Kick Off Your Spring Fashion With The Katie Cobalt 88 Handbag!

As a woman, I can't figure out which I like better; shoes or handbags! I love the choice of having quite a few varieties in both, but sadly I was born out of the money-having crowd.

So when I was offered one for a review, I was giddy with excitement!

What woman will turn down a beautiful handbag? Not me!


I was able to choose the color and style and I chose the Katie Cobalt Medium Saffiano Satchel.

The color is truly beautiful and I love bold colors. The handbags itself is made just like I want it,  with separate compartments, and helpful little pockets for as many items as I desire to carry with me!

It's perfect for the workplace or going out!

It's my new favorite handbag and I take it everywhere I go.
I especially love to accessorize it with my blue pants suit that matches perfectly, or anything blue for that matter!

The Katie Cobalt Medium Saffiano Satchel: 
The Katie is an unequivocally chic example what you'll need to navigate the town come rain or shine. She provides a modern sensibility with a go-getters attitude and surprises all who encounter her simple elegance in sumptuous saffiano. Our signature 88 brand handbag is a perfectly sized and durable addition to your already stylish and sophisticated look. A slender optional strap lets you masterfully switch from a handheld to an over-the-shoulder carry, and with two interior zip and smartphone pockets, your ever-demanding life just became effortless. Katie is exceptional!

Crafted with the highest quality, environmentally-friendly vegan leathers
12-1/2"W x 9-3/4"H x 6"D
4-1/2" handle drop 18" shoulder strap drop

88-handbags has many styles to fit your daily needs.  Such as the Sophie Top Handle Crossbody above! It is such a statement piece! I imagine all I can wear it with from my wardrobe!

Check out their website and see which of their handbags you desire.

Sweepstakes + Coupon:
If you find a handbag that you need. You can get a *BOGO – FREE WALLET WITH PURCHASE OF BAG $49+: COUPON CODE (JSpice)
valid= April 18 to May 4 2016

Win: Visit 88Handbags website and enter for a chance to win one of their bags by signing up for their newsletter.  Don't miss your chance on this internal giveaway!


About 88 Handbags:
88 is a collection of bags designed by a design team that works on design for brands world wide.

This collection is their favorites.

It is the edited expression of the right bags for the season. Bags that are on trend, that look great and which work. Bags that enhance your life by helping you look good while working hard to carry the stuff you need.

They are created by people who love what they do. Designed by a team of optimists, experts in their craft.

Each is individually constructed and tested for durability.

Bags that work to help you in the wide and varied adventures of your daily life while looking great at the same time.

We hope that you will enjoy them in your life as much as we enjoyed creating them.



Social Corner:
88Handbags - 88-eightyeight.com
Twitter - 88_handbags
Instagram - 88.eightyeight
Facebook - 88 Handbags



I received the Katie Cobalt Satchel to fascilitate 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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Forbidden Trails - Montana Trails Series

I just requested a book to read from our library, but I realize I need to finish the one I am already reading forever, first. haha.

What are you reading?

Forbidden Trails (The Montana Trails series, Clearwater County Collection Book 2) Bonnie R Paulson

A woman with a cause falls for a man who hunts the very thing she wants to save. Working as a traveling ranch hand to keep food on the table, Jareth Darby’s wanderlust is satisfied and his fear of settling down at bay. But even Jareth can’t fight the draw of a damsel-in-distress.

Cyan Burns can afford to have principles and expectations of the world with parents on the top 50 list of the richest people in America. Her current cause has been the longest running – the Gray wolves of North America. Saved by Jareth from freezing winter weather, Cyan can’t ignore her attraction to the rugged Montana cowboy. But his new employer is out for wolf pelts and Jareth doesn’t see the problem with hunting the endangered species.

Can Cyan convince him the wolves – and she – are worth fighting for? Wrangle some time to read this story about struggle and survival of love against almost insurmountable odds. Sweet romance, continuing series - Check out Lonely Lace series to start out right with the Clearwater County Collection.

Only 99cents thru May 1

Purchase - Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / Nook

About Bonnie R/ Paulson Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive.
Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane.

Follow on:

Facebook / Website/ Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter / Literary Addicts / Amazon

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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Mardi Gras - Things To Know Before You Go + Best Coffee Choice

Mardi Gras is crazy around here.

I have not yet been to one, despite living here for so many years. I think I can't stand the crowds, unavailability of parking, and the worry for my young children.

Maybe one day, but for now I live vicariously.


Did you get to visit the Mardi Gras revelry as yet?  How do you feel about it? 

Here are some helpful tips to help you whenever you go! And if you are a seasoned pro, just add your tips in the comments section so others can learn!


Here’s a list of the top 5 things you should know about this lively holiday:

#5: How to spell “krewe” and “flambeaux” and “Mardi Gras” and, well, you get the point.

#4: Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold. Remember to coordinate your outfit appropriately.

#3: Once any beads have touched the ground, they are sullied and should not be picked up unless under the rarest of circumstances.

#2: The vast majority of people in the French Quarter during Carnivale are from out of town.

#1: The Number 1 thing you must know about Mardi Gras season is that Community© Mardi Gras King Cake coffee hits the shelves. Celebrate with the “king” of all flavored coffees with some light vanilla and cinnamon flavoring!


Coffee - How Do you like yours? And are you an addict? 

And the coffee - I'm quite surprised at how immersed society has become with coffee. It's as if some people can't survive at all without the brew.

It's not my vice.

However, I'll take a nice cuppa as a treat every now and then. As a matter a fact, I've been enjoying those new frosted coffees!

I received the above pack and was so excited to try them. Truly if I could have a coffee spray for the house, I would.

I love the smell of the brew!

I did make my own and the kids loved it, but the husband said, it had too much cream :)

I must admit, I make my cream with some coffee :)

But the best tasting so far was the king cake flavored.  It was quite enjoyable.

I am very glad to make my own brew every now and then here at home.


What is your must-have coffee flavor? 

About Community Coffee CompanyNow in its 97th year, Community Coffee Company is the largest family-owned and operated coffee company in America, and four generations of the Saurage family have operated the company since its inception. Founded in 1919, Community Coffee Company is an importer, roaster and distributor of the highest-quality premium coffees, using only 100% Arabica beans. For additional information, visit CommunityCoffee.com or find the brand onFacebook and Twitter.

I received the coffee pack to help facilitate this post.


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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Lugz Court Classic Shoes #Giveaway

Ooh I have a lugz product and I gotta say, I recommend them!

They are very comfortable! At least my boot is!

I can't wait to try one of their running sneakers!

Enter below for your chance to experience the lugz!

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, IMHO Views, Reviews & Giveaways, My Mommy's Neighborhood, Dorky's Deals & Michigan Savings and More

Sponsor: Lugz

Prize: Winners choice of color Lugz Court Classic Shoes $44.99

A tried and true classic, the Court classic low-top canvas sneaker is a sure way to stay stylish. This sneaker features cotton drill lining, rubber outsole and a cushioned insole for added comfort.

DETAILS:

• Canvas & ballistic nylon upper
• Cotton drill lining
• Cushioned insole
• Rubber outsole

Dates: 4/23-5/7

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: JamericanSpice did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

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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Aromasense Aromatherapy Shower Head #Giveaway - RV $85

I was just thinking of changing out my showerhead. The last one that was put in, I assembled myself. Go me!

I'm always looking for something unique and water saver.

Water saver because I have KIDS :)

Here is your chance to win a showerhead if you are looking for a change or in need of a replacement! Enter below:

Hosted by: Queen of Reviews, IMHO Views, Reviews & Giveaways, My Mommy's Neighborhood, Dorky's Deals & Michigan Savings and More

Sponsor: Aroma Sense

Prize: Winners Choice of Handheld or Wallmount Aromasense Aromatherapy Shower Head RV $85

With over 300 spray plate holes, this shower head is sure to provide the best spa-inspired experience, enticing you with refreshing and relaxing aromatherapy in your own shower. 

The Vitamin C filtration technology can effectively neutralize chlorine to support healthy skin and hair, while its microfiber filtration removes additional contaminants brought through your piping system. If you love spa jets, the laser cut spray plate that will boost weak water pressure to give you a therapeutic shower while using 25% less water than a branded shower faucet. 

Escape into paradise with this aromatherapy & vitamin c shower head to rejuvenate your mind and body

Dates: 4/23-5/7

Open to: US Residents 18+

Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!

Entry-Form

Disclosure: JamericanSpice did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.


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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Protecting Baby's Sensitive Skin During Spring Allergy Season - #DreftSpring + #Giveaway

Dreft smells soooo good! I remember when my babies were babies and I would do their laundry, using dreft. I'd sit and just rub my face in the tiny, soft baby smelling clothes!

Sometimes, I still want to use dreft and I"m so glad I'll get to do so again!

All year round, dreft is perfect for the laundry, but even so much better in the high heat when the humidity sets into our Southern states!
Our Spring feels like Summer, but we can still enjoy hanging our clothing in the sun or just doing a quick load of laundry for our sweet ones.

Of course, the spring season brings more allergens to the air and rising temperatures can trigger skin irritations for little ones. With all this in mind, it's important that parents seek out products that are gentle on baby's sensitive skin.

Cleaning your little one's clothes in a gentle, hypoallergenic product, like Dreft, is a great way to help keep baby comfortable during the spring season.
Dreft is the No. 1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby's skin. Trusted for over 80 years, Dreft comes with a baby scent beloved by moms, and it remains safe and hypoallergenic for baby.

As a mom and administrator for a group of local moms, I know they are always looking for information on the best products for their family. And ensuring all is going well with their newborns.

There will be a fun twitter party with much information for moms from Dr Dyan Hes. In the meantime, check out the informational Q&A below!

Dr. Dyan Hes Q&A:
Q. What would you say is the No. 1 most important piece of advice?
A. As parents look to reduce their baby’s exposure to allergens, it's important that they seek out
products that are gentle on baby's sensitive skin. Since clothes are in direct contact with baby, I suggest washing clothes with a specially-formulated product such as Dreft, the No. 1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians, to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby's skin. Trusted for over 80 years, Dreft comes with a baby scent beloved by moms, and it remains safe and hypoallergenic for baby.

Q. Doesn’t fragrance bother babies’ sensitive skin?
A. It depends on the product – and on the baby, as some little ones are more sensitive than others. For
Dreft specifically, the product is hypoallergenic (and always has been) – even though it has a fragrance –and is as gentle as washing baby in water alone.

Q. What does "hypoallergenic" mean?
A. “Hypoallergenic” typically means that a product is less likely to cause skin irritations or allergenic
reactions. Dreft is considered to be “hypoallergenic” due to clinical testing of its unique & gentle
formula.

Q. What makes Dreft's formula hypoallergenic?
A. Dreft’s formula contains a unique blend of mild cleaning ingredients as well as a special technology that removes the pills and fuzz off fabrics, making clothes gentle and soft to baby’s sensitive skin. Dreft’s formula also ensures that soils in the laundry rinse out with the wash water, instead of redepositing back onto baby clothes.

Q: Can something be hypoallergenic and still have a scent?
A. Yes, it can. In the case of Dreft, the product's perfume is specially designed with low allergenic
ingredients that have been proven to be gentle on baby’s sensitive skin.

Dr. Hes Tips: Protecting Baby’s Sensitive Skin during Spring Allergy Season:

The spring season brings a welcome change from the cold winter months. For parents and their babies, the warmer spring weather means spending more time outdoors, but that also brings increased
exposure to allergens and the sun, all of which can be irritating to baby’s sensitive skin.

Dr. Dyan Hes has the following tips to ensure your baby is protected and comfortable during the spring months:

1. Shade the sun:
The long awaited spring season means increased outdoor time for parents and
their babies. When heading outside, don’t forget to practice appropriate baby skin safety.

• For babies 6 months or older. If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. Also, avoice exposing your baby to th e sun during peak hours --  generally 10 a.m. to 4p.m. -- and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.

• For babies younger than 6 months. If your baby is younger than 6 months, keep him or her out of direct sunlight. Protect your baby from sun exposure by dressing him or her in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.

2. Make bath-time beneficial:
Over exposure to water can actually rob skin of natural moisture.
Scaling back on tub time will help avoid resulting itch — about 10 minutes is plenty of time for
water play and a quick scrub. Use warm water (vs. hot) and leave the suds to the very end. Use a
mild cleanser to keep skin soft and itch-free. Gently pat skin dry and end with an after-bath
moisturizer to seal in moisture and protect baby’s soft skin.

3. Load up on liquids: 
Staying hydrated during the spring months is important as baby gets more
active outdoor time and sun exposure. Start with the inside and ensure children get enough to
drink throughout the day. Infants should nurse or take a bottle often; older kids should tote a
sippy cup or reusable water bottle. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and smoothies
in your child’s diet too.

4. Choose the right fabrics and care for them properly:
When it comes to fabrics, it’s extremely important to seek out gentle and hypoallergenic items to care for the items that touch baby's sensitive skin. It's also essential that fabrics be cared for properly. Wash baby's items with a specially-formulated product such as Dreft, the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians to be gentle and hypoallergenic on baby's skin. Trusted for over 80 years, Dreft comes with a babyhood scent beloved by moms, and it remains safe and hypoallergenic for
baby.

5. Protect Problem Skin:
Heat is a common trigger for eczema and as the weather warms up, there
are a few things you can do to help prevent flare ups of such skin irritations. The sun is strongest
between the hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. so try to shield baby from direct sun exposure during
those times. There are also apps available that can inform you of the hottest part of the day –
which can be helpful for parents as they plan any outings with their little ones!

Please join @Dreft on May 9th from 9-10pmEST/8 CST  as they host a Twitter Party with pediatrician and mom, Dr. Dyan Hes (@gramercypeds). Dr. Hes will be sharing her tips to ensure your baby is protected and comfortable during the spring allergy season.  You can RSVP here:  bit.ly/1RMCLle


You get to win something for your family or as a gift for a friend! How exciting!


Giveaway Details:

Winner will get a Dreft Hypoallergenic Package (ARV $60) which will include:
Dreft product (Newborn, Active Baby, & Blissfuls)
Gender neutral hypoallergenic blanket - Ends May 16th 2016


Social Corner +
Dreft Office Website -- Facebook -- Twitter 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


This post and giveaway were made possible by iConnect and Dreft. I was compensated for my participation in this campaign, but all opinions are 100% mine."


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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How to Talk With Your Teen about Dating Violence

It's not only adults who have to bear the effects of dating and domestic violence. And as we can see from the outcomes, how difficult it is for a grown adult to disengage from an abusive relationship, imagine how much more worse and damaging it is for a teenager to handle and bounce back from.

A teenager is just developing and even though they want you to think they are adults, they are still learning and growing.
They, our teens need all the help they can get to handle dating violence, which is more prevalent than ever in our society!

Here are very crucial tips for parents to talk with their teens about teen dating violence, the widely unknown epidemic which affects one in three 14-year-olds.

How to Talk With Your Teen about Dating Violence

One in three 14-year-olds have been in an abusive relationship

International (April 18, 2016) – The numbers are staggering and widely unknown by most parents: one in three 14-year-olds has experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse within a dating relationship, rising to 44 percent by the time American young people graduate from college. Teen dating violence (TDV) is a topic that parents must discuss with their children, yet many parents neglect to have this conversation because they do not believe that TDV is a widespread problem – or that it does not apply to their children.

“I knew to talk with Jen about alcohol, drugs, sex and all those other parenting talks, but I never knew I had to teach her about dating violence,” said Drew Crecente, whose 18-year-old daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. “I did not realize that it was such a pervasive issue at such a young age.”

In fact, 81 percent of parents either do not believe that TDV is a problem – or do not know if it is a problem or not.

In an effort to combat this epidemic, Crecente founded Jennifer Ann’s Group to increase awareness about teen dating violence, as well as provide educational information to help teens, tweens, and young adults identify and avoid abusive relationships through free educational video games.

“Parents have a largely underrated influence in preventing TDV, and it begins with a sit-down conversation, but knowing what to say and how to say it is also important,” says Crecente.

Encourage open, honest, and thoughtful reflection. Talk openly with your teen about healthy relationships. Allow them to articulate his or her values and expectations for healthy relationships. Rather than dismissing ideas as wrong, encourage debate, which helps young people come to his or her own understanding.

Be sensitive and firm. Parenting a teen is not an easy task, especially when it comes to helping him or her navigate their way through relationships. To be effective, you will need to find the balance between being sensitive and firm. Try to adapt to the changes faced by your child. Be willing to talk openly and respect differences of opinion. Realize that the decisions you make will sometimes be unpopular with your teen – that’s okay.

Understand teen development. Adolescence is all about experimentation. From mood swings to risk taking, “normal teenage behavior” can appear anything-but-normal. New research, however, reveals that brain development during these formative years play a significant role in young teen’s personality and actions. Knowing what’s “normal” is critical to helping you better understand and guide young people.

Understand the pressure and the risk teen’s face. Preteens and young teens face new and increasing pressures about sex, substance abuse and dating. Time and time again, young teens express their desire to have parents/role models take the time to listen to them and help them think through the situations they face – be that person!

Take a clear stand. Make sure young teen knows how you feel about disrespect, use of abusive or inappropriate language, controlling behavior or any forms of violence.

Make the most of “teachable moments”. Use video games, TV episodes, movies, music lyrics, news, community events or the experiences of friends to discuss healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Discuss how to be an ‘upstander’. Teach teens how to stand-up for friends when he or she observes unhealthy treatment of his or her peers.

Accentuate the positive. Conversations about relationships do not need to focus solely on risky behavior or negative consequences. Conversations should also address factors that promote healthy adolescent development and relationships.

Be an active participant in your young teen’s life. Explore ways to know more about your teen’s friends and interests. Find activities you can do together.

Be prepared to make mistakes. You will make mistakes. Accept that you will make mistakes, but continue to help teens make responsible choices while trying to maintain that delicate balance of being sensitive, yet firm.

Recognizing the importance of having this discussion is an important first step, Jennifer Ann’s Group has been producing video games about teen dating violence for this purpose since 2008. All of their digital games are free, engaging and effective; the ideal solution for parents ready to tackle this important topic with their adolescents.

Currently, the organization is accepting international entries for the Life.Love. Game Design Challenge,, providing developers and programmers the opportunity to garner attention and respect from the international gaming community to catapult their careers.

Registration for the contest is now open, and entries are due by June 1, 2016.  Winners will receive international recognition, and $11,000 in prizes will be distributed.


How to enter:
Rules, registration, FAQs and previous winners are available at:  https://jagga.me/contest


About Jennifer Ann’s Group
Jennifer Ann’s Group is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization preventing teen dating violence through awareness, education, and advocacy. The organization has been instrumental in the passing of legislation mandating teen dating violence awareness in schools and has distributed over a half-million free educational materials to schools, churches, and other organizations throughout the U.S. and U.K. at no cost to the recipients.

For more information, visit http://jenniferann.org.
On February 15, 2006, Jennifer Ann Crecente, a high school senior, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Jennifer was an honor roll student in high school, a camp counselor, a hospital volunteer, and participated in community theatre with her dad. Jennifer Ann’s Group is run by her father.

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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BelliSkincare - Celebrate Mom #Giveaway Event - RV $700

I'm all for celebrating mothers and what better way than some much-needed loot!

I'm sharing this celebration event where you can win a prize pack value over $700!

The giveaway will run from April 22 - May 3rd! Have fun!




Don't forget to check out all the other giveaways on the sidebar (right) >>>>>


ENTER NOW! 




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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Mothers Day And Fathers Day Gift Guide - Gift Ideas For All

It's easier to shop for women.
Harder to shop for men.
I'm married and I know it!

I think the best thing is to make a list and share or have a gift guide that makes you go "AHA!"

Hope you enjoy the gift guide below!

This Gift Guide is brought to you by

Michigan Saving and More

JamericanSpice

Please contact either of us to be featured in this gift guide or on our sites.

las93063l(at)gmail.com for Michigan Saving and More

calliemist(at)yahoo.com

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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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8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids - #FlyBy - #8SimpleTools

As a mother, I'm always searching for new information on how to be the best mother I can be. I find articles and read to help me in a situation or to prepare me for parenting phases which might come my way.

It's great to have this new book "8 Simple Tools For Raising Great Kids by Dr. Todd Cartmell and forwarded by Jill Savage.

I often read information from Jill Savage and know she is very good at giving helpful parenting advice.

The book is amazing with the detailed chapters. My favorites were the Listening and Encouraging chapters.
I am always on the go, so having short chapters with useful tips at the ends are just my type of reading material!




On The Cover:
"I love my child, but parenting is hard."

Whether you find parenting intuitive or impossible, we could all use a hand here and there. Let child psychologist and father Todd Cartmell walk you through the nuts and bolts of healthy, effective parenting.

Using examples from his home and 20 years of professional practice, Todd gives eight essential and practical tools to help you:

Maintain a healthy relationship with your child
Develop a nurturing home culture
Correct behavior in lasting ways
Designed for busy parents, 8 Simple Tools breaks each tool into five short chapters that include a summary tip and application questions. Use even half of the tools in your parenting, and you’ll help your child flourish and your family thrive.

Sometimes I feel like I'm doing a great job as a parent and then another time, I feel as if I'm failing miserably.

It's always my goal to find a balance with my parenting style. I love learning and trying new things but also remaining consistent and improving.

This book is practical not just for parenting, but other phases of our lives as adults.

The book is divided into eight tools sections, with subheadings under each section.

#1 Talking
#2 Listening
#3 Influencing
#4 Connecting
#5 Teaching
#6 Encouraging
#7 Correcting
#8 Leading

Each section has four or five chapters with details about each parenting tool.
They are short and sweet and to the point.

My favorite tool section is "Listening
And under the chapter listening, you'll find the sub-headings with:

Listen First
Listen To Understand
Listen Often
Listen To Everything
Listen With Your Entire Body

You can see how this can be helpful to life in general, and not just in the parenting market.

I'm always reminded to listen to everything my children say, as they share what's important to them now and if I'm not listening now, then when bigger things come along, they won't share with me.

This is a very useful book that will be on my bookshelf so that I can reference it when I need a bit of reminders.

I would definitely recommend this as a gift or purchase for any parent!


Author:

Dr. Todd Cartmell is a clinical child psychologist and author of several parenting books, including Flexible Kids and Keep the Siblings, Lose The Rivalry.
He is the creator of The Flexible Thinking Game and conducts parenting workshops around the country.
Todd and his wife, Lora, live in the Chicago area and have two songs.


COUPON OFFER:
I'm so glad to offer my readers a coupon for 50% off 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids when you purchase the book through Moody Publishers.
Use the code GREATKIDS16 at checkout. The coupon is good from April 15 to May 15, 2016.


Get Free access to the Hearts At Home "Essential Worshop Collection For Parents" with every purchase: http://www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer/
(so readers not only get 50% off with the coupon code at Moodypublishers.com, but also get access to a slew of freebies).


What is one parenting tip that has helped you with your children? Or something your parents has used to better your relationship together? 


Social Corner:
Website - 8simpletools.com
Dr Todd Cartmell on Facebook 





I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.



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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Processing Grief - Though You Slay Me - 4Ms - #Music Speaks Tears

Today was odd. I was in church and almost broke down crying. I felt so heavy all day, as if to break.

I am assuming it has to do with the process of grieving.

My husband's father had cancer. One day he was robust and on the go always and the next, he was slammed to the ground with cancer and never got up.

He died on Thursday April 7th.  My SIL called and told her brother.

I didn't think it would hit me. I thought I wasn't close enough to him. But it did and I bawled. I am processing it all.



I don't want to be afraid of death and I want to believe that he is safe in heaven, but I can't help but feel afraid just a little.

I think most of my fear comes from lack of love and security. Or maybe that is just how life is.

My FIL has been married to his wife for 44 years. She has not being handling him being sick well. She is devastated. She was praying for a miracle. I don't know how she feels. I wont be able to help her, but there are lots of family members and I hope they understand, she must not be alone now.

Just writing this, makes me want to cry. Which means I'm not far removed at all.

We really do not know how things will affect us until they do.

Now I have to deal with my husband in mourning. Men mourn very differently. I pray he will give himself time to process his grief and not stuff it away. I will give him space and still be near.

He seems logical, but grief does not tolerate logic.

Cancer is a cruel evil, but God is good. All the time.


So, for my Father In Law whom I wished I had more time with. To whom I wish I could have said thank you. To whom I wish I could have sit and talked to  just a little bit. Whose voice I'll always remember. Whose strength of a big family....made me wish I had known my own father.
A father in law whom I wished my children got to play with more, so they could have more of him and he of them.
A Father in law, who went bye, as I was praying that he would not be afraid of death.


Thank you.

Thank you for walking me down the aisle. Thank you for welcoming me into your family.





I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The one who’s broken
The one who’s torn me apart
You strike down to bind me up
You say you do it all in love
That I might know you in your suffering

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I’ll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I’ll know every tear was worth it all

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

Though tonight I’m crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You’re still more than I need
You’re enough for me
You’re enough for me

[Not only is all your affliction momentary, not only is all your affliction light in comparison to eternity and the glory there. But all of it is totally meaningful. Every millisecond of your pain, from the fallen nature or fallen man, every millisecond of your misery in the path of obedience is producing a peculiar glory you will get because of that.

I don’t care if it was cancer or criticism. I don’t care if it was slander or sickness. It wasn’t meaningless. It’s doing something! It’s not meaningless. Of course you can’t see what it’s doing. Don’t look to what is seen.

When your mom dies, when your kid dies, when you’ve got cancer at 40, when a car careens into the sidewalk and takes her out, don’t say, “That’s meaningless!” It’s not. It’s working for you an eternal weight of glory.

Therefore, therefore, do not lose heart. But take these truths and day by day focus on them. Preach them to yourself every morning. Get alone with God and preach his word into your mind until your heart sings with confidence that you are new and cared for.]

Though you slay me
Yet I will praise you
Though you take from me
I will bless your name
Though you ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need
Sing a song to the one who’s all I need

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

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Aloha

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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