#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)