Monday, August 28, 2017

September's Falling Into Fall Giveaway Event



It's that time of year again blogging buddies! Andersons Angels, This Mamas Life, The More The Merrier & Woven by Words! We are excited to bring you the exciting 2nd Annual Falling Into Fall Giveaway Event . It will run from Wednesday September 6, 2017 at 12:00pm EST (NOON) through Wednesday September 20, 2017 at 11:59pm EST.It's super easy to join in on the fun!
Check out the guidelines:

Dates: September 6-20,2017

You must have at least a $25 prize/package to be given away during the event. It can be anything! You may have more then 1 prize to give away but each giveaway has to be at least $25.

Participation to be in the event is FREE!
Anyone Worldwide is able to Participate in this Hop!!

We prefer you to share the sign up post for this event, as well as put the button on your sidebar! The more bloggers we get to sign up, the more traffic there will be during the event! 

You must add the linky for the hop to your giveaway. We'll contact you to make sure you remember to get your post up by sending out a reminder email, or if something isn't right with your post once it is live. We want everyone's giveaways to do well! 

DEADLINE: Sign-ups close on August 30, 2017. Details will be emailed by September 4th. If you have any questions about the event, we're available to help!

Hashtag: #FallingIntoFall17

Have a question ~ Email us at

Saturday, August 26, 2017

6 Tips For Your Teen's First Car Purchase

Sponsored post.


Nearly a year ago my oldest son and I started an active search locally for his first car. He had a good amount of money saved up, but aside from the price range, we were searching blindly for a car. Because we're new to the area, I don't know reputable places to purchase a car and we didn't know people to ask. We actually kept going back to an auction place next to my son's school. Let's just say that was a very negative experience.

To start with, you need to know your price range. Are you giving your teen the responsibility of earning some of that money to put towards the car purchase? I would really encourage that because it gives them a better sense of ownership of their car and are more likely to take care of it as opposed to just handing the keys to your teen and watching them drive off because they have no personal investment. Cars.com has a price comparison tool which will help you figure out if you're getting the most bang for your buck compared to similar cars in your vicinity.

Next what type of car do you want your teen to drive? I would highly suggest not getting a rear wheel drive. They can be hard to handle in even the mildest of weather conditions. Even as an experienced driver, doing a roundabout on a wet road had me spinning wheels. It's a very unnerving feeling. Do you want them driving a coupe, sports car, crossover, or sedan? Keep in mind that they'll be probably driving this car into their early-twenties.


A dealer or a private seller? There are pros and cons to both. I've always preferred buying from private sellers. Some people would rather go through a dealership because they feel it's "safer" all around. Whichever you choose to do, be sure to grab a Carfax report to check out the history of the vehicle.

Go drive it! It may take a while and numerous test drives, but go get in the car and drive it around. Keep the radio off once you get on the road and listen to the car. Does it make any crazy sounds or even some subtle noise that doesn't seem quite right? Be sure to ask about whatever you might come across. If the car doesn't seem "right" then it's on to the next car. You could even schedule several test drives on a Saturday to get them done in one fell swoop! Remember you don't have to settle on the first car and you're never obligated to buy it just because you test drove it.

Grab the VIN number, make & model, and then give your insurance company a call. Find out what it's going to cost to insure that specific car. Cars can vary in insurance costs, and it's best to know up front what it will be. I could call our insurance company while standing next to a car, and within 15 minutes know what our family will be spending on that car. You could even do it at the end of the day when you're away from the cars and have time to think. Just give your insurance company a call and they'll help you out.


Put the car in your name. So, I think it's safe to say your teenager probably won't be getting a brand new car right off the showroom floor. If they are, will you adopt me and buy me a car? The reason I suggest putting the car in your name is two-fold. First, you're still in control of the car. They know it's their car, you know it's their car, but if push comes to shove, the car is legally yours. Second, when your teen becomes an adult and wants to buy their first shiny, new car, they'll be eligible as a first time buyer to get some discounts or loans. I don't know a heck of a lot about that as I never knew about it when I bought my first car, but I know it's out there. We put my son's car in our name for that purpose specifically.

Whatever you end up choosing, make sure you choose a car that you AND your child will be happy with. Your teen will be driving it, but as a parent, it's your "baby" going out on the road. It's important that you're all in agreement when you've signed on the dotted line.


Friday, August 25, 2017

STAR WARS Fans Invited to "Find the Force"

After our experience at Hollywood Studios, we're all even more pumped up about all things Star Wars! You've GOT to check this out!

Star Wars Fans Invited to “Find the Force” As Unprecedented Augmented Reality Event Sweeps the Globe for 
Force Friday II

Fans to reveal a new The Last Jedi character via social media

New product line for Star Wars: The Last Jedi launches globally at 12:01 AM September 1

More than 20,000 retail locations worldwide will become home to
augmented reality Star Wars characters from September 1-3


GLENDALE, Calif. (August 24, 2017) –  Following the global phenomenon of Force Friday in 2015, Disney and Lucasfilm today announced Find the Force, a global augmented reality (AR) event rolling out on Force Friday II (September 1) to commemorate the worldwide launch of new products inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The pop-up AR treasure hunt aims to unite fans around the world in the battle against the dark side in a unique three-day event at over 20,000 retail locations across 30 countries. As fans turn up to take home new The Last Jedi products, they will have the opportunity to activate a unique augmented reality experience featuring Star Wars characters, including fan-favorites and new surprise additions from the film.

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to Star Wars: The Last JediStar Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way,” says Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm.

From September 1-3, retailers around the world will invite fans to Find the Force by taking part in an AR treasure hunt. Here’s how it works: first, download theStar Wars App, which is your one-stop-shop for all things Star Wars (those who already have the app will need to download the latest version). Then, visit any one of 20,000 participating retail locations to find a graphic that contains the Find the Force logo. When you scan the graphic using the Star Wars App, you’ll reveal a character, who through augmented reality, will appear in the room with you. You can then take photos, record videos, and share the experience on social media. Come back each day to reveal new characters 
(15 in total across the program’s three-day run). Click here for more information: www.starwars.com/findtheforce.


“Force Friday II puts fans right at the center of the action using augmented reality to bring our characters to life like never before. The technology theme continues in the Star Wars: The Last Jedi product line, which is our most innovative yet - we can’t wait for fans to see what’s in store.” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.

Fans can download the latest version of the Star Wars App (v. 2.3 or higher) beginning Aug. 24 for an early look at the new Porg characters in AR before the AR treasure hunt goes live at retail.  

By sharing photos or videos featuring the in-store AR characters on Twitter or Instagram using #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes throughout Force Friday II weekend, fans in select global markets can participate in a sweepstakes for the chance to win the ultimate fan experience: tickets to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere in December. 

No Purchase Necessary. Enter sweepstakes between August 31, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”)/3:00 p.m. British Summer Time (“BST”) and September 4, 2017 at 2:59 a.m. PT/10:59 a.m. BST. Open to legal residents in 50 U.S. + D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), Australia, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France, South Korea and Chile who are 18+ or the age of majority in their place of residence, whichever is older. Limit 15 entries per person. There is 1 Grand Prize available to be won (ARV: US $4,500). Grand Prize winner must travel to Los Angeles, California USA on or about December 12, 2017. Visit starwars.com/findtheforce. for Official Rules including details on how to enter, additional eligibility requirements, prize descriptions and limitations. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: The Walt Disney Company (Australia) Pty. Limited, Level 5, Chapel Street, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia.

More information about Find the Force and a how-to video is available at www.starwars.com/findtheforce.


Like STAR WARS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starwarsmovies/  

Follow STAR WARS on Twitter: https://twitter.com/starwars  

Follow STAR WARS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/StarWarsMovies/

Follow STAR WARS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/starwars

Visit the official STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI website: http://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-viii-the-last-jedi

 

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI opens in theatres everywhere December 15th!  

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

5 Tips For Getting Your First Tattoo

In July I finally got my first tattoo! I've wanted to get one since my early 20s but never did. I was kind of a chicken and I really didn't know what I wanted. I think the design and settling on one was the hardest part. Then this past spring one of my best friends, L.K., was asking on Facebook about tattoos. I was shocked. Never would I have thought she'd get a tat!


When I asked her about getting our first tattoos together, she jumped on board. I mean, who wants to go through something painful and permanent alone? Bring one of your besties along. hahaha Since she agreed, that meant I needed to start figuring out a design.

I decided on the first one I wanted. It was going to be a watercolor garden. I'd get it on my back, probably my shoulder. I would have a different watercolor flower for each of my kids. The stems would actually be their names. Then I found the tattoo artist I wanted. The only problem? She's so incredibly busy, I could have a consultation in July and come back in October for the tattoo. What I didn't realize at the time was I was going to have the opportunity to go back to MN in October. When I was planning my trip, that wasn't known.


The second tattoo I was planning to get was of the country Peru, not our dog. This will be my 4th year this October to serve down there for a week. I love Lima, and wanted it on my ankle with scripture around it. I started messaging tattoo shops on Facebook that had been recommended to me. Turns out they're not always so great with communicating online or with social media.

It finally came down to me emailing a shop not too far from my other bestie who I was staying with in July. They told me to come down with my design and they'd see what they could do. I found an outline of the country of Peru, four scriptures I wanted, and designed it on Picmonkey.


When I visited the first time, I was told it was too small and that I couldn't have all of the scripture because it was too small. I was disappointed, but I went home to tweak the design and was going back the next day for the tattoo.

Unfortunately, my girlfriend wasn't able to go with me to get hers. That meant I was left to my own devices. I was actually tempted to not go. I really had my heart set on going with her, and did I really want a tattoo at this stage of my life? Actually, I had told so many people, I wasn't ready to eat crow. lol


I tweaked my tattoo so that it only had one scripture, the country and text was larger, and I added a heart to where Lima is. I was happy. Mostly. I wasn't happy with the size. I wanted it smaller. When I told the guy who owns the shop (at least I think he does) that the tattoo was really just for me, he explained that tattoos aren't ever just for the person who has it. Everyone who sees it may feel they have a right to touch it, ask about it, or comment on it. Sounded reasonable to me so I went larger.

When I got down there the next day, right as they were opening, I was told that the walk in had turned into an appointment and if I wanted the tattoo done, I had to go back a few hours later! GAH! I had decided not to go to Taylors Falls because I thought that I was going to be getting the tattoo smack dab in the middle of the day. Had I known I could've made an appt for later in the day, I would've gone adventuring and gotten the tattoo later that night. Oh well!


The time for me to get it done finally came. Oh my gosh, I was so nervous! What if it hurt so badly I couldn't go through with it? Did I REALLY want to do this? Of course I'm thinking all of this while sitting on the table and the artist is getting ready to start.

He gave me a little "test" tat. I was like, "Oh man, this is a breeze! Ink on good man!" Well, his "test" tat was a bit of a fib. When he actually started doing the outline, that hurt! Hey, I'm going to stab you with a needle. The it would stop. Now I'm stabbing you with a needle again! Then he wasn't. And man, the tattoo artist was a talker! He talked like a hair stylist. hahaha I had actually downloaded a book to read on my phone because I wasn't sure how long it would take and I wanted something to distract me from any pain.

What it looked like when I took off the bandage

In the end, it took about 25 minutes for my artist to complete the tattoo. I was surprised at how quickly it went. Their minimum for a tattoo was $80 and I gave a tip. He bandaged me up, gave me directions and sent me on my way.

Before you get a tattoo consider these 5 tips!

Let me share some thoughts on getting your first tattoo and the care afterwards.

Know what you want. I wish I would've asked them to make it half the size it is. I should've stayed at the size I wanted it originally. I've seen other tattoos that are smaller than mine so it could've easily been done. If you want something small or maybe something large, YOU'RE the one who has to live with it!

Whatever the size of your text, people are going to ask about it. I have Mark 13:10. No matter the size I'm going to have to tell people what that scripture is. "And the gospel must first be preached to all nations." It could've stayed small like the outline of the country.

Remember that you have to live with this for the rest of your life. I'm old. I'll have my tattoo half as long as my 2nd daughter. She got her first one when she was 17. Yes, I was there with her. Even knowing that I will have this for quite a few years (God willing) I was fine with getting the tattoo.

Be positive where you want it. I told my daughter that she wasn't allowed to get hers on her wrists. Because she was young, she wasn't sure what she was going to do with her life, and if she ended up working in an office that frowned on tattoos, but she had one on her wrist, well, you can see where I was going with my guidance. I chose my ankle because it's not right in your face, but it's visible for everyone to see if I'm wearing shorts, a dress, or a skirt.

Make sure to check with people you know who have tattoos for where to get yours. I'm actually glad I didn't go to one place someone suggested. In fact, they're the ones who were really bad about communicating. I found out a week later that my friend who originally suggested the place had a really bad infection with one she'd recently gotten. The tattoo artist should be wearing gloves, have a new needle, and have good/new ink.

This was 8 days after I got my tattoo

Tattoo Care

My artist recommended using Dial Liquid Gold soap to wash it in the coming days. I was supposed to put the soap in my hand to wash the tattoo. No scrubbers, no wash cloth, nada. Just my hand. Then it was supposed to air dry. He gave me a sample size container of lotion to add. He said to put the lotion on if it felt like the skin was getting tight. I put the lotion on twice a day right after I washed it. I wasn't going to wait to see if it got tight.

Do NOT pick at your skin when it starts to peel. Mine didn't peel at all thank goodness! I sure would've been tempted to peel. lol

Don't shave for two weeks. I actually went for three weeks not shaving the spot of the tattoo.

No sunscreen and you HAVE to stay out of the sun for at least a month. You don't want to burn where you tattoo is.

Don't let your tattoo submerge for a couple of weeks. It was just over two weeks when we went to Lake Michigan and I was walking in ankle deep water. We'd been there for about 15 minutes before I remembered my tattoo. When we got back to the car I rinsed it off with bottle water.

After you get your tattoo, make sure you care for it with some of these tips!

It's such an interesting experience getting a tattoo. I actually don't think about it any more. I actually forget that it's there. I can't see it, so it's easy to forget. Then I see people around me with tattoos and I feel a connection with them. I'm the dork who wants to go up to them and say, "Look we both have tattoos!" I don't, so have no fear. heh heh heh

9 days after my tattoo, this is my one scab

This is probably the "worst" of my peeling by day 16

Just remember, in the end this is YOUR tattoo and it's going to be with you for life! Be sure you make good & safe choices!

Thursday, August 17, 2017

A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White

A Name Unknown
by: Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 978-0764219269

Thanks to Litfuse Publicity Group I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to read and review her first novel in the Shadows Over England series, A Name Unknown.

Summary:

She's out to steal his name. Will he steal her heart instead?
Rosemary Gresham has no family beyond the band of former urchins that helped her survive as a girl in the mean streets of London. Grown now, they are no longer pickpockets-now they focus on high value items and have learned how to blend into upper-class society. Rosemary's challenge of a lifetime comes when she's assigned to determine whether acertain wealthy gentleman is loyal to Britain or to Germany. How does one steal a family's history, their very name?
Rumors swirl around Peter Holstein. Awkward and solitary, but with access to the king, many fear his influence. But Peter can't help his German last nameand wants to prove his loyalty to the crown-so he can go back to anonymously writing a series of popular adventure novels. When Rosemary arrives on his doorstop pretending to be a well- credentialed historian, Peter believes she's the right person to help him dig through his family's past.
Anger and danger continue to mount, though, and both realize they're in a race against time to discover the truth-about Peter's past and about the undeniable attraction kindling between them.

My Review:

I've only had the pleasure of reading a handful of Roseanna M. White's novels and have loved every single one of them. I'm glad I get to start a new series with A Name Unknown! One of the things I love about reading novels by various authors is that they have different writing styles and different things pull me in for each one. This was a slow read for me, but in a good way. There was so much to take in, to digest as you read, that I really had to focus. Sometimes books are a quick read, this one wasn't. Nothing wrong with that, and in fact, I thoroughly enjoyed!

I'm not a student of history, but I sure do enjoy reading about what it could've been like back then. When we meet Rosemary, she's being given a job that will help her "siblings" in a financial way that she can't turn down. She's a their raised on the streets of London, surviving by those means. If she can get this job done, they'll have food on the table.

When we first meet Peter, the man she's supposed to steal from, it's hard to wrap your mind around the fact that he's anything other than who he seems to be. Many of the towns people have labeled him a German traitor, and Rosemary is out to prove it.

I really loved all of the characters in the story. There were some I loved to hate and a couple that I was surprised I that I ended up liking. I wasn't a fan of his close friend, Gryff, but I began to like his as I kept reading. I loved Rosemary. In fact, towards the end of the book, I was actually crying because I loved her character so much! lol

I'm already looking forward to the next books in the series! I wish authors could write faster than I can ready. Waiting to read more about the characters you've gotten to know, especially in A Name Unknown, is a rather painful thing to do.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of over a dozen historical novels and novellas, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her British series. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to make their way into her novels . . . to offset her real life, which is blessedly boring. She passes said boring life with her husband and kids in the beautiful mountains of eastern West Virginia.
Find out more about Roseanna M. at http://www.roseannamwhite.com.

Monday, August 14, 2017

The Bedtime Book By Mary Engelbreit Giveaway

The Bedtime Book
by Mary Engelbreit
Publisher: Zonderkidz
ISBN: 9780310733294

Summary:


Mama comes to tuck you in,
Pulls the covers to your chin,
Squeezes fingers, squeezes toes,
Lays a kiss upon your nose.
New York Times bestselling author Mary Engelbreit presents The Bedtime Book, a beautifully-illustrated picture book that pairs sleepy time text with Mary’s beloved, timeless art. From endearing poems and snuggly stories to sweet blessings and precious prayers, each page of The Bedtime Book features ways for you to read your little one to sleep.  The Bedtime Book has a beautiful cover decorated with embossing and spot gloss.


My Review:
I remember one of my favorite times with my children was bedtime. We'd read books, I'd tuck them in, and we'd pray. I always loved that time with them. We had a stack of bedtime books that we'd go through. Some were their favorites, others were mine that I loved sharing with them. I have always loved Mary Engelbreit, and was excited to see she had a new book out for children.

The first thing you notice is the beautiful artwork of Engelbreit! It's undeniable that this will quickly become a family favorite! There are familiar stories, sweet poems, and prayers. Each one gets it own set of critter families that children are sure to love.

This is an absolutely delightful book, and one that should grace any child's bookshelf.


About the Author:

Mary Engelbreit
Mary Engelbreit grew up studying the illustrations in the vintage storybooks of her mother’s own childhood, and she developed a unique style that harkens back to those simpler times. Mary’s distinctive images have made her a celebrity to millions, who eagerly snap up gift items, calendars, books, fabrics, and more. Mary’s dearest wish has always been to illustrate for children. Her New York Times bestselling The Night Before Christmas is already part of the holiday tradition for families across the country.
Now you have the chance to win this book for your family! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Dressed To The Nines

I love mornings where my daughter texts me and shows me what she's wearing for her OOTD. And by the way, can I just say it took me forever to figure out those letters meant "outfit of the day." Anyhow, my daughter probably didn't get her fashion sense from me because she somehow knows how to match fabrics, accessories, and so on!

When I was asked to check out pieces from Cleo Madison I was on board because when my girls were little until they left my home, the expectation was for them to dress modestly. When I say "modestly" I don't mean they walked around in turtlenecks in the heat of summer. They never wore anything too short short or cut low and revealing. Now I get it, everyone parents differently, and that's fine. This was just the way I did it.


My girls both carried that modesty through to adulthood, and I'm thankful they did. Both of my girls are beautiful and I love seeing them in their own styles. My oldest though works in a setting and in a field that allows her to dress casually, but professionally. One thing I think we can all agree on is that a pencil skirt is always in fashion.


I had her pick out the skirt that would work best and that she liked so she could try it out. It looked great on her and we both liked the fabric. She's a small gal so it's not always easy to get the right fit. She chose to do a review of the Karli Pencil Skirt. The skirt was a good length, but it was a bit tight around the hips and loose in the waist. I guess the difficult part of ordering skirts online is not always being sure of the exact fit.


We got her outside with a few poses, and one of the aspects we like about the skirt is that she can wear it to work and immediately go out to dinner with her fiancé, meet a friend at the coffee house, or head to a church function. It's versatile and comfortable to go from day to evening.

Now, I may be a bit biased, but I think my daughter looks great in everything. I hope she gets to try out more pieces to add to her wardrobe! Cleo Madison also has affordable prices. That's helpful for any budget. I'm looking forward to seeing what they'll have to offer for the winter months. I actually need to find a few articles of clothing that would be versatile and fun during the colder months.

 
Creative Commons License
Woven by Words by Mimi B is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.