Scandal Of Grace - 4Ms - What's Your Monday #Music?

Since the beginning of March 25, the kids have had Spring Break from school. I've not been online much and have been spending as much time with them as possible.

I do not want to be in front of a screen as much while missing out of face to face time with them. It's been an interesting and fun time so far.

I love hanging out with them and they seem to love the time too. They go back to school on the 2nd of April and until then I will be scarce online, but I promise to visit y'all.

We've been having a very interesting and spellbinding Easter and I hope you've been enjoying the time too.

And it's Monday, so let's shake it up with music!

Our group will be picking the themes this month and so it's Dolly's month and her theme is:
One song you would never listen to & tell us why!  Any other songs in honor of April Fools let's do fun/silly songs for everyone to put a smile on or some belated Easter songs would be great too!  Your choice!  One you hate, one you laugh at and/or an Easter Song if you like!

And it was so hard to find a funny song. Is that weird? And then soon I'll see all of yours and I'll slap my forehead :)
But this one was always funny to me since I heard it as a child.

Welcome to today's music.  I hope Monday find you with a smile and music to begin your week with light steps. 

I'm always coming to visit everyone on the linky so don't worry if I'm a bit late! 

CONGRATULATIONS to this week's spotlight dancer!

Don't forget to visit the spotlight dancer in the #1 spot. Soon it might be your turn. 

Thank you for visiting and I'll visit you soon! 

Hosts: 

Colette @JamericanSpice

Marie @XmasDolly

Stacy @Stacy Uncorked

and 

Cathy Kennedy

Honorary Co-host: 

The 4Ms Team

Steps:

1. Visit YouTube (or other) and get your music for the theme of the week

2. Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button (above) 

3. Add your post to the linky - follow the hosts and grab our buttons. Leave a note so we can follow you back

4. Visit each other and leave a comment or whatever you want to do to let them know you were there. See if they have the same music style as you. Enjoy the music! 

You can also join 

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Decorate With Throw Pillows + $25 Gift Certificate

It just occurred to me that I should have chosen an island design from Cafepress for my throw pillow. However I've been mesmerized by wolves lately and since I'm a wolfette, I chose a really cute wolf for the design.

It's a nice throw pillow. The kids were 'ahhing' over it as I took it out of the box.
Now, in addition to sitting on my couch, it's a head pillow or book rest for the kids.

I love that I can take it out the case and wash it or just throw it in the dryer for some hot treatment. I am quite interested in their other cute throw pillows.

Add stylish fun to any room with our roomy Throw Pillow. It measures a sprawling 18" X 18" with an 11" X 11" image area so you can lounge in comfort. It's made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. Ships with pillow insert. Removable zippered cover for easy laundering.

During my little Shopping adventure I noticed you could also get  personalized and custom bedding and their Unique duvet covers would definitely put an interesting spin on any room decor.

You can win a $25 Gift Certificate from CafePress to get something of your own.

Connect with CafePress
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Giveaway:
$25 Gift Certificate to CafePress

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I received the above throw pillow to facilitate this review.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest Book Tour + Kindle

Do you agree with the quote below?
I do. I can't tell you how many characters lives I've taken over and will in the future :) I love reading and if you do too, please join in the A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest Blog Tour + Kindle.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Dance With Dragons

A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest

A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest is a no-holds-barred fantasy brawl. It begins when the God of Justice and Retribution opens The Abyss and unleashes a vengeful demon upon the mortal realm of Therra.
Now it is up to scholar Penndarius Greyson and his tormented protector, martial artist Soren Luna Mortalitas, to stop a crisis that would send shockwaves through the very fabric of creation. In addition, Penndarius is waging an internal battle with a disembodied presence attempting to possess his mind. The two heroes must avoid death or capture, but there is a catch: They have only one day to solve a riddle older than history before a dark host of unstoppable demons is released into the world.

The Divine Tempest includes warring factions, betrayal and redemption, and of course, Herrick Erickson-Brigl's trademark: epic fight scenes. This is the lean, hard-hitting first installment in a series that follows Penndarius’s growth as the avatar of the God of Creation and Soren’s reclamation of his lethal family’s humanity.

Purchase A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest on Amazon.

About Herrick C. Erickson-Brigl

Herrick Erickson-Brigl has been reading fantasy since he first learned to read and writing it nearly as long. While in college, Herrick's passion for writing culminated in his first novel, entitled *A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest*. He is currently completing his second book in that series.

Follow the Author: Website | Twitter

Kickstarter Campaign

Herrick is also kickstarting the editing for his second book "A War of Lies"
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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The Guilty Innocent #Book Blast + $100 Amazon GC + Desires Unleashed

I'm guilty of reading as much as I can. As a matter a fact, today I took my kids out so they could have some fun. We ended up in one of those places that looks like Chuck E. Cheese, but not. So the kids were having fun with other kids and I was just sitting there waiting for them and then it hit me that I had told myself NOT to bring my nook because I didn't want it to get stolen, or weigh down my bag. WHAT was I thinking???
And yet, EVERY other time I take it with me, I always end up doing something the WHOLE time! Ugh. Isn't there how life is?
So I sat and wrote 15 things good about myself. Now that was HARD! Anyway, let's enjoy this hop and win you some cash and books and whatever else you want in the The Guilty Innocent #Book Blast + $100 Amazon GC + Desires Unleashed!

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King, On Writing

The Guilty Innocent

The Guilty Innocent is the second novel of the Darkness Chronicles Series. In this installment, Darian, the gorgeous, charismatic and charming master vampire of Chicago is framed for a crime he didn't commit, but why? His lover, Xavier, Natasha and a few others must travel halfway across the world to find out who and why before time runs out and all hell breaks loose! Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won't forget! Purchase The Guilty Innocent on Amazon.

About Author D.N. Simmons

D. N. Simmons lives in Chicago IL., with a rambunctious German Shepherd that's too big for his own good and mischievous kitten that she affectionately calls "Itty-bitty". Her hobbies include rollerblading, billiards, bowling, reading, watching television and going to the movies.

She has been nominated at Love Romances and More, winning honorable mention for best paranormal book of 2006. She has won "Author of the Month" at Warrior of Words. She was voted "New Voice of Today" at Romance Reviews and "Rising Star" at Love Romance and More.

Follow D.N. Simmons Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Read Reviews by Bloggers -
2nd Book to the Right Sizzle and Swoon This is a very good length story and the author has put a lot of thought into the creation of a complex plot and well written characters. There is humor, angst, anger and tenderness between all the characters that gives the book a well rounded feel.

Diane @ Turning Back the Clock The Guilty Innocent was an excellent read. It's packed with action, passion and vivid characters. If you love the supernatural genre, you'll enjoy The Guilty Innocent.

Jessi @ Mamas Got Flair The Guilty Innocence is an addicting, sexy, mystery that's very hard to put down. D.N. Simmons crafts a fast paced world where the supernatural works and plays in one of my favorite cities, Chicago. 

~Jen @ The Crafty Cauldron What more can you ask for than shapeshifters and vampires. Wouldn't life be devine stuck in a love triangle with 2 hot vampires.

Lisa @ Mommy Read too Much D.N. Simmons is giving away a $100 Amazon Giftcard and everyone who enters gets an ecopy of Desires Unleashed.

Fill out the form below to enter!
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Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Kobo Arc 64GB #Giveaway

I've heard a few things about the Kobo Arc, but I have to say I'm contented with my Nook Tablet. All I want to do is read and read some more :)
So come enter and win one of these for yourself or as a gift.

Welcome to the Kobo Arc Giveaway!

Organized by Mom to Bed by 8

Hosted by: and Capri’s Coupons, Spaceships and Laser Beams, Stay a Stay at Home Mom, The Penny Hoarder, Powered By Mom, Baby Costcutters and Iowa Mom.

KOBO ARC – READS YOU LIKE A BOOK

The Kobo Arc 64GB offers booklovers a competitively featured Android 4.0 multimedia tablet with a new way to discover content – books, movies, TV shows, music, web pages and more. With a Kobo-developed interface called Tapestries, Kobo Arc gives consumers an exciting new way to discover content. Using an intelligent cross-media recommendations engine, Tapestries responds to the user’s “pinned” content to recommend related videos, movies, books, webpages and other related content. Tapestries makes it easy to discover new personal multimedia recommendations with little effort as the engine learns what consumers love – and brings them more.

The 7” high-definition display delivers crisp, sharp text and with 16-million colours bring photos and videos to life. With front-facing speakers with SRS TruMedia, a built-in microphone and high-resolution 1.3 MP camera to take photos and videos, the Kobo Arc offers up to 10 hours of continuous reading or video play, and two weeks on standby. 

With Google Play, Kobo Arc users have access to more than 600,000 apps and much-loved pre-loaded apps including Facebook, Twitter, Rdio, Zinio and PressReader.

One lucky reader will receive a Kobo Arc 64GB.

Giveaway ends April 15th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. JamericanSpice is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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7 Tips For Getting Homework Done Successfully!

I remember when my children first began kindergarten. I prepared myself for the homework phase of our lives.  I knew I would always be involved and hands on with the homework process. I remembered not having anyone to help me as a child and I knew I wouldn't want my children to feel as helpless and frustrated as I did then.  And of course it was fun to learn the new things and be reminded of the old things I did learn at their age.

I wrote a list of how I'd get the homework process done, after picking them up from school. It is our daily routine and I use time slots for each one. Routine helps kids remember what needs to be done,  teaches independence and responsibility.

This works very well too if you have a reward chart!

1. Snack Time
After getting home, they have to wash their hands, and then they'd have a snack of their choice.

A healthy snack is always best.
Kids are usually hungry after school, so it's best to not have them being distracted by a growling tummy during homework.

2. Free Time
After snack, they get to relax. They can nap, play, whatever. As long as they have their free time to just let it all out.

They are tightly bottled in school to follow all the rules of: no running, talking, touching etc and I think they should feel free to just have a bit of themselves back and relax their minds a bit before jumping into schoolwork again.

This is just a short period of time. Maybe an hour or less. 


3. No Television Or Gaming System
Before homework, TV and Game playing should be off limits. Your child can have healthy play that stimulates their blood flow and bonding with siblings in other fun ways. Sometimes that's the best time to share play time with your kids, since most of the time we are in disciplinary and parenting roles.


4. Soothe With Music
I always have music playing. However, for homework, you want something soothing and calm in the background.
You can tell how much I love music from my weekly music theme! 



5. Be Available
Be ready to look over all their homework and help them make corrections.
Sign documents that needs your attention.
Respond to requests from teachers in regards to assignments for your child.
Let your child know you are there to answer any questions and help prep them for tests they'll have during the week.

But whatever you do, try not to give your child the answers. Let them exercise their brains. You can give examples if they are having a hard time, but never answers.

6. Time Out
I like to get homework done in one go. That way it's all done, and kids can go do with their time as they please. However if your child is just having a hard time, throwing a tantrum, and making the process frustrating for both parent and child, then take a break.
Let your child go wash his face, lay down for a bit, or just sit and talk about other things. Maybe something is bothering them or they just simply need a break!

7. Feed The Mind
Give kudos to your child. Let them know how you feel about the work they did, the grades they got at school that day, their attitudes during homework etc.
Children feed off positive encouragement just as we adults do, so give it fairly to your child as well.

As parents we can set the tone for how successful daily homework sessions will turn out. Every child is different, so find what works for your family and enjoy these 7 Tips For Getting Homework Done Successfully!

Do you have a set homework routine for each day? 
What's your biggest struggle with homework time with your child? 
Share a tip on how to make homework less stressful.


Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Purex Plus Fabric Softener With Crystals Fragrance

This is one of my very favorites from the Purex brand.

It makes laundry work easier. We know the never ending feeling of having to do laundry. I try to have a good attitude about it all since it's a blessing in away, but gosh sometimes I wouldn't mind having help! Wait, I wouldn't mind giving it to someone else altogether! Except I'd feel guilty and my OCD of them not doing it properly would kick in.  Haha.

Help is from Purex Plus Fabric Softener With Crystals Fragrance which has a very nice fragrance. Yes I can finally say that :) Y'all know I'm sensitive to smells and so this was a nice relief.

Easy to use and makes laundry time a bit shorter or at least I don't have to be so involved with the machine :)

Purex Plus Fabric Softener combines the enchanting fragrance of Purex Crystals with the proven performance of Purex detergent.

Purex plus Fabric Softener with Crystals Fragrance is perfect for everyday laundry.
Loaded with the most popular Purex Crystals fragrance, it will enhance your entire laundry experience by bringing the fresh scents of line-dried laundry and clean florals into your laundry room.
Use with Purex Crystals for even more long-lasting freshness!

DirtLift Action
In 2013, the entire family of Purex detergents will have the power of DirtLift Action which works deep into clothes to get out dirt. With the deep cleaning power of Purex DirtLift Action, you can rest assured that your clothes will stay bright, white and clean.

Purex Plus Fabric Softener With Crystals Fragrance leaves your clothes smelling fresh for half the price of the leading brand.

In fact, an average family could save over $45 a year by using Purex with Crystals fragrance detergent. That's real money! What would you do with your $45?

I'd buy chocolates! I kid you not :) It's the only treat I get here.

How do you treat yourself if you have extra on your budget?

Connect:
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The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex detergent plus Fabric Softener with Crystals Fragrance in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Is There A Song That Makes You Sad? - 4Ms #Music #Hop

I usually stay away from sad songs. Why feed into it. I already have enough frustrations for my day. But today's theme calls for something like it. And the one I share below is ..well..you get it.

How are you enjoying the week leading up to Easter?
I was going to let the kids make leaves for Palm Sunday, but then I got into other things (maybe I'm a tad OCD) and really got a lot of work done around the house. Then I felt bad for not doing it, but really, is it about the leaves? No. exactly.

The kids have all week off from school. I do not mind. I get to replenish and enjoy time with them. You already know that the moment they begin school, their journey away and from your home has begun, so I"m glad I get more time with them anytime.
My son is excited about the holiday (Spring break), my daughter is not happy. She loves school and he doesn't really care that much for it. Of course he doesn't throw a fit not to go or anything, he just makes it a statement that he doesn't like going and would rather stay home with me.

My inspiration this week is helping my children to remember what is important about Easter and enjoying our family time together. What inspires you this week?

Wake up to music! I will be visiting you soon!
THEME: March 25th/Spotlight Dancer Amethyst-Moon, Blues! Not necessarily Blues music,but songs that make you sing the blues (sad songs).

Christian music’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” from 2006 through 2009 and 2012 Grammy nominee Natalie Grant is known for her powerhouse voice, but has also made a commitment to fight human trafficking around the world.  

In addition to performing her signature songs like “Held,” “In Better Hands” and “I Will Not Be Moved” with a decidedly Christ-centered message, Natalie has always been committed to putting feet to her faith by making a difference in the world around her. After a life-changing trip to India, Natalie has made it her mission to combat international human trafficking through her work with Abolition International, which she founded in 2005. The trip also served as an inspiration for many of the songs on her breakthrough albumAwaken (2005).

 

Welcome to today's music.  I hope Monday find you with a smile and music to begin your week with light steps. 

I'm always coming to visit everyone on the linky so don't worry if I'm a bit late! 

CONGRATULATIONS to this week's spotlight dancer!

Don't forget to visit the spotlight dancer in the #1 spot. Soon it might be your turn. 

Thank you for visiting and I'll visit you soon! 

Hosts: 

Colette @JamericanSpice

Marie @XmasDolly

Stacy @Stacy Uncorked

and 

Cathy Kennedy

Honorary Co-host: 

Honorary Co-Conductor this month please welcome Naila-Moon (a volunteer)!  CONGRATS Michelle!  Welcome aboard, and a big thank-a-roo to last month’s BECCA! 

Steps:

1. Visit YouTube (or other) and get your music for the theme of the week

2. Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button (above) 

3. Add your post to the linky - follow the hosts and grab our buttons. Leave a note so we can follow you back

4. Visit each other and leave a comment or whatever you want to do to let them know you were there. See if they have the same music style as you. Enjoy the music! 

You can also join 

 

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Dial Coconut Water Body Wash + $1000 For Grand Prize Winner

Dial Coconut Water Body Wash - Give Your Body The Ultra Fresh Hydration!


I love coconuts. I love the scent, the foods, the oils, the products and most of all that it reminds me of my country.

I also love a good smelling body wash that cleans and moisturizes my skin very well. I even love the after smell that stays in my bathroom.

Of course I have to share my body washes with the kids and they agree that this is a nice one. They too love the smell (while blowing bubbles of course) and how well it lathers.  This replenishing soap is definitely a family body wash!

Dial Coconut Water Body Wash is a go in our home. I love that I have a new fragrance to play with in my bath time routine.

Experience the Ultra Fresh Hydration of NEW Dial Coconut Water Body Wash.

New Dial Coconut Water Body Wash is the first of its kind to contain coconut water for clean, healthy, hydrated skin. Let the fresh hints of green, floral and coconut whisk your mind away to distant island shores without ever leaving the shower!

Coconut water is found in young, green coconuts and known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that provide replenishing hydration. A leading trend in the food and beverage category, coconut water is knows as “super water” for its natural hydration and health benefits.

Dial wants to help you with your skin. They are having a fun sweepstakes for you to win great prizes!

$1000 for One grand prize winner
A free bottle of NEW Dial Coconut Water Body Wash for 250 first place winners!

Isn’t that refreshing! Go enter quickly for your chance to win!

#WIN $1000 + A #FREE Bottle of the NEW #Dial Coconut Water Body Wash!
Healthier Skin. Healthier You. @Dial

Learn More at DialSoap.com
Facebook.com/dial

Dial Soap provided me with a sample of NEW Dial Coconut Water Body Wash in exchange for a product review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own. 



Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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Is Your Vehicle A Home Away From Home? - Share With #kiasocialclub

My car is my home away from home. Let's just call it my mobile home, because that's really what it has become.
As a mom, I have to ensure I have back up of most things and you can already guess where the back ups are kept. That's right, in my car!

My daughter has ballet. She puts on her leotards and shoes and dashes out so we can leave pronto. Mommy is usually running late, so we need to step on it! Then she forgets her tap shoes. No. It's in the car where you left it since last week from the previous ballet class! Are you so excited? Especially since we are half way there and there is NO WAY I'm turning around to go back home!

My son plays soccer. Enough said!
But seriously, he needs everything, extra clothing, socks, balls and of course you have to count my chair and umbrella for soccer days.
I can't tell you how many times that boy would have forgotten his own feet if I didn't have a back up in my car!

I keep everything in my car: coupons (how else am I going to remember them?), writing pads, pens, extra coins (we all do that right?), umbrellas, snacks, water, sunscreen and extra sweaters!
The sweaters are a blessing when they leave home in the mornings thinking our fickle weather is going to be warm, and turns out to be biting cold!

I have a schoolroom in my car too! I call it a school in a backpack. My daughter always need something to do when she goes out with me, to soccer or after her ballet, while waiting somewhere or at the store. So having this backpack with books and writing materials, crayons, pencils and everything school worthy, does help to pass the time and keeps me sane from the 'I'm booored", "mom what can I do?" laments that goes on and on. I got wise and figured I'd better pack a bag!

My car is also very old and falling apart. I try not to worry about it, but I know we'll need a new vehicle soon. I hope it will be a 7-seater because I want to have more children and will need the space, especially for the storage. Where that money is going to come from? Only God knows.

However I have my eye on the sleek Kia Sorento! Just feast your eyes on this beauty! (Unless you already have one, just be quiet and don't rub it in) I hope they have it in my color!

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Kia Motors

Is your vehicle your second home? Or are you like my husband who wants his neat and tidy without a hint of occupation :)?
How do you entertain your children while in the vehicle?

One day I'll probably get a new vehicle. I'll love it. And come to think of it, I do remember when we first met, my husband had promised to buy me a car. Want to wager that he doesn't remember it? But how on earth could a gal forget such a lovely promise? Oh well.
The next best thing would be for me to be able to purchase one myself. Ahh the pride of hard work and ownership.

Learn more and Connect with Kia:
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Tweet:
Share with the #kiasocialclub how you entertain your kids while in the car? or if your vehicle is your home away from home.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog. Please read my disclosure 

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