Tell the Truth Thursday with RambleSAHM



I am starting a new series for Thursdays. It will be where I tell you a little truth about me. 

So for this first Thursday…

I LOVE fish sticks! ( Shhh…Don’t tell my midwife.)

I have been married for 5 years and don’t own a single apron. Even though I love to bake.

Do you love fish sticks? Or maybe you want to share a truth with me? Leave me a comment and we will chat! 

Spring Fever Shopping Haul with Cookie's Kids #CookiesKids





About Cookie’s Kids:

In 1972, a young man named Cookie and his brother Marvin went into business together. They rented a 1600 square foot store in Jamaica, Queens, fixed it up, bought inventory and Summer and Fall, and opened a day after Thanksgiving with a full stock of holiday toys. The toys were a success and they put the extra money toward buying children's clothing for the next season. When that did well, they bought more clothing. The business was on its way.

By the late 1990's there were six superstores throughout the NYC area, and though they previously had different names, by that time they were all named Cookie's Kids. Also in the late '90s came an important addition to Cookie's Kids' inventory: school uniforms. It was the steady success in uniform sales that paved the way for founding CookiesKids.com in 2007, which originally sold uniforms and soon after the entire Cookie's Kids Inventory.



My thoughts:

It’s that time of year when I am ready for winter to end and spring to begin. This is the time of year when I clean out closets in search of spring clothes that fit. I am always surprised to find how much my boys have grown each year and how much they need for the next season. With that being said I was excited to start my shopping haul with Cookie’s Kids.

Spring Preview

I instantly got spring fever when I went to the Cookie’s Kids website and saw their spring preview.  The bright colors were a welcome sight to my eyes.  I love springtime when I can take the boys out to play in short sleeves and leave behind the bulky winter coats and hats.

Alva Kids

One feature that really made the shopping easy was Alva Kids. You enter your child’s information and then Cookie’s Kids tells you what size fits in each brand. This feature is extremely important to me when shopping online since my kids cannot try on the clothes before purchase.





Quad Seven “Team Gryphon” 3-Piece Set

While I am anxious to pull out the shorts I know that Missouri spring weather still calls for pants and short sleeves.  So I decided to look for spring outfits with pants and specifically jeans since my boys love to play outside during the warmer weather.

Coney Isle “Figure 8” 2-Piece Outfit

I loved the variety of brands that Cookie’s Kids carries and the huge selection of
girls’dresses,school uniforms, and boys suits. There is something for everyone,
which is great since siblings rarely have the same style.


Another thing that I was looking for during my spring shopping haul was Easter and wedding wear. One thing that caught my eye was that Cookie’s Kids offers a boys tuxedo for only $29.99! They also have a big variety of girls’ dresses for low prices. (I had to look I have three nieces!)


Quad Seven “Team Gryphon” 3-Piece Set

Since we have had a couple of warm days I knew that both Little M & H needed short sleeve shirts and a nice pair of jeans to wear.  I first saw that Cookie’s Kids polos were on sale for only $2.99, a great deal. Little M wanted to pick out his own spring fashion and decide on the Quad Seven “Team Gryphon” 3-Piece Set. I really liked the outfit since it came with a tee shirt and a polo. For Little H I just had to get the Coney Isle “Figure 8”2-Piece Outfit. The yellow top is perfect for spring!



To see more photos be sure to check out my Google+ Album and my Cookie's Kids Pinterest board!

Overall I found Cookie’s Kids to have a wide selection of clothes reasonably priced. Our order shipped quickly and looked just like I had envisioned on my boys.

Connect with Cookie’s Kids:


Cookie’s Kids have 7 stores in the NYC area in Bronx, Brooklyn and Jamaica! You can find Cookie's Kids online at their Website, Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, and  Youtube!


 “I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and CookiesKids.com #CBias #SocialFabric” All opinions are my own."



Date Night at Home ~ Keep The Home Fires Burning With Duraflame



I love Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately it only comes once a year. In this crazy busy life I lead I certainly need romance more than that. And I know my man definitely deserves it more than that!

With a little thought and a quick look around I've come up with an inexpensive Emergency Romance Kit. Here’s what it contains:


·         Barry White CD
·         Massage Oil
·         Chocolates
·         Bubble Bath
·         Candle

Here’s my plan. After the kiddos have been tucked in for the night have your sweet one light the duraflame log while you go draw a nice bubble bath for the two of you.  Add a candle or two just to set the mood. Put on a Barry White CD. Why Barry White you ask? That’s because Barry White could sing the ABC song and we’d all swoon!



After your long soak make your way back to the living room in front of the fire and enjoy a cozy night on the couch with your special someone. Don’t forget the chocolate!

I know what you’re thinking now…what about the massage oil? Well I’m going to let you come up with your own plan on that one!

Now go light that fire!

Just in case you don’t have an indoor fireplace check out what else we’ve done with duraflame roasting logs

Also, don't forget to print your coupons and connect with Duraflame on  Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

 “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.”



Book Review ~ The Moses Quilt via @alandkathi




The Quilt Series, book 1
Contemporary Christian

About the book:

The Moses Quilt is a contemporary novel that bridges racial and generational divides. With a realistic and compassionate look into a twenty-first-century dilemma, multiple award-winning author Kathi Macias introduces readers to a confused and apprehensive young woman, Mazie Hartford. Facing major decisions about the love of her life and her future, she must also wrestle with a nagging question about her family's past. She finds the answer to her questions in a most unexpected way—her great-grandmother's Moses quilt. As her great-grandmother begins to explain how each patch represents a story of courage and freedom, Mazie must decide if she has the courage and freedom to overcome her own personal fears and prejudices.



About the Author:

Connect with Kathi: www.KathiMacias.com


Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. 




She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.



My thoughts:

The Moses Quilt is a novel with two story lines. The first is a contemporary love story. It is about the love of a woman for a man and the love of a grandmother for her granddaughter and great-granddaughter. Mimi is the grandmother we all wish we had. She is 93 and her health is beginning to fade. Before she goes to be with Jesus she feels it is her last mission in life to give her precious Moses quilt to her great-granddaughter Maize. Mimi wants Maize to know the story behind the quilt so that it can continue to be passed on to next generations.

The story behind the quilt is the second tale in this book. Through Mimi’s narration we learn about the life of Harriet Tubman. Nothing is left out. We are taken on her journey from her humble roots to the horrific treatment she receives. Throughout her story we are reminded of her passionate desire to be free and to help her people be free.

I loved how Kathi Macias wove these two story-lines together. The hope of one spilled over into the other. The Moses Quilt has a different feel than Kathi’s other books, but her compassion for people and their plight once again shines through. This is a perfect read for Black History month. It reminds us exactly how far we have come and at the same time reminds us there is still a ways to go. I would not only recommend it for adults interested in the subject matter, but I think it would be a fabulous read for your teenager.

Other books we have reviewed by this author Unexpected Christmas Hero, & The Deliverer.

 “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.”

Review ~ Nuby iMonster™ No-Spill™ Cup @NubyUSA





6+ Months  |  11oz / 330ml

When babies begin to show interest in feeding themselves, having the right equipment is a must! Nûby™ feeding accessories are made to withstand the challenges of daily use and retain their bright color. 

This iMonster™ No-Spill™ Cup has a unique one piece, No-Spill™ soft silicone spout that is easy to use and easy to clean. The spout promotes the natural drinking action and healthy oral development. 

The newly designed valve opens with minimum pressure and doesn't require constant sucking that can damage new teeth and soft palates. It also features an Easy Grip™ base that is perfect for your child’s transition to self feeding.


























Little H is now 12 months and is only nursing at nap time and bed time so that means we are fully on sippy cups! I was excited to see how Little H would like the iMonster™ No-Spill™ Cup.

Little H really likes it because he can carry it around with him. He thinks he is old enough to do things by himself now so I am glad the cup is easy for him to hold.

For me there are two things that keep me brand loyal to Nuby.  First being their sippy cups only have three parts making it easy to clean and second, their sippy cups are no spill! As a mom I need simple and easy and Nuby sippy cups do that! We also love the designs Nuby has.

 Need to have one for your little one???



Connect with Nuby:

 You can connect with Nuby on FacebookTwitterPinterestYouTube & Instagram!


 “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.”


Wordless Wednesday ~ Home Styles Hall Tree via @RCWilley



A few weeks ago we received our Home Styles Hall Tree from RC Willey. I wanted something to store Little M’s school books in and somewhere to hang our coats, so the hall tree was a perfect answer. I was surprised with how quickly it arrived (only two days after placing my order). It was packed well with every piece wrapped in padding and Styrofoam.

The only thing missing was the set of instructions so I called the customer service number and they emailed me them instantly. Hubby was able to put this together in just a few hours. I LOVE it and it adds so much to our dining area while providing extra storage. 


It is here!!!

Every piece wrapped and packed with care.

The men get to work.

Real men read directions.
All done.
It really completes our dinning room.  (sorry about the foam dots!) lol


Do you like it?

Be sure to connect socially with RC Willey as they host #TwitterTuesdaysGiveaway where every Tuesday you have a chance to win something from them on twitter !

Also, you will want to connect with them on facebook because every Friday they have #F5FridaysGiveaway with great giveaways!

 “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.”



Book Review ~ All to Jesus via @RobertJMorgan #Devotional





Devotional

Back of the book:

Spend 365 Days—All Year—in the “Alls” of Scripture

You’d be surprised how often the word all appears in the Bible—thousands of times, actually. With each description of God’s all-encompassing promises and blessings, with each loving appeal for our full and total surrender, His reputation grows larger before our eyes.

We see again what He can do. We see again who we can be. Now, remind yourself of these life-changing truths every single day.

From the acclaimed author of Then Sings My Soul comes this choice daily sampling of God’s immeasurable power and His keen attention to detail. Truly, He is all you need—all year long.


About the author:

Twitter: @RobertJMorgan

Robert J. Morgan is a best-selling, Gold Medallion Award-winning author whose books include Then Sings My Soul, The Red Sea Rules, and The Children’s Daily Devotional Bible. He has also served as pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, for three decades. Morgan and his wife have three daughters and ten grandchildren.



My thoughts:

One of the trends today is to pick one word and focus on it for the entire year. That is somewhat of the premise of this devotional. In the introduction Mr. Morgan tells us how reading 1 Peter 5:7 began his journey of studying the word all, in all of the scriptures. I know that most skip over introductions but in this case don’t, you will be doubly blessed by what he has to say.

The format is simple. Each day is numbered so you can literally start at any point in the year, be it January 1st or July 27th. There is a suggested scripture passage and then a highlighted verse that contains the word all. Following that there is a devotional that pertains to the subject of the highlighted verse.

Mr. Morgan has a very conversational style of writing that I think most will find enjoyable. It would make a nice reading companion at the beginning of your day or right before you lay your head down. I for one enjoy carrying a small Bible and devotional book in my car with me. Like most wives and mothers there are times that I get stranded waiting for a family member. This book was wonderful to read and ponder during those moments.

 “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.”

Wordless Wednesday ~ It's real life!

For today's Wordless Wednesday I thought I would show you what real life looks like with a 4 year old and a 12 month old...Enjoy! 

They look harmless from here.

Oh yes attack of baby pizza face!

Real life 3 times a day!

Book Review and Giveaway ~ Safe in His Arms via @ColleenCoble




Under Texas Stars, Book 2
Historical Fiction

Back of the book:

Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

From the author of the best-selling Blue Moon Promise . . . an exciting tale of danger, romance, and faith played out under Texas stars.



About the Author:

Twitter: @ColleenCoble

Best-selling author Colleen Coble’s novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers’ Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

My thoughts:

Some things never seem to change. Probably from the very beginning women have compared themselves to other women and found themselves lacking. Such is the case with Margaret O’Brian. She has been raised by her father on their rough and tumble ranch so she tends to shun most feminine ways.

One day Margaret’s father Paddy decides it is time that she act more like a woman and find a suitable mate so he can have grandchildren. Without letting Margaret know, Paddy brings in his nephew to inherit the ranch and Daniel Cutler to be the new foreman.

From the beginning Daniel makes it known that he finds Margaret very attractive. But there is something mysterious and possibly even sinister about Daniel. Who is he really and what are his true intentions. The twists and turns that this story takes make for a thrilling tale of discovery. It reminds me of Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever is true, whatsoever is honorable…think on these things.”

This second installment in the Under Texas Stars series is every bit as good as the first. If you read Blue Moon Promise you will enjoy catching up with Nate and Lucy. If you haven’t read the first book you will easily enjoy Safe in His Arms as a stand-alone story.  

Giveaway:

One reader will win a copy of Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble. Open to US 18+ only. Giveaway will end on 03/04/2013 at 1 am EST. Fill out the GT Form below to be entered!

 “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.”

Why does RambleSAHM love #SoFab & #cbias??? #LuvSoFab




I just recently joined Collective Bias but already I am in love! As a blogger you are constantly searching for your group of blogger friends that get what you do and can offer support to each other. The amount of support I have already received from Collective Bias is amazing. I love how they value my time and amplify my talents. I cannot wait to meet this great community in May!!!

Best,

RambleSAHM honored Collective Bias member! 




Pre Game Day Breakfast with Starbucks and The Bakery at Wal-Mart #DeliciousPairings #Cbais


If there is one thing hubby and I love most it is a cup of coffee. Before children we could be found at our local Starbucks drinking and chatting. Now that we have kids we make Starbucks at home. 

Recently I took the boys to Wal-Mart to buy our pre football game breakfast. Since the Super Bowl is on Sunday I knew this would have to be a quick and light breakfast because we would be snacking all day.



We headed to the bakery first to see what baked goods they had.  Right away I noticed the Delicious Pairings display. We just ran out of coffee and I was going to buy the same old, same old but then I noticed that I could pair our favorite baked goods with coffee. Little M loves blueberries and when he saw the coffee with the big blueberry muffin he insist we try it. It also looked good to hubby and I. We grabbed the Medium Breakfast blend coffee that would complement the blueberry flavor. 



I loved the idea of blueberry muffins and coffee for our pre football game breakfast quick and easy! I picked up some apple juice for the boys and some fresh blueberries for all of us to eat. I have to say that I like trying new things but I have never liked my coffee black. I was thinking I would be adding creamer to mine and grabbed a bottle of hazelnut flavored creamer.



That morning I brewed our first cups of Medium Breakfast Blend coffee and then set out the muffins, blueberries and juice for the boys. It was so easy and I wasn't rushing. I was the first to try the coffee black. It was a dark bold taste but not bitter. I still thought it could use a little sweetness. Then I took a bite of blueberry muffin and there was the sweetness the coffee was missing.  I was very surprised how much I loved the pairing of the black coffee and blueberry muffins. Hubby also agreed he liked it and that if he added creamer it would have been too much sweetness.



Hubby and I were both glad to find such a delicious pairing and realized that coffee is like wine in the sense that certain roasts and flavors can pair with certain foods better than others.  Just like red wine pairs well with steak.



Both hubby and I are thrilled to try out some of the other pairings Starbucks has. I feel like the delicious pairing has created more of the Starbucks coffee house experience for us in our own home. I have to say that we really enjoyed our breakfast together and will be doing it again soon!



Connect with Starbucks & Wal-Mart:
Starbucks on Facebook & Twitter as @Starbucks
Wal-Mart on Facebook & Twitter as @Walmart




“I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Starbucks.
#cbias #SocialFabric

Wordless Wednesday ~ My boys

Yesterday I decide to take some photos of my boys playing outside. 
We had fun!







SodaStream Review ~ @SodaStream






Make your favorite soda drinks in the comfort of your home in seconds. Our products include drink makers, flavored syrups, gas cylinders and bottles. We seek to revolutionize the beverage industry by reducing plastic bottle waste and being an environmentally friendly product.




My thoughts:

I have to admit I’m not really one of those “go green” types of girl. I do find it important to reuse/recycle but it isn't a dominant factor when purchasing. So, all the hype over the SodaStream saving the landfill from plastic bottles isn't what captured my attention.

Let me tell you what I do love about the SodaStream. First it doesn't take batteries and it doesn't plug in. You can put this baby anywhere! It is very easy to set up. You pop the back off, twist on the cartridge, replace the back panel and you are in business. Even in my little town there are four places that carry refills for the cartridge.

The next step is to fill up the reusable bottle with plain water. Then you screw it onto the machine, press down on the button three times and voila…you have carbonated water. Unscrew the bottle, add flavoring, put the lid on and gently tip the bottle back and forth to mix. Open, pour, enjoy!



There is an extensive array of flavors available. We have tried several and have yet to find one we don’t like. I am a cola snob and their cola passed my test! One thing I should warn about is that many of their syrups contain Splenda (even non diet ones). If you have an adverse reaction to Splenda like I do be sure and check the label.

One other caution I have is that the kit only comes with one reusable bottle. You are probably going to want an extra one. We don’t all care for the same type of drinks at our house so an extra bottle was a must.

Don’t tell my family…but this is probably going to be the next gift that they all receive. It’s fun and functional which is my kind of present!

Connect with SodaStream
Twitter @sodastream
Website sodastream.com


*Review by @fitzysmom
 “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.”



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