clearly. And can honestly say:  All Moms Work Hard!  No Mom judgments’ here!

As our girls enter 8th and 4th grade this year, I know it’s not going to be all peaches and cream, but I’m trusting in the Lord and a good, solid routine. 
To me, routines are just as important now as they were when my daughters were babies. Sameness when it comes to waking, eating, homework, sleeping;   etc. is a very good thing!

Have your children started back to school yet? If so, what do you add or subtract from your routine during the school months?  Do you have a set routine, or do you wing it?

For me, I add volunteering at both schools, getting together with girlfriends for a quick coffee and going to small business owner meetings. I subtract late night movies.

Here's wishing you and your children a happy, safe, productive school year!


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