Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE BODYARMOR Sports Drink, any variety (16 oz)(you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Other Mothers' Sale

Other Mothers, a children's consignment store, in Boise is having a 25¢ sale on December 30th and 31st from 10 am to 3 pm. Starting at 2 pm, you can fill a bag and pay just $2. Other Mothers is located at 10422 Fairview in Boise.

Other Mothers will also have some Junior and Adults items for 25¢.

What to Do When a Stranger Takes a Picture of Your Child

I was sitting in an airplane, happened to glance in front of me and saw a picture of my son on someone else's phone. I glanced again. I was shocked and wondered why they would take a picture of him. I told my husband and he asked the people in front of us about it. They denied it and gave a random excuse. My husband was firm and said, "It's not okay." It scared and worried us that a stranger would just snap a picture of someone else's kid. I looked online and sure enough other parents that have had the same issue of random strangers taking pictures of their kids. Some parents have grabbed the phone from strangers only to see dozens of pictures of kids. Some parents talked to police about it, but there was nothing they could really do about it. The following weekend we were on an airplane again and I was sitting next to someone. I had my daughter on my lap. The stewardess came to ask the other person to move to a different seat and I glanced down to get something and noticed that on the stranger's phone was a picture of my daughter. I immediately asked her about it. The stranger said it must have been an accident and said she would delete it. I watched her delete it and move to another seat. I learned a few things from these experiences:

1. Be aware of people with phones around you - Now days, everyone walks around with their phone in their hands and has instant access to a camera. Watch around for someone who has their phone aimed at your child or seems interested in your child. Be aware of your surroundings.

2. If you see a stranger with a picture of your child on their phone or taking a picture of your child, immediately say something and let them know that it's not okay. If you catch them in the act, it's hard for them to deny it. Make sure that you also speak loudly enough that others around you can hear you too. Embarrassment can help prevent someone from doing it to someone else and help them to realize it's not okay.

3. Speak out when someone is doing something that makes you comfortable or fear for the safety of your child. If you aren't comfortable, speak out. The more we speak out, the less the practice becomes the norm.

4. Be very careful about posting pictures online. Here's a great article on why you should be safe, click here.

5. If you see someone taking a picture of someone's kid and the parent doesn't seem to be aware. Please speak out and say something. I would appreciate it and I am sure the parent would too.

You may wonder what's the big deal? The big deal is I worry about the safety of my children. I don't know why the stranger is taking a picture of my child and what they plan to do with it. I am sure other parents feel the same way too. I have a greater understanding of how celebrities feel when they are hounded by paparazzi....violated. If you do want to take a picture of someone even if you know them, you should ALWAYS ASK FIRST and be okay with whatever response they give you.

Additional Sources:

1. What to Do If a Stranger Photographs Your Child
2. What Should You Do When a Strangers Takes Photos of Your Child
3. Mom Says Stranger Snapped Pics of Her Child in Walmart 
4. When a Stranger Takes Photographs
5. Strangers Taking Pictures of Your Child --creepy or criminal?

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE Kraft Ranch Dressing, any variety (16 oz) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories Review and Giveaway

Since it's release in 1989 and with over 25 million products sold, The Beginner's Bible has introduced young children to the stories and characters of the bible. Recently, The Beginner's Bible® was redesigned with fresh new art. With the new art and easy-to-read text, kids will enjoy over 90 Bible stories from Noah building the ark, Jonah and the whale and Jesus healing others. In 2006,
The Beginner's Bible®, was named 2006 Retailers Choice Award winner in Children's Nonfiction.

It was easy to read stories to my kids from The Beginner's Bible®. The stories were easy for my kids to understand and to hold their attention. I liked that the Bible stories were simplified for young audiences. I've been reading parts of the Christmas story in the New Testament to my children and its really hard for them to understand the story since the words are harder and more complex. I think its important to continue reading scriptures to children so that they can get used to the language and have supplements on their level to help them understand the stories and messages like The Beginner's Bible. Other supplements I've used include: felt figures, pictures, retelling after reading a verse in a simplified manner and etc. I am excited to continue using The Beginner's Bible in my home. The illustrations are also attractive to kids. It made the stories more fun and entertaining.  After reading
The Beginner's Bible, my daughter liked flipping through the pages and examining the pictures. To learn more about The Beginner's Bible, check out the following links:

• Official website 
• Facebook 
• Twitter
• Trailer / book trailer
• Amazon

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has generously donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories (retail value of $16.99) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until 12 am on December 27, 2016  wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner. Please note that if you have a won a prize from the sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win or if you have won the same prize on another blog. Please read the disclosure down below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.” 

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

Star Struck Review

Kathi Oram Peterson's Star Struck stars Mercedes Grant, who is known for her action-hero role of Stormy Ryan. Mercedes escapes to take a relaxing break in her remote cabin near Idaho's Snake River seeking relief only to find she has a cold, parents and a stalker she can't shake. She meets the town's physician, Luke Parker, and finds an unexpected illness and a friend.

To be honest, I only picked up this book because I wanted something to read and was getting tired of the books I had at home. The summary on the back and the cover wasn't engaging enough to seem interesting, however, I was pleasantly surprised. The actual story and characters were interesting and engaging. The story contained suspense, romance and action. At times the suspense felt a little forced when the author made recommendations of different stalker suspects, but the rest of the book flowed easily. I love characterizations of Mercedes' parents and Winona, Luke's 90-some year old nurse. The minor characters were just as memorable as the major characters. To learn more, click here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Deck the Holiday with Deals

Kroger has a promotion going on called Deck the Holiday with Deals. From now until December

19th, Kroger posts digital deals that you can load to your store card. Each deal must be loaded to your card the day that its posted. Please note that this does include Kroger store and their affiliates.

Today Kroger has a deal where you could load a coupon to your card for ONE (1) Pillsbury Cake Mix. Even if you're not a fan of cake, it might be a great gift for a friend or item for the local food bank. Click here to see the deal.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE Arnott's Tim Tam Cookies, any variety (6.2-7.0 oz ) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette Review and Giveaway

Max Davis weaves personal stories, heartwarming stories of others and shares his own testimony of Jesus in his book, When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette. The book reveals how God loves us and knows us. God also shows his love through sometimes miraculous experiences or through others. Davis encourages the reader to find Jesus and allow him to change us for the better.


I enjoyed some of the experiences that Davis shared from his own life and from other people's lives. The stories were heart-warming spiritual experiences. The overall text speaks of God's love and how He really loves His children. That is an easy thing to forget in life, but important to remember. Sometimes the author had a rougher tone compared to most spiritual books that have a soft tone. The rougher tone was at times distracting. Overall, the book was interesting and I think most mainstream Christian audiences will gain something by reading it. To learn more about, When Jesus Was A Green-Eyed Brunette, click here.

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has generously donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, When Jesus Was a Green-Eyed Brunette (retail value of $15.99) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until 12 am on December 22, 2016  wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner. Please note that if you have a won a prize from the sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win or if you have won the same prize on another blog. Please read the disclosure down below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Please note that this post contains an affiliate link.

Cheap and Easy Non-Candy Ideas For Kids' Stockings

It's hard for Santa Claus to come up with cheap and easy non-candy ideas for kids' stockings. Santa typically gets most of the items for my children's stockings at the dollar store or from the grocery store. Santa can also use Kroger Friday Freebie items to help full stockings although those are typically candy.

Santa usually asks himself two questions when looking for stocking stuffers:

1. What does the child like?
2. What does the child need?

 Here are some ideas:

1. Socks: Every kid needs new pairs of socks to replenish the lost and holey. Santa got some of the socks free and super cheap this year. Eddie Bauer sent a $10 coupon via email, a 50% off code and free shipping making two $10 pair of socks free. Santa also used a JcPenney $10 off $10 or more coupon to get a 6-pack of children's socks for $2. To find out more how to save money on clothes and/or socks, check out my post here.
2. Applesauce Pouches: My kids typically devour these in one mouthful, but they like them. I typically buy them for them for holidays. Non-holidays, I buy a jar of applesauce.
3. Coloring Books
4. Watercolor Paints
5. New Crayons (replace the broken)
6. Cheap dollar store toys 
7. Cheap dollar store books
8. Cheap hair accessories (for girls)
9. Teddy Graham Cookies
10. Animal Crackers
11. Orange/Fruit
12. Bubbles
13. Play-doh
14. Fun Bath Mits
15. Stickers
16. Bouncy Balls
17. New Toothbrushes
18. Fruit Snacks
19. New Water Bottles/ Cups
20. Markers

What are some of your ideas?

Love at First Note Review

Jenny Proctor's Love at First Note tells the story of Emma Hill. Emma steps down from being concertmaster with the Cleveland Orchestra and moves back to her hometown in Asheville, North Carolina. She soon collides with Elliot Hart, a famous You Tube piano sensation. Elliot and Emma have an awkward first meeting, but soon find that there is mutual harmony that should be explored.

I wanted to read this book, Love at First Note, ever since I saw the cover and read the summary. The story lived up to my expectations. It was a fun, enjoyable read especially for those that like music. I also liked the characters in the book. Each character had their own traits, personality, talents, flaws, awkwardness and more. The story wasn't sappy, read smoothly and kept my interest. To learn more about Love at First Note, click here. 

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Kroger Deck the Holiday with Deals

Kroger has a promotion going on called Deck the Holiday with Deals. From now until December 19th, Kroger posts digital deals that you can load to your store card. Each deal must be loaded to your card the day that its posted. Please note that this does include Kroger store and their affiliates.

Today Kroger has a deal where you could load a coupon to your card for FREE 7-up. Even if you're not a fan of 7-up, it might be a great gift for a friend or item for the local food bank. Click here to see the deal.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE Werther's Original, any variety (4.51-5.5 oz) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Heart of Gold Review

In Jeanette Miller's Heart of Gold, Ashlynn Carter feels vulnerable like the roses outside of her new home after discovering a horrible secret following her husband's death. When she moves back to her hometown, she's ready for a new start. Her new start comes off to a rocky start when a long forgotten embarrassing memory is about to resurface.

The Heart of Gold is full of drama. Some of the drama is caused by the main character, Ashlynn, who is unwilling to let others into her life and help her. At times, the drama was a little annoying and other times it motivated me to keep turning the pages. The author, Jeanette Miller, creates a vast number of characters full of personality that are easy to remember and visualize. This isn't a book I would reread over and over again, but it was entertaining enough to read once for fun. To learn more, click here.

Kroger Deck the Holidays With Deals

Kroger has a promotion going on called Deck the Holiday with Deals. From now until December
19th, Kroger posts digital deals that you can load to your store card. Each deal must be loaded to your card the day that its posted. Please note that this does include Kroger store and their affiliates.

Today Kroger has a deal where you could load a coupon to your card for FREE Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts. Even if you're not a fan of dry roasted peanuts, it might be a great gift for a friend or item for the local food bank. Click here to see the deal.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon 1 FREE Kraft Barbecue Sauce (17.5-18 oz., any variety)(you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Help U-Swirl Decorate for the Season

Come to a U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt location (in the Treasure Valley) December 1-7th from 7 to 9 pm to make a paper snowflake. The paper snowflakes will be used to decorate the store. If you put your name and phone number on the snowflake, you could win a $10 U-Swirl Gift Card.

U-Swirl is located at:

3319 N. Eagle Road in Meridian, Idaho
8184 W. Overland Rd in Boise, Idaho

Click here for more information.

Things to Do in Boise for December

Are you looking for things to do in Boise? Here's a listing of some of the events happening in Boise
(area) for December:

• November 24, 2016 – January 1, 2017 Winter Garden aGlow with the Idaho Botanical Garden (Closed on November 29 – December 1 for private parties). See a dazzling display of over 300,000 lights artfully displayed. Gates open at 6pm. To learn more and see the pricing of tickets, click here.
• December 1-17, 2016 - Downtown Carriage Rides from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Downtown Carriage rides circle from 9th and Bannock to Capitol. FREE. Click here for more information.
• December 1, 2016 - Bear's Slumber Party Puppet Show at the Boise Main Library at 10:30 am. FREE. Click here for more details.
• December 2, 2016 - Bear's Slumber Party Puppet Show at the Boise Main Library at 2:00 pm. FREE. Click here for more details. 
• December 2, 2016 - Claus 'n Paws at Zoo Boise from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Zoo Boise is offering a FREE admission day to thank the members of the community. To find out more, click here.
• December 5, 2016 - Meet Me Mondays at the Boise Towne Mall from 7:45 am to 10 am. Weekly family friendly walk/run event. Incentives and prizes for continued participation. Click here for more information.
• December 7, 2016 - Steelheads Hat Trick Winter Reading Program Kick-off Party at the Boise Main Library from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Meet some Idaho Steelheads hockey players and sign-up for the winter reading program to get FREE Hockey Tickets. Click here for more information.
• December 10, 2016 - Gift Wrapping and Ornament Making at the Cole and Ustick Libary at 2:00 pm. Come bring your gifts to wrap and make a fun ornament. FREE. Click here for more information.
• December 14, 2016 - Holiday Sing-Along at Library! at Collister from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Click here for more information.
• December 17, 2016 - Christmas Run with Treasure Valley YMCA starting at 10 am. To find out more information or to register, please click here.
• December 19, 2016 - DIY Gift Wrapping Station at the Boise Main Library. Click here for more information. 
• December 31, 2016 - Idaho Potato Drop at the State Capitol. Celebrate the coming of the new year with fireworks, live music and more. Click here for more information.

Events in RED are free.

If you have a family-friendly event in the Boise area you would like listed, please contact me through the contact page or lifeiswhatitscalled(at)gmail(dot)com. 

December Giveaways (low to moderate entry)

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog giveaways I've entered and found online. Check back often to see if I have posted more giveaways. I try and post them as I find them.

If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me. If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 1, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 1, 2016) 
Elena of Avalor Christmas Prize Pack (ends December 3, 2016)
$15 Starbucks Gift Card (ends December 4, 2016) 
Charlie the Tramp Book (ends December 5, 2016)
Bob's Red Mill Prize Pack (ends December 5, 2016)
Clairsonic Alpha Fit (ends December 5, 2016)
Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures (ends December 5, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 7, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 7, 2016)
$25 Uncommon Goods Gift Card (ends December 8, 2016)
Bear Naked Granola (ends December 8, 2016)
$100 Qdoba's Catering Gift Card (ends December 8, 2016)
Pampers Registry Kit (ends December 9, 2016) 
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends December 9, 2016)
Ball Brand Prize Pack (ends December 9, 2016) 
Holiday Prize Pack (ends December 10, 2016)
Karina Dress (ends December 11, 2016)
$25 Uncommon Goods Gift Card (ends December 11, 2016)
Six jars of Rigoni di Asiago Product (ends December 11, 2016)
Huggies Diapers and Wipes (ends December 12, 2016)
One Smithfield Coupon Book (ends December 12, 2016)
$50 Visa Gift Card (ends December 12, 2016)
$100 Payless Gift Card (ends December 12, 2016)
Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker (ends December 13, 2016)
Original Christmas Classics Anniversary Collectors Edition (ends December 13, 2016)
$50 Diapers.com Gift Card (ends December 13, 2016)
Best of Beauty Counter (ends December 14, 2016)
12 Home Run Pizza Coupons (ends December 14, 2016)
Chick-fil-a, Starbucks and Amazon Gift Card (ends December 15, 2016)
Wonderful Halos Prize Pack (ends December 16, 2016)
4moms bounceRoo (ends December 17, 2016) 
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 17, 2016)
American Girl Wellie Wishers Doll (ends December 18, 2016)
$10 Jamba Juice Gift Card (ends December 18, 2016)
$50 Amazon Gift Card (ends December 18, 2016)
$25 Vanilla Visa Gift Card (ends December 18, 2016) 
Fawn Design Bag and Eve's Tree Hoodie (ends December 18, 2016)
$100 Gift Card (ends December 19, 2016)
$100 Bob's Red Mill Gift Certificate (ends December 19, 2016) 
$50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card (ends December 19, 2016)
$100 Wild Dill Credit (ends December 20, 2016) 
Litehouse Prize Pack (ends December 21, 2016) 
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 21, 2016)
2 Packs of Huggies Diapers and Wipes (ends December 21, 2016)
Rodelle Vanilla Prize Pack (ends December 22, 2016)
When Jesus was a Green-Eyed Brunette Book (ends December 22, 2016)
Blake's Tote Bag and T-shirt (ends December 22, 2016)
$50 Pink Blush Gift Card (ends December 22, 2016) 
Hasbro Toys (ends December 22, 2016)
$25 Gift Card to JcPenney or TJ Max (ends December 22, 2016) 
$50 Cost Plus World Gift Card (ends December 23, 2016)
$100 Payless Gift Card (ends December 23, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends December 23, 2016)
Oliver Bilou Bag (ends December 25, 2016)
$50 Nordstrom Gift Card and $25 Bauble Bar Gift Card (ends December 25, 2016) 
Krusteaz Baking Kit (ends December 25, 2016) 
$100 Nordstrom Gift Card (ends December 25, 2016)
Krusteaz Cookie Basket (ends December 26, 2016)
The Beginner's Bible (ends December 27, 2016) 
$100 J. Crew Gift Card (ends December 28, 2016)
Stonyfield Product (ends December 29, 2016)
$10 Jamba Juice Gift Card (ends December 30, 2016) 
New Mama Prize Pack (ends December 31, 2016)
$50 Diapers.com (ends December 31, 2016)

#Light the World Christmas Service Calendar

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints created a 25 days of Christmas advent calendar. The calendar called Light the World provides multiple ideas and ways to help make your Christmas centered around Christ from donating items to a foodbank, collect winter clothing for a homeless shelter, call your parents and more. These are great ways to have a more meaningful Christmas. To learn more, click here.

The Earl's Betrothal Review

In The Earl's Betrothal by Karen Tuft, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves returns from war wounded both mentally and physically from the Pennisular War in 1812. Hargreaves discovers his older brother died placing him the next in line to inherit the estate. He's hesitant to accept those responsibilities until his dying Father pleads with him to marry and produce a heir to preserve their legacy. Hargreaves begins to find himself captivated with his mother's companion, Amelia Clarke and when he puts her in a compromising situation, he vows to protect her.


It was hard to like the characters in beginning of The Earl's Betrothal. The hero seemed very condescending to the heroine, Amelia and selfishly compromised her situation. The Earl grew on me the more he protected her standing and reputation despite that he was the one who brought it into question. Amelia also grew on me the more she stood strong during adverse trials. The characters in The Earl's Betrothal have depth and aren't afraid to show their flaws or to change for the better. I also enjoyed the twists in the story. There were several surprises that I wasn't expecting. Overall, the book was enjoyable read. To learn more about The Earl's Betrothal, click here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Charlie the Tramp Book Review and Giveaway

Charlie the Tramp by Russell Hoban, author of Bread and Jam for Frances, tells the story of Charlie the Beaver. Charlie's father and  grandfather both are beavers and do the work of beavers. Charlie decides he wants to be a tramp, "Tramps don’t have to learn how to chop down trees and how to roll logs and how to build dams. Tramps just tramp around and have a good time. Tramps carry sticks with little bundles tied to them. They sleep in a field when the weather is nice, and when it rains they sleep in a barn." Charlie sets off to become a tramp, but when he hear the soft trickle of water singing a song, will he be able to resist doing what beavers do best?

I enjoyed reading this story to my children. Charlie the Tramp is an older story (celebrating 50 years) and uses older terminology that will help stretch a children's vocabulary.  I like the lessons that it teaches too. Charlie wants to do as little as work as possible and just tramp around, but in the end he learns that there's something remarkable and wonderful about hard work and having a healthy balance in life. Charlie said, "'sometimes I like to tramp around, and sometimes I live to make ponds.'" There's not a lot of children's books that encourage a healthy life balance of working and playing.

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, Charlie the Tramp (retail value of $16) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until 12 am om December 5, 2016  wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner. Please note that if you have a won a prize from the sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win or if you have won the same prize on another blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please note that this post contains an affiliate link.

Other Mothers 25¢ Sale

Other Mothers, a children's consignment store, in Boise is having a 25¢ sale on November 25th and 26th from 10 am to 3 pm. Starting at 2 pm, you can fill a bag and pay just $2. Other Mothers is located at 10422 Fairview in Boise.

Kroger Friday Freebie on Thursday

Today only you can download a coupon Free Snickers Tree or Twix Santa Singles Receive ONE (1) FREE Snickers Tree (1.1 oz.) or Twix Santa Singles (1.06 oz.) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Thanksgiving Craft

Here's a great Thanksgiving Craft for families or kids - a Thankful Turkey. We made one for each member of our family. It's fun to hear what little kids are thankful for. My son had some sweet and funny things that he was grateful for. To make the Turkey:

You will need:
Brown, Yellow, Red and Orange Construction Paper
Brad
Marker
Scissors

Instructions:

Cut two circles out of construction paper (one brown). Cut a triangle that goes to the center out of the brown construction paper. Put the brown circle on top of the other and poke a hole through the center and insert a brad in the hole. Write I am Thankful for on the brown circle and move the triangle shape around the other and write down things you are grateful for or ask your child what they're grateful for. Cut out a head, feathers, waddle, beak and feat and glue to the circle. Add an eye with marker.

What Thanksgiving Crafts do you like to make?

Easy Thanksgiving Craft

It's hard to find easy crafts for little ones. Handprint Thanksgiving cards are an easy craft. I traced the hands of my daughter and son (making sure they're traced thumbs touched), cut out the hands, using a marker put on turkey features (eye, beak, red snood/wattle), write a message, fold over to make a card (or don't) and have your little ones decorate it. What crafts have you made with your children this season?

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE Sheba^® Perfect Portions™ Premium Food for Cats, any variety (2.6-2.75 oz.) (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

City of Boise Seeks Input on Compost

The City of Boise seeks input from its citizens on a curb-side compost pick-up program. The city council approved it and now the city is holding three open houses for citizens to provide feedback and ask questions.

The open houses will be held at the following locations and times:

• Tuesday, Nov. 22, 6-7 p.m. at the Library! at Cole & Ustick (7557 W. Ustick Rd.)
• Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. at the Library! at Collister (4724 W. State St.)
• Thursday, Dec. 1, 6-7 p.m. at the Library! at Hillcrest (5246 W. Overland Rd.)

If you are unable to attend the open houses, you can still provide feedback by taking the city’s online survey. The online survey will be open until December 1, 2016. Along with the three open houses and online survey, the City of Boise is planning on meeting with neighborhood associations across the city to for additional feedback. For more information, click here.

Christmas Love Letters From God: Bible Stories Review and Giveaway

Christmas Love Letters From God: Bible Stories by Glenys Nellist and illustrated by Rachel Clowes uses poetry and prose to tell the story of Christ's birth. The book includes seven stories beginning with Isaiah's prophesy of Christ's birth and ending with the visit from the three Wise Men. At the end of each story, is a letter to the child reading the story from God. There is a space in the letter to write the child's name. The letter is written as if God is speaking and helps the reader discover the wonder of Christmas. The age recommendation is children ages 4-8.


When we received the Christmas Love Letters From God: Bible Stories to review, I was a little concerned with the length of the text and I didn't think my three year old would enjoy it. The first time I read it to my kids - my daughter had no interest (but she's only 10-months) and my son's face was very serious. I was surprised when he picked it up the next day and asked me to read it to him again and since then he's asked for me to read it several times over. It has quickly become one of his favorite Christmas stories. The book shares the several short stories leading to the birth of Christ: Isaiah prophesying of Christ, Angel coming to Mary, Angel appearing to Joseph, Angel coming to the Shepherds, Wise Men visiting the Baby Jesus and etc. Each story also has a lift-the-flap love letter from God. The love letter from God shares God's love and shares how a part of the Christmas story can be applied in your own life. The love letters make the Christmas story more personal and helps to explain what we can learn from it. I think this is a book my children will continue to learn from and enjoy. The illustrations are also well done and kid-friendly.

Social Corner
To learn more about the author, Glenys Nellist:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

To learn more about the publisher, Zonderkidz:
Twitter
Facebook

YouTube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjKR8EQZIMo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRvPolXBqOY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob_8I-uPZpU

To learn more/buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

GoodReads

Zondervan

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, Christmas Love Letters From God: Bible Stories (retail value of $16.99) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until November 4, 2016 wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner. Please note that if you have a won a prize from the sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win or if you have won the same prize on another blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please note that this post contains an affiliate link.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon 1 FREE Dannon Oikos Yogurt (blue cup, 5-5.3 oz., includes 0%, 3% or Crunch). Redeem by November 27, 2016 (you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Free Doughnut For Veterans

On November 11th, participating Krispy Kreme restaurants a FREE coffee and doughnut to VETS and Active Duty Military! To find out more, click here.

Free Personal Size Pizza for Vets at Chuck E Cheese

Free Personal size pizza at Chuck E Cheese on November 11th for VETS and Active Duty Military ! Military ID or proof of service is required. To find out more, click here.

Free Pancakes For Veterans

On November 11th from 7 am to 7 pm, participating IHOP restaurants are offering a short stack of Red, White & Blue Pancakes for VETS and Active Duty Military for FREE! Military ID or proof of service is required. To find out more, click here.

 

The Sheriffs of Savage Wells Review

In The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah Eden, Paisley Bell has been the acting sheriff of Savage Wells for several months, when the town council decides to see if anyone else is willing to take the job. Paisley's most concerned about the famed lawman, Cade O'Brien, who sees the new sheriff position as a perfect position for him to settle down away from rough and wild towns. Sparks fly when Bell and O'Brien argue, flirt and try to out-seat the other competition. Who will win the coveted sheriff position?

I've read all of Sarah Eden's books and I am a huge fan. I started on the books almost two years ago and quickly read all of them.]The plot was well organized and included a mystery, a heist, a worrisome parent, colorful townsfolk, feminism and more. I could easily visualize the town and the lives of characters though her writing. I think The Sheriffs of Savage Wells is an enjoyable and fun western. To learn more about The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, click here.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

Toddler or Preschool Activity: Counting with Stickers

My toddler loves stickers. He loves to stick them on paper and create art masterpieces. We decided to use stickers in a different way and make counting cards. I placed a number sticker on a card (you can also write the number on the card) and told my son to place the amount of stickers on the card that matched the number. He enjoyed playing with stickers and he also practiced his counting skills.

How do you like to practice counting with your kids?

Things to Do with a Toddler: Sensory Bin with Beans

Sensory activities are great fun for kids, help them explore different textures, use their senses (touch) and explore. I took a roasting pan and filled it with dried black beans from our food storage. I also pulled out a canning funnel, dinosaurs, cups, and bowls to use with the beans. My son enjoyed scooping the beans, marching the dinosaurs in the beans and more. Kids enjoy playing with something new and this was easy to set-up and clean-up. This is especially great for cold or rainy days when kids are stuck in doors. What types of sensory activities do your kids enjoy?

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) FREE Hershey's Kisses Deluxe (4 ct/1.2 oz)(you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Things to Do In Boise For November

Are you looking for things to do in Boise? Here's a listing of some of the events happening in Boise
(area) for November:

• November 4, 2016 - Vote for Owl at the Boise Main Library at 10:30 am. The birds are having an election for the mayor of birdland. The birds aren't sure they should vote for owl with his nocturnal schedule. FREE. Click here for more details.
• November 5, 2016 - Vote for Owl at the Boise Main Library at 2 pm. The birds are having an election for the mayor of birdland. The birds aren't sure they should vote for owl with his nocturnal schedule. FREE. Click here for more details.
• November 5, 2016 - Elephant and Piggie Storytime at the Boise Library at Cole and Ustick at 3:30 pm. Come to a special Elephant and Piggie Storytime (books by Mo Willems) and the library will be giving away a few free tickets  to see Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play!” at the Morrison Center on Friday, November 11th. FREE. Click here for more details.
• November 5, 2016 - Zeitgeist Half Marathon at the Optimist Youth Sports Park. Click here for more details.
• November 11, 2016 - Veteran's Day Run at the Veteran's Memorial Park (11k, 5k or 1mile walk). Click here for more information. 
• November 12, 2016 - Deseret Windsong Flute Concert at the Boise Library at Cole and Ustick at 1 pm. FREE. Click here for more details.
• November 19, 2016 - Turkey Trot Relay at Ann Morrison Park starting at 8:30 am. Each team member will run a two-mile loop.  The team closest to their predicted time will win a turkey for each team member! To learn more, click here. 
•  November 24, 2016 – January 1, 2017 Winter Garden aGlow with the Idaho Botanical Garden (Closed on November 29 – December 1 for private parties). See a dazzling display of over 300,000 lights artfully displayed. Gates open at 6pm. To learn more and see the pricing of tickets, click here.

If you have a family-friendly event in the Boise area you would like listed, please contact me through the contact page or lifeiswhatitscalled(at)gmail(dot)com. 

November Giveaways (low to moderate entry)

I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog giveaways I've entered and found online. Check back often to see if I have posted more giveaways. I try and post them as I find them.

If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me. If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends November 1, 2016)
$25 Applebee's Gift Card (ends November 2, 2016)
$50 Dick Sporting Goods (ends November 2, 2016)
Cricut Air Explore Air 2 Prize Bundle (ends November 3, 2016) 
Foster Farms Corn Dog Coupons (ends November 3, 2016)
$75 Pink Blush Gift Card (ends November 4, 2016)
$50 Container Store eGift Card (ends November 6, 2016)
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends November 6, 2016)
Foster Farms Coupons (ends November 6, 2016)
One Item from Pebble Creek Prints (ends November 6, 2016)
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends November 7, 2016)
Dreamfarm Levups, Supoon and Mini Supoon (ends November 7, 2016)
$50 Kmart Gift Card (ends November 8, 2016)
Krusteaz Prize Pack (ends November 9, 2016)
$25 Applebee's Gift Card (ends November 9, 2016)
$50 Amex Gift Card and Dreft Product (ends November 11, 2016)
4 Jennie-O $5 Coupons and Turkey Platter (ends November 11, 2016)
$50 Uptown Cheapskate (ends November 12, 2016)
Wonderful Halos Prize Pack (ends November 13, 2016)
If You Give a Mouse a Brownie Prize Pack (ends November 15, 2016)
Baby Magic Products and $25 Visa Gift Card (ends November 15, 2016)
Baby Magic Products and $25 Visa Gift Card (ends November 15, 2016) 
$100 Minted and Tea Collection Gift Card (ends November 16, 2016)
$50 Fred Meyer Gift Card (ends November 16, 2016)
$50 Fred Meyer Gift Card (ends November 16, 2016) 
$50 Fred Meyer Gift Card (ends November 17, 2016)
Halos Prize Pack (ends November 17, 2016)
$50 Fred Meyer Gift Card (ends November 17, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 18, 2016)
$50 Diapers.com Gift Card (ends November 19, 2016)
Jennie-O Oven Ready Whole Turkey (ends November 19, 2016) 
If You Give a Mouse a Brownie Prize Pack (ends November 19, 2016)
$50 Visa Gift Card (ends November 20, 2016)
Hallmark Decorative Santa Ornament (ends November 20, 2016)
$250 Draper James Gift Card (ends November 20, 2016)
The Magnolia Story (ends November 20, 2016)
1 HappyMeetsHome Print (ends November 21, 2016)
Disney Magic Holiday Light Projector (ends November 21, 2016)
Hamilton Beach Professional Sous Vide and Slow Cooker (ends November 21, 2016) 
$25 Dicks Sportings Goods Gift Card (ends November 22, 2016) 
Littles Style Prize Pack (ends November 22, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 22, 2016)
$100 Fleming's Steakhouse Gift Card (ends November 22, 2016)
Wonderful Halos Prize Pack (ends November 22, 2016)
4 Jennie-O $5 Coupons (ends November 23, 2016)
$100 Nordstrom Gift Card (ends November 24, 2016)
$50 Jcrew Gift Card (ends November 25, 2016) 
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 26, 2016)
Purple Rose Bows (ends November 26, 2016)
$75 Pink Blush Gift Card (ends November 27, 2016)
$50 Pink Blush Gift Card (ends November 27, 2016)
Blake's Family Size Meal Coupons (ends November 27, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 27, 2016) 
See Kai Run Shoes (ends November 28, 2016) 
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 29, 2016)
2 Prints from the Morrell Tale Design Etsy Shop (ends November 29, 2016)
Vick's Winter Wellness Prize Pack (ends November 29, 2016)
Vick's Winter Wellness Prize Pack (ends November 29, 2016)
$100 American Express Gift Card (ends November 29, 2016) 
Step2 Jumbo Art Easel (ends November 29, 2016)
Lego Prize Pack (ends November 29, 2016)
Radio Flyer Deluxe Stand and Ride Stroll N' Trike (ends November 29, 2016)
Elena of Avalor Feliz Navidad Book, Ornament,& $50 Disney Gift Card (Ends November 30, 2016)
$50 Oshkosh Gift Card (ends November 30, 2016)
2017 Chick-Fil-a Calendar (ends November 30, 2016) 

Free Oil Change for Veteran's

Heritage Auto Repair will be offering FREE standard oil changes to Veterans and active duty military personnel on November 11th. Oil Changes are given by appointment and space is limited. Heritage Auto Repair will start taking appointments for this special event on November 1st.

Heritage Auto Repair is located at 175 N. Linder Rd. Meridan ID. 208-887-1442.

Kroger Friday Freebie

Today only you can download a coupon ONE (1) Free CESAR^® Singles Wet Food for Dogs, any variety (3.5 oz)(you must have an online account and store card registered). The coupon is good at Kroger and Kroger Affiliates. Click here for more details.

Where Jesus Slept Review and Giveaway

Where Jesus Slept by Norma Lewis begins, "This is the bed where Jesus slept. This is the straw that lined the bed where Jesus slept." and continues to add a new element/person/animal to each page spread to tell the story of the participants and witnesses of the first Christmas. The book is recommended for ages 4-7.

I read Where Jesus Slept to my three year old and nine month old and they really seemed to enjoy the story. My son even sighed a little after we read it. I loved that the author told the Nativity story in a way that was simple and engaging for young children. Last year, I remember trying to find a good Nativity story for my children to read and a lot of the books were too wordy and hard-to-understand for young audiences. Where Jesus Slept is a great length and tells the Christmas story in a way that easy for young children. The book is also beautifully illustrated. I would suggest adding this to your Christmas book collection. To learn more, click here.

Flyby Promotions and the publication company has donated a book for me to offer as a giveaway on this blog. You can win the book, Where Jesus Slept (retail value of $16.99) by entering through the Rafflecopter down below. The giveaway will run until November 4, 2016 wherein I will select 1 winner through Rafflecopter. This is for U.S. residents only and 18+ please. I will email the winner of the book and ask for shipping information. Please respond within 24 hours or the prize maybe forfeited to another winner.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

All opinions are my own. 

Angell's Bar and Grill Renato

A while ago, I won a $50 gift card through The Eat Guide - Boise Facebook Page. The Eat Guide - Boise posts pictures of menu items of locally owned restaurants in the Boise. This facebook page is a great reference on places to eat. The Eat Guide - Boise also frequently has giveaways to the restaurants in the local area.  If you're a resident of the Boise area, this is a great page to "like."

Angell's Bar and Grill Renato is located in downtown Boise on Main St. My husband and I went there on a date night. I was glad I didn't bring the kids. Most of the diners wore nice business casual or night out clothes. The tables had tablecloths and used fabric napkins. We had the Escargot as an appetizer and it was delicious. I had a pasta dish and my husband had the Grilled Lamb Porter House Chops, which was also delicious. The food was presented very tastefully. The service was a little slow, however, it seemed intentional with the atmosphere for a leisurely meal. I would suggest trying Angell's Bar and Grill Renato out on your next evening out! Please be sure to make a reservation. To learn more about Angell's Bar and Grill Renato, please click here.





Please note that this is not a sponsored post.