Did you know that September is International Women’s friendship Month? It’s true! Women’s Friendship Day, started in 1999 by Kappa Delta sorority, was changed to a full month celebration of women’s friendships in 2009 because the day of celebration became so popular. I was thrilled to learn that I’d been selected to review and give away the new Fabulous Friends collection as part of the Love, Hallmark blogger group.  While I  did receive complimentary products for my post today, all opinions, love of beautiful products and friendships are 100% my own.



#LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends prize pack, journal, home decor, soap and cards



Not to toot my own horn, but over the years friends and relations have told me I’m a witty lady, so it's only natural that my eye was drawn to the lovely pillow in the Fabulous Friends collection first.  



Let's get happy up in here pillow #Witty #happy #homedecor


Isn’t it the cutest? 


Here’s more information about each piece in the Fabulous Friends Collection and my ideas on which of your friends would love to receive them.


Pretty Witty Happy Large Pillow: “Bring happiness into your life with this oversized, embroidered pillow. The pom-pom attachments are sure to put a smile on your face!”

This pillow really does make us smile each and every time we see it. In fact, my girls and I have decided that this shall be our traveling pillow, moving from room to room because it is just that witty and stylish


This pillow would be perfect for your women friends who love:
  • Home décor shopping - (Hello, Pottery Barn!)
  • Decorating - (Do you move her pillows when you visit? She needs this one, too!)
  • Being crafty - (The attention to detail will have them admiring this pillow.)




Never Quit. Unless you hate it.  journal #Witty #gifts




Pretty Witty Never Quit Journal: Perfect for jotting quick notes or logging the day's events, this softcover journal has metallic accents and a satin ribbon bookmark.” The aspirational yet optimistic quote on the cover reads “Never quit. Unless you hate it.” 



This journal is so cool and stylish, it is almost too perfect to mar by using it. But, writing in it is what your women friends will want to do if they are:

  • Journal keepers - (Look at witty me, pointing out the obvious!)
  • Students or teachers - (They are processing tons of information all day; help them get it down in style.)
  • Organizers or list makers - (Raises and waggles hand fervently!) I do so LOVE a good list and a game plan! Oh, and the doodling I would do while talking on the phone? Yes!




Orange and Amber scented hand soap #friendship #gifts




Crafters & Co. Liquid Soap: “Give your skin a treat! Made with essential oils, these soaps are available in eight soothing scents and feel as fresh and comforting as they smell.” 


We received the Orange Amber scented hand soap and it smells like fall weather feels!  It smells and works fabulously!! Give this gift to your women friends who love:

  • Gardening - (Got a deadheading friend? A digger of dirt? Then her hands deserve this soothing and fragrant hand soap!)
  • Cooking - (Hello garlic and herbs, I’m looking at you and your tasty, yet odorific selves!)
  • New mom - (She is going to be washing her hands a lot, like, all day and night! She’ll appreciate the little hug for her hands.)



Keep your friends close picture frame #witty #homedecor #gifts




Pretty Witty Keep Friends Close Framed Art: “Express your style and spunk at home or the office. This painted frame showcases the quote “Keep your friends close and your wine closer.” 


I’m not much of a wine drinker, unless a friend makes sangria, but I am a lover of a good quote and this lil’ frame has got a killer quote. Your women friends will love this if they:

  • Wear green - (Fashionistas tend to decorate their homes and offices in colors they wear and this shade of green is on trend this fall.)
  • Shares quotes and memes - (I see you, Instagram friends, smiling because I notice your efforts!)
  • Drinks wine - (Again, I must point out the obvious gift recipient, for continuity in my witty post!)




Pineapple freindship cards #witty #oldschoolcool




Signature Greetings Pineapple Card: “This adorable embellished card is blank on the inside, leaving plenty of space to write a personalized note to a special friend! “ 



I have never met a woman who doesn’t love receiving a special card, especially if it’s got a heartfelt note written inside. I love the pineapple on the front because it’s the universal symbol for welcome or hospitality, making these cards a perfect gift for your women friends who are:

  • The hostess with the mostest - (Her face popped in your mind when you read hostess, because she is the best at tailgates, parties and last minute anythings. Send her this card and watch her shine!)
  • Realtors - (I can’t think of a better card for a realtor to leave on the kitchen counter with thanks for working with her, can you?)
  • Techies - (Make that one friend who does EVERYTHING via her phone put it down and ponder the beauty of old school cool when you send her this card in the mail with a stamp!)




Now that I’ve got you thinking of all your different Fabulous Friends, why not take a chance and enter to win your very own #LoveHallmark Fabulous Friends collection? Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.



If you are all set to make a purchase, which is fantastic of you and your take-action self -- head on over to Hallmark.com and shop away.  Be sure to get social on Facebook and Twitter, too to stay in the loop on sales and the latest collection of cards and gifts.



Win It!

#LoveHallmark 5 piece Fabulous Friends gift collection prize



One lucky reader will receive a five-piece Fabulous Friends collection set from Love, Hallmark -- containing one of each product mentioned in the post (your products may vary slightly from mine).

Terms: 


No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Please share in comments: Which Hallmark Fabulous Friend product is your favorite and why. 
Happy Friday and happy September dear readers! It was a glorious 66 degrees outside this morning, so I took full advantage of the coolness by spending time in my neglected flowerbeds. The breeze felt so good and listening to all the birds and squirrels in my yard reminded me Fall is coming! I can't think of a better way to spend a pleasant fall day with my family than at a local farm. If you live in the greater metro Nashville, TN. area, you are going to want to visit Fiddle Dee Farms in Hendersonville!




About Fiddle Dee Farms and Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch:



Fiddle Dee Farms in Hendersonville, TN





"Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch located at Fiddle Dee Farms has been getting families lost in the corn for over seven years. Come spend the afternoon and have hours of fun. New this year is our large Fiddle Dee Jumping Pillow (see photo below) and Rope Maze. Pet the animals and ride the 40' Super Slide. Come buy a pumpkin, decorate it and race it in The Great Pumpkin Derby -- new this year at Fiddle Dee Farm. Over twenty-five activities included in General Admission."



Check out the new jumping pillow at Fiddle Dee Farms



Mark your calendars now because the Fall fun starts September 24, 2016 and goes through  November 6, 2016!




Pumpkin bowling for the little ones at Fiddle Dee Farms, Hendersonville, TN.




Important Updates and Savings:

Visit Music City Kids to get $2.00 off Shuckles Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch! Shuckles corn maze and pumpkin patch has moved, but not very far! Come see their new pumpkin town, wild Fiddle Dee kingdom and Fiddle Dee sticks hollow! This sounds like lots of Fall fun for the whole family! I'll be sure to share photos when my family and I visit soon. 



Disclosure: My family and I will receive complimentary admission to Fiddle Dee Farms as part of the blogger family at US Family Guide, for sharing this announcenent post and after visiting, sharing our family day! All opinions and love of local fun spots are my own. 
Labor day is drawing ever closer and my home and garden magazines are chock full of delightful “fall” desserts, tempting me to bake pies and breads and cookies! Tempting as all those recipes are, it’s still too hot for me to consider having my oven on for more than a quick broil here and there, so I was thrilled when asked to try out the latest THINaddictives cookies from Nonni’s. We got to indulge our sweet tooth with dark chocolate almond thins when I received a complimentary  box of items from Nonni’s who did the baking for us.  If it’s still too hot for you to bake sweet treats as well, then this giveaway is for you! All opinions expressed are my own.


Nonnis dark chocolate almond thin cookies are perfect with fruit



About Nonni’s Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives:

Made for dark chocolate lovers wanting a guilt-free treat, each cookie is lightly drizzled with real, dark chocolate.  


Nonni's dark chocolate almond THINaddictives #snacks


Nonni’s new line of THINaddictives comes in three tasty flavors:


Dark Chocolate Almond Banana:

My daughters liked these best, noting they could tell these were made with real bananas and the dark chocolate drizzle had just the right amount of sweetness.

Double Dark Chocolate Almond:

These were my favorite, which came as no surprise to anyone! I love dark chocolate and almonds! I love that I could see and taste the chunks of almonds.

Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond:

These were my husband’s favorite, with good reason. The flavor profile is subtle, yet very tasty. He wants to pair them with some cream cheese and grapes.


I served each flavor of Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives with fruit for and afternoon snack and found it a delightful flavor combination!


Peaches and dark chocolate almond cookie thins


I can feel good about my family enjoying these since each treats average 70 to 80 calories and come in pre-portioned freshness packs with two almond thins each, making it the perfect on the go snack for busy families!


I invite you to learn more about the Nonni’s brand by getting social with them. As a small business owner, I’m always intrigued by the family behind the brand. Learn more about their newest line of THINaddictives featuring dark chocolate and almond here. Be sure to visit them on Facebook and Twitter as well. 


Win It:


Nonni's dark chocolate almond THINaddictives prize pack #giveaway



Would you liked to indulge your sweet tooth with Nonni's Dark Chocolate Almond thin cookies? Thanks to the generous folks at Nonni’s, one lucky winner will receive one box of each new Dark Chocolate Almond THINaddictives (3 full size boxes with 7 pouches each).


Terms: 

No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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!




Please share in comments: Which new dark chocolate almond THINaddictives flavor will you try first if you win?

Wordless Wednesday: Morning Dew

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, August 24, 2016



Berries dripping with morning dew #nature






Clematis bloom soaking in the much needed moisture from morning dew






Rose of Sharon flower with dew drops #nature




Please share in comments: Do you take early morning garden/nature walks too?
It’s a special day at our house- we have made it through another full week of back to school! Friday means slowing down, no alarms going off at 5:15 am on Saturday and because I’m feeling festive- a giveaway for you! 

I love kicking off the weekend with a giveaway any chance I get and you are in for a sweet treat this time. My thanks to Fiber One for sending me a cute tote bag, coupons and complimentary Fiber One bars to try and giveaway. All opinions and love of Friday’s and sweet treats are my own.



Fiber One Cheesecake bars tote and new flavors #giveaway



Keeping good for you, or at the very least better for you snacks in the pantry for my family is a priority for me all year, but most especially when school is in session. My girls get off the bus famished every afternoon. I always have bowls of fresh fruit available and they eat multiple servings a day- but sometimes they just want something sweet and the new Fiber One cheesecake bars are a treat my family can’t resist.




Fiber One Chocolate cheesecake bars




The first box opened was the chocolate Fiber One cheesecake bars and I can see why. I adore most everything chocolate myself, so I was happy to let the girls grab a bar and take it with us as we ran errands after school. 




Treat yourself to Fiber One chocolate cheescake bars




They gave the sweet, chocolatey, chessecakey bar high praise and said it really was a sweet treat! I can feel good about serving Fiber One bars because they have 20% daily value of fiber with each small bar having 5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of fat and 150 calories. 




Fiber One Key Lime pie cheesecake bars



When my husband got home from work and asked for a quick snack before dinner snack, I offered him a Fiber One Cheesecake bar and he chose the Key Lime pie bars and loved it!! 



Treat yourself to Fiber One Key Lime pie cheesecake bars



The next day, the girls took a Key Lime pie cheesecake bar to school and believe it or not chocolate lovers everywhere- my family prefers the Fiber One Key Lime pie bars over the Chocolate!



I invite you to learn more about Fiber One Cheesecake bars by visiting their website. For more information and inspiration connect with them on Pinterest and Facebook



Win It:


Fiber One Cheesecake bars prize pack



Thanks to the great team at Fiber One, one lucky reader will win this prize pack! 1 cute Fiber One cheesecake bars tote, 1 box each of Fiber One Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, 1 box Fiber One Key Lime pie cheesecake bars and two coupons for free boxes to use later. 



Terms: 


No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter from below.  My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 24 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!




a Rafflecopter giveaway
Oh, August, you sultry, full on summer month you. I have a love/hate relationship with August because of all the heat and humidity in the south. I walk past my flower beds and cringe at the weeds popping up and the slightly uncared for vibe I seem to be cultivating this summer. I vow to get out there before it gets “too” hot tomorrow, but that’s the problem with August- it is just plain hot and it makes me lazy! I wish my flowerbeds looked like this, but sadly they don't even come close anymore.


Vincas and mulch #gardening how I want my flowerbeds to look


Gardening is more than a passing hobby to me, it feeds my soul and I miss the daily rewards when I don’t garden. I know I need to get back on track, just like a runner or dancer would after a hiatus from training. I’ve come up with 4 tips to ease back in to gardening after a break so I can be ready for fall and all its gardening glory and I wanted to share them with you today.


Tip One: Be kind and stop comparing my garden to others!

The first tip is what I would tell anyone trying something new, or reaching for a goal. Be kind to yourself. I’m going to cease all negative talk about the state of my garden and move forward.  In keeping with the kindness vein, I will also stop garden comparisons! It does me no good to see what others have done right now, which leads me to tip two.


Tip Two: Make a plan of action.

You know I love a good plan around here, so for me to overlook putting gardening time on my busy schedule was a recipe for disaster. If I’m honest here – I knew back at the beginning of June that I wasn’t allocating enough to gardening endeavors and I erroneously assumed life would slow down and I’d hit it hard the next weekend, but that next weekend never came. Now, I’m trying to make bite size jobs out of the mess that remains. That’s tip three.


Water container plants and herbs often #gardening



Tip Three: Take small steps towards your goal.

I’ve decided the best course of action for me here is to break up my gardening tasks into 15 minute increments, like this. Since I work at home, my schedule is a little more flexible. 

  • Early- morning (after kids are on bus and hubby is off to work): pull weeds and dead head a quarter section of front flower bed.  Add Vinca and Marigolds to borders and containers to add pops of color now.
  • Mid- morning break: water all container plants/herbs. Dead head as needed. Pick tomatoes/berries as needed.
  • Late afternoon: take a 15 walk around property with family. Make mental notes of what needs done. Pick up sticks/branches as needed. Take to burn pile.
  • Dusk: Water again as needed. Fill bird feeders. Change bird bath water. Start adding mulch to cleared areas.





plant container plants for pops of color


Tip four: Visualize what your garden looks like in the next season and add plantings where needed.

I’ve always thought of our home as a “fall” home. Maybe it’s because we first looked at our home and bought it in the fall. I fell in love with the trees and pond and beautiful sweeping green lawns. Maybe it’s because secretly, I’m a fall gardener at heart, preferring the rich colors of Mums and Asters and the blessedly cooler temperatures. Whatever the reason, my lack of gardening this summer is going to make planning for fall critical.

Thankfully, I made note of what was doing well in my garden last fall, so I know I need to focus on bulbs this fall. Some bulbs need to be divided, like my bearded Iris, while I’ll need to replace other bulbs like Crocus because an industrious critter dug the up. 


Now that I’ve mapped out ways to get my garden back on track, I will be adding a daily gardening task reminder to my planner and on my phone, just like I would for exercising or picking up the girls from an after school event, because gardening is such a rewarding way to spend your time. Communing with nature is great for the body, mind and spirit. 



Please share in comments: Do you have a favorite gardening season? What makes it your favorite season?

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