Continuum Games

Continuum Games

Ages: 3+ | Players: 2+ | Retail: $9.99
The second edition of our award winningFamily Talk game. Engage your family in meaningful conversations with this set of 100 new and exciting questions. Simply pick a card, ask the question and get a surprising and often hilarious glimpse into the hearts and minds of family members. Winner of the Tillywig Brain Child Award.
  • Second edition of our popular Family Talk game
  • Fun, Portable family game of conversation keeps today’s busy families connected
  • 100 new and exciting question cards attached to round carabineer clip for use anywhere – at home, at a restaurant, in the car, on vacation
  • Questions that get the whole family talking – even hard-to-talk-to Teens!
  • Portable, thought provoking, fun!
  • Great as a travel game
  • Ages 3+
  • Great gift idea
Ages: 6+ | Players: 1-100 | Retail: $ 7.99
Getting coal in your stocking is now the best gift of the holidays!
The Lumps Legend: Children around the world have been so good over the past few years; lumps of coal have built up at the North Pole. Puzzled by what to do with the excess coal; Santa’s elves decided to create an exciting new game that uses lumps of coal of all shapes and sizes. The game is so much fun, good little boys and girls, for the first time ever, are excited to get lumps of coal in their stocking!
Lumps, the Elf Coal Game is the most addictive family dice game you’ll ever play! The goal is to score the most points in three rolls by rolling pairs of the same number. Roll a pair of 3s, score 3 points, a pair of 10s scores 10 points. What makes the game unique is that it has four different types of dice and there are few high numbers. On each turn you have to make decisions on which dice to keep and re-roll. Do you play it safe and hold a pair of 4s, or chance it and try for a high pair? The endless possibilities make Lumps exciting and addictive. Great stocking stuffer!

Our Thoughts:
We love to try out new games especially around the holidays. So we were thrilled to be able to review Family Talk 2 and Lumps, the Elf Coal Game. What we liked about Family Talk 2 is that it can be played with little M although, his answers can be quite funny. It is nice to play this game while we are eating dinner or before bed. It is nice to have questions made up for you instead of trying to come up with your own. Sometimes the questions can lead to a thirty minute discussion or some questions just bring a lot of laughs.
Lumps, the Elf Coal Game is a game Hubby and I play after little M has gone to bed. It is a fun game that is not to hard but competitive. It is fun because Hubby tends to play it safe while I try for the bigger numbers. We are going to play this game with our families over Christmas and I am sure it will become a yearly tradition.
Buy it:
You can buy Family Talk 2 at www.continuumgames.com. Lumps, the Elf Coal Game can also be bought at www.continuumgames.com or you can pick it up at your local Hallmark Gold Crown stores, Books-A-Million, Go! Games and 100s of specialty toy stores in the US.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Duraflame $5,000 Facebook #Giveaway

Just in time for the holidays, Duraflame has announced the start of its “1,000 Ways to Start Something Good Contest.” This contest gives participants a chance to win $5,000, and it is easy to enter. This contest invites you to submit a photo, video or story on Duraflame’s Facebook page that describes how you have started something good in one of two categories:

Good Experiences – Sharing a story about their perfect experience around the fire with friends, family or other loved ones.

Good Environment – Sharing a story about how they did something good for the environment.

From here, you simply need to share your story, photo or video. Winners are selected based on votes on Duraflame’s Facebook page. The contest runs through February 29, 2012.

Betty's Pies


About Betty's Pies:
It all began in 1956 when Betty's father Aleck built a fish shack by the Stewart River on Highway 61. Betty thought it would be a good idea to have some goodies for the fishermen when they stopped in, so she started making donuts and coffee for them to enjoy.

Well, one thing led to another and Betty began selling hamburgers and hot dogs. Customers didn't really like looking at dead fish while they were eating, so in 1958 Betty turned the old fish stand into a café that she named "Betty's Cafe". She also added pies to her menu.

In 1974, after a few more expansions and decorating changes, and with more people stopping for a slice of her famous pie, Betty decided to change the name to "Betty's Pies". In 1984 after making thousands of pies and attracting customers from all over the world, creating a tourist destination of sorts, Betty sold the café and retired.

Betty's Pies continued to grow in popularity and the atmosphere was changed to the blue and white theme that you see today. In 1997, when news came that Highway 61 was going to be expanded and the old restaurant needed to be moved or rebuilt, the famous café was sold again in 1997 to the current owners, Carl Ehlenz and Martha Sieber.
The world famous pies have since returned to the original recipes with help from Betty herself. During the summer months approximately 300 fresh pies are made each and every day.
Betty's Pies

Betty's Pies
Our Thoughts:
We got to try the Great Lakes Fruit pie for this review. Oh my goodness was it good. I would not be surprised if it ends up on Food Network’s show The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Yep it is that good. We got the pie a couple of days before Thanksgiving. It arrived frozen and I just put it in the freezer since we would not be eating it for a couple of days. At the time I was thinking I would not be surprised if this pie ends up just being okay. I mean after all how good can a frozen pie be? Well, the answer came a couple days later when we put the pie in the oven. It smelled really good cooking and then seven of us tried it.

This is the part where I was most surprised. I was expecting it to be like a typical Sara Lee frozen pie. WRONG! It tasted like Granny had just made the pie from scratch.  In fact I started to think why on earth did I wait to review this with seven other people? I mean one would have been fine but seven???? The pie was quickly devoured and we were left wanting more.
So if you have a hard person to buy for this Christmas may I suggest having a Betty’s Pie delivered to their door? Or maybe you want to impress your boss, coworkers, or the in-laws either way Betty’s Pies can make you an instant favorite.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#CyberMonday Giveaway @MelissaAndDoug Facebook Fan Page!

Cyber Monday is Giveaway Monday on Melissa & Doug's Facebook Fan Page!
Melissa and Doug


“LIKE” them on Facebook to be eligible to win! Answer the active giveaway’s question, to enter that giveaway. At least one random entrant will be chosen to win each giveaway.

JOIN THEM BEGINNING at 8am EST for the FIRST GIVEAWAY…THEIR TRAIN TABLE!

They’ll be giving away terrific educational toys from 8am EST, right up until midnight!

Check out Melissa & Doug's Terrific Twenty Holiday Toys to see some of the great prizes they’ll be giving away!

Giveaway event ends midnight EST on 11/28/11.

Mohawk Home Rugs





About Mohawk Home:

Mohawk Home is one of the foremost manufacturers and distributors of residential and commercial flooring in the world. We enjoy leading market positions across multiple flooring categories, including carpet, ceramic tile, stone, wood and rugs in the United States and laminate in the U.S. and Europe. Mohawk dates its roots to the 1800's when it became one of the first American carpet manufacturers. Today the company is headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia with operations on three continents.



Things to love about Mohawk Home:

·         Made in the USA

·         Great customer service

·         Donates to Habitat for Humanity

·         Sold through many retailers with a price range for every one

·         Supports our Military

Our Thoughts:

Before reviewing our Mohawk Home Rug I was not brand loyal. To me a rug was just a rug. When we received our rug from Mohawk I was amazed at the quality of their product and level of service. They were friendly, helpful, and they valued my time.  I also love that their products are made in the USA! Lastly, I can buy their rugs basically anywhere. With over nine retailers you are sure to find one near you.
Mohawk Rugs

Mohawk Rugs


We had laminate flooring put in last summer and I have loved it especially with little M. We really did not think a rug could make that much of a difference in our living. We were just looking for something that would give little M an area that was carpeted to play on. We have had people over and they all instantly notice the rug and complement us on it. We really love how cozy our living room looks!

Mohawk Rugs

Mohawk Rugs



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston

Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston


Naomi’s Gift
Amy Clipston
Amish Fiction/Christmas
4 out of 5

Book description…

Take a trip to Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, where you'll meet the women of the Kauffman Amish Bakery in Lancaster County. As each woman's story unfolds, you will share in her heartaches, trials, joys, dreams ... and secrets. You'll discover how the simplicity of the Amish lifestyle can clash with the "English" way of life-and the decisions and consequences that follow. Most importantly, you will be encouraged by the hope and faith of these women, and the importance they place on their families.

Naomi's Gift re-introduces twenty-four-year-old Naomi King, who has been burned twice by love and has all but given up on marriage and children. As Christmas approaches-a time of family, faith, and hope for many others-Naomi is more certain than ever her life will be spent as an old maid, helping with the family's quilting business and taking care of her eight siblings. Then she meets Caleb, a young widower with a 7-year-old daughter, and her world is once again turned upside-down.

Naomi's story of romantic trial and error and youthful insecurities has universal appeal. Author Amy Clipston artfully paints a panorama of simple lives full of complex relationships, and she carefully explores cultural differences and human similarities, with inspirational results.

Naomi's Gift includes all the details of Amish life that Clipston's fans enjoy, while delivering the compelling stories and strong characters that continue to draw legions of new readers.

My thoughts…

At 144 pages this book can safely be considered a Christmas novella. It was delightful to curl up one rainy afternoon and catch up with the happenings at the Kauffman Amish Bakery. Once again I could practically smell and taste the savory delights described in this heartwarming story.

After reading about Naomi’s double heartbreaks and shame it was refreshing to have Caleb and his sweet daughter accidentally burst into Naomi’s life. When I had finished the book I set it down with a completely contented sigh. In my opinion that’s the way a Christmas book should leave you.

If you have not read any of the other books in the Kauffman Amish Bakery series, you will be fine to pick this one up as a read alone. Of course after you are finished you will want to go back and read the original series…but it will be worth it!





Connect with Author Amy Clipston:
Website: Here
Facebook: Here
Twitter: Here


*I received an e-book of this story from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given.

Happy Thanksgiving!



From all of us here at Rambles of a SAHM. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Central Shatterproof Ornaments Review

About Christmas Central:Largest Selection of Christmas Decorations

You can be sure that you'll always get a great selection, get prompt service, fast delivery and the best Christmas deals this side of the North Pole! Poke around www.ChristmasCentral.com - we're always adding new products daily. You won't find a better selection of Artificial Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights or Decorations anywhere. Everything to decorate your home and grow your holiday cheer can be found at www.ChristmasCentral.com.

www.christmascentral.com offers everything you need to decorate the inside and outside of your home 365 days a year. Christmas Central carries the largest selection of Artificial Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, Wreaths, Garlands, Ornaments and more. When Christmas is over decorate the inside and outside of your home with our great selection of Home Decor items and Patio Decor. Decorate for every holiday, and shop our large selection of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Easter and St. Patrick’s Day decorations.

Our Thoughts:
When searching for ornaments I was trying to find something kid friendly. Last year was quite a nightmare because little M broke nearly all the glass ornaments. This year he is old enough to actually help so we needed something different. While searching I came across Christmas Central and saw they carried a huge selection of shatterproof ornaments. They offer every color imaginable, and the ornaments last a long time.
We have a white Christmas tree so I wanted something that would make it pop. However, as a pregnant mom of a toddler the last thing I wanted to do was take little M ornament shopping. That is what I love about Christmas Central; you can do all your shopping from home and the service is great. All I had to do was tell them the colors I wanted and they sent me two great Shatterproof Ornaments kits. Unless you want different colors you won't have to buy ornaments every year. Christmas Central offers great service, products, and prices to fit any budget.


Shatterproof Ornaments
Little M helping decorate the tree!
Shatterproof Ornaments
Picking out Ornaments to hang.
Shatterproof Ornaments
Almost done and nothing broken!
Shatterproof Ornaments
Ramble Sam helping little M put the star on.


Remembering You by Tricia Goyer

Remembering You by Tricia Goyer


From the back of the book:

Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather’s last wish—that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites, Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey. She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa’s best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The Dennis who just happens to be Ava’s first love.

History comes alive as the group travels across Europe—from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before—and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she’s never known before. As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today.
Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected. Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?

My thoughts:

I have very mixed feelings about this book. I loved the story of Grandpa Jack and Ava and Grand-Paul and Dennis. It was delightful to journey with the four of them through Europe and relive the experiences that the two grandfathers had during World War II while they were fighting in the 41st Cavalry Recon Squadron, Eleventh Armored Division, Patton’s Third US Army. The author’s ability to make you feel as if you are touring with them is amazing. Her descriptions of the Parisian people were spot on.

I thought that Ms. Goyer did a great job of portraying what happens in a friendship that moves on. Most of us have experienced having a great friend that we thought we would always be close to. Then life happens and you wind up on different paths. The awkwardness of this is depicted well in the relationship between Ava and Tana.  

The relationship between Ava and Grandpa Jack is rocky because of past misunderstandings. I enjoyed watching them work through that and realize how important they are to each other. Grandparents are such an amazing part of our lives. Once Ava understood how much her grandfather and his buddies sacrificed, the story really took off.

What I did not like was the relationship between Ava and Dennis. Their romance just fell flat for me. I do not want to say too much and ruin the ending, but I just thought that they had several issues to work through. I did not like the way that Dennis always seemed to assume the worst of Ava.

If you are looking for a moving romance, this probably is not the book. But if you are looking for a book about a time in history that changed our world, pick this one up.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Game of Your Life”



About the Movie:
When industrious high school gamer Zach Taylor lands a prized scholarship to the prestigious Digital Institute of Game Design (DIGD), his future breaks wide open. The opportunity to study under gaming legend Marcus Bentton and alongside the country’s most creative minds will certainly propel him into a successful career as a video game designer. That is, if he can pass the infamous freshman project that eliminates more than half of the class within the first three months.
Paired with brilliant yet socially awkward teammates Phillip and Donald, the trio persuades Sara Ramirez – a determined and striking team leader with whom Zach has a history (and possibly a future) – to join their team. Working off-campus in the teched-out Lincoln Alley loft, the four set out to involve the entire campus in a quirky new social interactive game. But as the group becomes entrenched in the project, Zach learns that his father Billy, a widower, is facing growing financial woes at home. To help out, Zach accepts an opportunity to work directly with Marcus Bentton on a secretive side project that seems too good to be true. The effort requires nearly all of Zach’s time and energy, which he should be devoting to the project. Struggling to keep it together, Zach is torn between his responsibility to his team, his admiration for Bentton and a chance to help his father.
Everything comes to a breaking point when Zach’s team threatens to remove him from the group and the deceptive truth behind Bentton’s project comes to light. With the guidance of Professor Abbie Lambert, Zach must make a decision that not only affects his future, but the lives and livelihoods of the people around him as well. It’s a revealing story that recognizes the magnitude behind the choices we make and the importance loyalty plays in making good decisions.
“Game of Your Life” airs Friday, December 2nd 8/7c on NBC.


My Thoughts:
I was thrilled to get a sneak peek at this movie. I have loved all the previous Family Movie Nights and Game of your Life did not disappoint. I love how we can watch a movie and not worry if it will be inappropriate for all our family members. I am not a gamer but found the story line interesting. I loved how the movie address real issues and showed how our choices we make matter. Family is very important and this movie encourages family values while still being a movie for all to enjoy. In our busy society it is important that we sit down as a family and do something together. You can use this movie as a conversation starter with your kids, and teens. Keep it light and fun but use the movie to talk about what they would do if they were in that situation.  Even as a grown adult I remember all our Family Movie Nights and what fun they were. Starting Dec. 2 make Family Movie Night something your family does together!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Comforts for Baby

Comforts for Baby


Comforts for Baby
About Comforts for Baby:
We all know that babies and toddlers need lots of stuff to get them – and you – through your busy days. But caring for your baby doesn’t have to cost a lot. Comforts makes it simple, with all of the right products for every baby stage, from diapers and formula to bibs, lotions, cups and snacks, all reasonably priced and conveniently located together for easy one-stop shopping. We know value is important, so we’ve designed our products according to the highest standards so you can get great quality and save money, too.

Healthy nutrition:
We care about quality, so our products are tested by pediatricians and dermatologists to make sure they perform just right for you and your baby. Our wide selection of high-quality formulas have all the nutrients your baby needs for a healthy first year, and for older children, our delicious and nutritious meals and snacks are convenient for you, and just right for introducing toddlers to new tastes and feeding themselves.

Diapers that deliver:
Our comfortable and absorbent diapers and training pants keep your baby dry and protected no matter where your day takes you, including our new Touch of Nature diapers, which use natural and renewable materials that are good for your both baby and the environment. And Comforts strong and gentle wipes help keep your babies and toddlers clean and fresh without irritating that sensitive skin.
Read Baby Cheapskate Review for Comforts Touch of Nature Diaper

Clean and comfortable:
Comforts also includes a full line of health and hygiene items including mild soaps, shampoos and lotions as well as gentle powders and ointments, all created to help keep your baby happy and healthy. Our other products include everything from easy-grip nail clippers to nasal aspirators and thermometers to help you care for your little ones when they’re not feeling their best.
Comforts for Baby
Helpful accessories:
Whether you’re at home or on the go, Comforts has all of the accessories you need to help take care of your baby, from specially shaped Sippy cups and spoons to pacifiers and teethers, all of which are BPA-free and meet consumer the highest safety standards.
You have enough things to worry about when it comes to taking care of your family, but you’ll find that choosing Comforts isn’t one of them. It’s a decision you can feel great about as you get on with the rest of your life.

My thoughts:
I love to shop at the Kroger family stores and I was thrilled to hear that Kroger had redone their Comforts for Baby line. The literally make everything you will need to take care of baby. The best part is that Comforts is priced right and you won’t have to stop at another store after grocery shopping. I love it when I can buy a product out of convenience and also save a few dollars while doing it! The Comforts for baby website is very helpful. It offers parenting articles, coupons, list of products, and the Comforts Community.

I find that the Comfort for Baby line is as good of quality if not better than the name brand but at an affordable price. I also love the diaper bag they sent. It can be worn on your shoulder or it comes with stroller straps! We also go though Sippy Cups a lot so I was glad they also make a take and toss cup. Then I don’t feel bad if the cups get lost or broken. Comforts for Baby also offer Comforts Touch of Nature diapers that are chlorine-free. Overall I love the quality, convenience, and affordability of the Comforts for Baby line.


Comforts for Baby

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”




Monkey Brains Oatmeal & Monkey Bars Granola Bars Review & Giveaway @mbrains

Monkey Brains


About Monkey Brains:

The only way to get kids to eat something healthy is for them to want something healthy. The simple idea behind Monkey Bars and Monkey Brains is to make it fun for kids to eat healthy… I mean what kid wouldn’t want something with a big Monkey cartoon on the front?

The best part: your kids will actually be asking for something that provides excellent fundamental nutrition. That’s the true innovation: Monkey Brains and Monkey Bars make it fun to eat healthy.

Prebiotic Fiber explained:

Monkey Bars and Monkey Brains contain a prebiotic fiber that improves digestive health by helping regulate the balance of friendly bacteria that already exists in the digestive system. The reason it is called “pre” biotic fiber is because it feeds your existing “pro”biotic fiber. The non-scientific description is that prebiotic fiber is food for your tummy.


Monkey Brains Granola Bars
Little M with his favorite.

Our Thoughts:

Little M is a super picky eater so when I heard about Monkey Brains Oatmeal and Bars I was hopeful since 1. It has monkeys all over it and 2. They have a chocolate banana flavor. However what I did not expect was for little M’s favorite to be the blueberry bars and oatmeal.  I will gladly buy little M more Monkey Brains and grin as he eats a snack that he has no idea is actually good for him!
Monkey Brains Granola Bars
Ramble Sam and Little M enjoying thier bars.

Ramble Sam was home when we were trying the Monkey Brain Oatmeal and Bars. His favorite is the strawberry. After taking a bite he said “Wow a healthy bar that actually taste good. We will have to buy some more.”

I really like the maple brown sugar oatmeal and the Chocolate peanut butter banana bars. I love the fact that it is a fast snack without the guilt. I was surprised by the flavor often times healthy snacks can be bland or have a chalky taste to them. Monkey Brains has neither and in fact surpasses the taste of Quaker. I love the oatmeal and the fact that it is fast makes it a winner in our home.
We also had three other people try them and they gave thumbs up as well.


Monkey Brains Granola Bars


Cezara Belly Support Panty


Easy … comfy … tender support

The Cezara™ belly support panty’s integrated pad provides you with compression and protection for your Cesarean scar. The integrated support band easily adjusts with Velcro® to lift your pregnant or post-partum belly to reduce tender scar tissue irritation. Cradling your belly helps prevent sweat from forming on the lower belly, minimizing irritation and chafing. The adjustable band also provides welcome lower back support.

You aren’t a Cesarean mom? Cezara™ will provide you with wonderful belly and back support so that you carry your pregnant or post-partum belly more comfortably, stand straighter, move with greater ease and look and feel terrific!

Cezara™ can be worn both before and after your delivery!

During pregnancy: You can wear the Cezara™ belly support panty, starting at 33 weeks, for the last weeks of your pregnancy. If this is a new pregnancy following a prior Cesarean, the internal pad protects your scar. Cezara™ is so comfortable that many moms sleep in it.

After Cesarean delivery: The Cezara™ belly support panty’s integrated soft internal pad compresses and protects your tender Cesarean scar, allowing it to heal more quickly. The adjustable band tenderly supports you during recovery and lifts your belly away from your incision to promote optimal healing. Ask your medical professional how soon after delivery you can resume wearing Cezara™. Wear the panty for as long after delivery as you wish. Moms have reported that wearing their Cezara™ panty increased their comfort and protected their scars while holding and wearing their babies.
And of course, check with your medical professional to see if Cezara™ is right for you.

How to choose the right Cezara™ for you Style #4000 is suitable for most moms. The single band easily adjusts with Velcro® to keep you comfortable.

Cezara™ is made from a supple, supportive cotton/spandex fabric and is sized the same as your regular panty, so order your Cezara™ in the same size as the panty you are wearing when you order: Small, Medium, Large, XLarge, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X. See our sizing chart below.


Cezara™ is sized just like your regular panty, so there’s no need to measure, “buy up” in size or estimate!

Cezara Belly Support Panty
My big belly at 28wks in the Cezara.

My thoughts:
I am so glad I found Cezara. This is my second pregnancy and although I have not had a Cesarean I use the Cezara for belly and back support. I have a constant back ache with this pregnancy and need extra support. I love how soft and comfortable this panty is. I wish I owned more than one pair. I also love how the front of the panty offers support and takes a lot of pressure off my pelvic bone. I love to wear Cezara when I am out shopping because my back and belly do not ache as much. Overall Cezara offers amazing comfort and support to the pregnant body. In February when baby #2 is here I will do an update review of how it wears postpartum.

Rambles of a SAHM interview by DoanPhuong Nguyen @HipChickBlog on @maternitycom

Hello Rambles of a SAHM readers! Just wanted to share an article I was interview for by DoanPhuong Nguyen fellow blogger of Hip Chick’s Guide to PMS, Pregnancy, and Babies!

You can read the article First Trimester: Women Share their Pregnancy Fears
over on Maternity.com!


Thanks to DP  for the article!

Balloons over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Balloons over Broadway by Melissa Sweet

Who invented the first balloons for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

About the Author:
Melissa Sweet has illustrated nearly 100 children’s books from board books to picture books and nonfiction titles. Her collages and paintings have appeared in the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Madison Park Greetings, Smilebox and for eeBoo Toys, which have garnered the Oppenheim and Parents Choice Awards. She has written and illustrated three books: Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade, Tupelo Rides the Rails, and Carmine: A Little More Red, a New York Times Best Illustrated, 2005.
Melissa illustrated A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant, a 2008 Caldecott Honor book, an NCTE Notable Children’s Book and a New York Times Best Illustrated. Recent titles include: The Sleepy Little Alphabet by Judy Sierra, Rubia and the Three Osos by Susan Middleton Elya, Baby Bears Big Dreams by Jane Yolen and Day is Done by Peter Yarrow.
As a kid, I was always busy making paper dolls, playing with Paint by Number kits, Colorforms, a Spirograph. My first art lesson was watching Bob Gnagy on television in the 1960’s and I’ve been drawing ever since. Now I write and illustrate picture books in Rockport, Maine, a picturesque harbor town. My ideas come from everywhere—the landscape, something I hear on the radio or from a book I’m reading. When I’m not in the studio I love to ride my bicycle and hike with my two dogs, Rufus (who has a starring role in my book, CARMINE) and Nellie, a sheltie, who acts like a ninja in a ballerina costume.

My thoughts:
I love this book. Not only is it a fascinating story but the illustrations are amazing. When I got the Press Release for this book I knew I needed it for my little M. I always try and make Thanksgiving special because I feel like it can easily get over looked with Christmas. In our home it has been tradition to wake up every year on Thanksgiving and watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade while the turkey is cooking.

After reading this book I cannot wait to watch to watch the parade with little M and see his eyes light up. I loved all the history that was put into this book. Even though I have seen this parade ever since I can remember I was not familiar with the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Before my husband and I were married we went to New York City and actually saw Macy’s windows that were decorated for Christmas. It is something I won’t forget and I hope to one day take Little M to see it to. I give this book 5 out of 5! Go get it before Thanksgiving and make a new tradition to read Balloon’s on Broadway every Thanksgiving before the parade. Author Melissa Sweet has a page on her website where you can make a Puppet Paddle to go along with the story!


*I received a copy of this book from  Houghton Mifflin to assist in this review. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others. No other compensation was received.

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander ~ Historical Romance Review

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander

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A Lasting Impression
Belmont Mansion, Book 1
Tamera Alexander
Historical Romance


About the book:
A fake. A forger. More than anything, Claire Laurent longs for the chance to live an authentic life, to become the woman she wants to be. And she'll be given that choice. But will it come at too costly a price?

Claire Laurent's greatest aspiration is to paint something that will bring her acclaim. Yet her father insists she work as a copyist. A forger. When she's forced to flee from New Orleans to Nashville only a year after the War Between the States has ended, her path collides with attorney Sutton Monroe. She considers him a godsend for not turning her in to the authorities. But after he later refuses to come to her aid, Claire fears she's sorely misjudged the man. Finding herself among the elite of Nashville's society, Claire believes her dream to create a lasting impression in the world of art is within reach--but only if her fraudulent past remains hidden.

The Federal Army has destroyed Sutton's home and confiscated his land, and threatens to destroy his family's honor. His determination to reclaim what belongs to him and to right a grievous wrong reveals a truth that may cost him more than he ever imagined--as well as the woman he loves. Set at Nashville's historic Belmont Mansion, a stunning antebellum manor built by Mrs. Adelicia Acklen, A Lasting Impression is a sweeping love story about a nation mending after war, the redemption of those wounded, and the courage of a man and woman to see themselves--and each other--for whom they really are.

My thoughts:

A Lasting Impression has all of the wonderful elements that make an historical fiction book great. The setting is a place that you can actually visit today. One of the main characters, Adelicia Acklen, is a real person and the storyline has stayed true to her life story. The heroine, Claire Laurent, is not only beautiful and witty, but she has secrets that she does not want to be discovered. The hero, Sutton Monroe, is a masculine species of the finest sorts. He also has things in his past that haunt him.

The tension between the cast of characters is absolutely delicious. Adelicia Acklen is wealthy beyond imagination for that time frame and as such exudes tremendous power. Through a series of events Claire comes to be in her employ. You can just feel the stress that Claire feels in measuring up to Adelicia’s expectations. Can she meet the standard?

Ms. Alexander has done a marvelous job with the forbidden yet budding romance between Claire and Sutton. They really should not be drawn to the other, after all Sutton has an arrangement of sorts with another woman. Claire cannot get too close to Sutton because he may discover the past that haunts her. Ahhhh…just what a good tension filled love story should be like!

Beyond the love story is a great tale of the post-Civil War era Nashville. As a reader you are drawn to the day-to-day struggles in the lives of ordinary people trying to reclaim the life they once had. This is a long read 430 pages to be exact, but it is worth every minute. Be prepared to let everything else go for a bit because you will be drawn in immediately.

Connect with the author:

Tamera Alexander

www.TameraAlexander.com




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