Everything A Wonder Woman Mom Needs For Back To School + Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway {A #WWHop2018 #giveaway Event}

We all know a wonder woman -- the kind of girl who has it all together, no matter what. We're celebrating the start of the 2018 school year with products that will help any woman be a Wonder Woman! This hop is hosted by Savings in Seconds. Host and participants are not responsible for prizes not delivered by sponsor. Hop ends August 3, so get started on those entries!

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***Post contains affiliate links. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Can you believe the back to school season is upon us?

For the kids, back to school means more time with friends, meeting new teachers and of course, new school supplies. For moms, one might think it means a break... but let's face reality: often times it just means even more craziness. So, today I'm sharing my personal back to school must haves for MOMS.

A Planner.

Back to school means back to crazy... a good planner can help keep us all organized. My go to? The Illustrated Faith Planner from Dayspring. I love that these offer a monthly overview, and a weekly look too. They're fun, they're faith based.. perfect for my personal needs!





New PJs/Lounge Clothes.

Want to be the best dressed mom in the pick up line, without sacrificing your comfort (or embarrassing your child too horribly). Upgrade that ratty ol' bathrobe with some cute lounge clothes or yoga pants. They ARE a mom's best friend, right? And if you choose to stay in them all day long? Well, I'm not one to judge! Jane.com offers a wide variety of fun fashions to include great lounge wear. And of course if you want to dress it up a little bit, they have you covered for that too!




A Good Devotional.

Starting the day off right with a devotional can make the whole morning school routine a little more bearable. No time in the morning? That time away from the kids while they are at school might provide those few minutes you need! Enjoy it and check out some of these devotionals created just for moms.


Coffee. Lots of Coffee.

Gone are the lazy days of summer... now it's up and at 'em, getting the kids to school. And that, my friends, is why coffee was invented! After all, how else are we going to get through the morning. Every wonder woman is first fueled by coffee!




And as part of the Wonder Woman Giveaway Hop, one very lucky winner is going to have their coffee covered with a Starbucks gift card! Enter using the giveaway form below:

Entry-Form

Woman Ex Book Tour + Giveaway

Woman Ex

by Real Laplaine

Genre: SciFi Thriller

The world in the very near future undergoes a radical shift in power - changes forced upon it by two global catastrophic events. Wars suddenly fade to nothing. Religious conflicts disappear. Crime is all but gone. Nuclear weapons are banned and peace reigns across the globe. The proverbial "new-age of man" has come, but not without a price. Woman EX is a thrilling ride into the near future, one where women must take over in a world where men have become an endangered species and are expendable. But, all is not well in the new utopia. Power, as always, corrupts some entrusted with it, and the vision of a society without men drives Lady V, the President of New America, a woman haunted and driven by her own demons, to do the unthinkable. She is about to introduce Woman EX - something that will change the human race forever. 

"An utterly captivating and quickly-paced thriller..."

Author, Victoria Ichizli-Bartels

"Here is another fascinating book from an author I came to enjoy so much."

A.G. Mogan, author of The Secret Journals of Adolf Hitler 

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Amazon * RealLaplain.com

I write existential thrillers in geopolitical, crime and sci-fi genres. I don't strictly follow the rules of the genres - my books have an existential weave to them. I invite the reader to step outside the box of mediocrity and see different perspectives and possibly even, to challenge the paradigms that have become our accepted  "norms."

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Google+ * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!

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Schisms Book Tour + Giveaway

Schisms

The Scribe Cycle #2

by James Wolanyk

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Pub Date: 7/10/2018

Three long years have passed since Anna, First of Tomas, survived the purge in Malijad after being forced to use her scribe sigils to create an army of immortals. Safely ensconced in the shelter of the Nest, a sanctuary woven by one of her young allies, Anna spends her days tutoring the gifted yet traumatized scribe, Ramyi—and coming to terms with her growing attachment to an expatriate soldier in her company.

Away from her refuge, war drums continue to beat. Thwarted in her efforts to locate the elusive tracker and bring him to justice, Anna turns to the state of Nahora and its network of spies for help. But Nahoran assistance comes with a price: Anna must agree to weaponize her magic for the all-out military confrontation to come.

Dispatched to the front lines with Ramyi in tow, Anna will find her new alliances put to the test, her old tormentors lying in wait, and the fate of a city placed in her hands. To protect the innocent, she must be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. For even in this season of retribution, the gift of healing may be the most powerful weapon of all.

Add to Goodreads

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Scribes

The Scribe Cycle #1

Pawns in an endless war, scribes are feared and worshipped, valued and exploited, prized and hunted. But there is only one whose powers can determine the fate of the world . . .

Born into the ruins of Rzolka’s brutal civil unrest, Anna has never known peace. Here, in her remote village—a wasteland smoldering in the shadows of outlying foreign armies—being imbued with the magic of the scribes has made her future all the more uncertain.

Through intricate carvings of the flesh, scribes can grant temporary invulnerability against enemies to those seeking protection. In an embattled world where child scribes are sold and traded to corrupt leaders, Anna is invaluable. Her scars never fade. The immunity she grants lasts forever.

Taken to a desert metropolis, Anna is promised a life of reverence, wealth, and fame—in exchange for her gifts. She believes she is helping to restore her homeland, creating gods and kings for an immortal army—until she witnesses the hordes slaughtering without reproach, sacking cities, and threatening everything she holds dear. Now, with the help of an enigmatic assassin, Anna must reclaim the power of her scars—before she becomes the unwitting architect of an apocalyptic war.

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James Wolanyk is the author of the Scribe Cycle and a teacher from Boston. He holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts, where his writing has appeared in its quarterly publication and The Electric Pulp. After studying fiction, he pursued educational work in the Czech Republic, Taiwan, and Latvia. Outside of writing, he enjoys history, philosophy, and boxing. His post-apocalyptic novel, Grid, was released in 2015. He currently resides in Riga, Latvia as an English teacher. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!

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Baked Jalepeno Poppers {A Recipe}

I LOVE Jalepeno Poppers.

Like seriously, love. Some might even say obsessed. There have been more times than I care to admit that I have asked my husband to stop and grab me some on his way home from work (and even more times when I only thought about it). Let's be honest--- those deep fried delicious poppers may have tasted great, but they weren't healthy in the slightest--- nor were they very budget friendly!

So, I decided to try to create my own at home to save money---and to avoid the frying too! Today, I'm sharing that recipe with all of you!



Baked Jalepeno Poppers

• Jalepenos
• Cream Cheese
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• Crackers

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Start by halving your jalepenos. Scoop out the seeds and set aside.
3. Now make the filling- combine the cream cheese and cheese. I didn't measure, but I used one full package of cream cheese and about 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, give or take. This filled 6 small peppers, with quite a bit left over. I suggest using an electric mixer to blend well. 
4. Use a spoon to fill the peppers with the cheese mix. 
5. Place on a greased baking sheet. (You can use foil for easy clean up.)
6. Crush some crackers and sprinkle over the top. I used Ritz style crackers, but a generic (ALDI) brand. This gives your poppers a little bit of a crunch--- without the deep frying. You could definitely skip this step if needed for dietary restriction (gluten free, etc). 
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and cheese melted (the crackers should start to brown just slightly).  
8. Serve with ranch dressing. 

I'm going to be honest--- when I was trying to figure out this recipe I was a little apprehensive: were they going to taste as good as the fried ones? The verdict? They are even better! Seriously, these are absolutely delicious! They still might not be GOOD for you mind you, but certainly a little bit better than the fried versions anyway, AND cheaper! I purchased everything I needed from ALDI so overall it made more and cost less than a small order at a restaurant! 

If you're looking for the perfect appetizer for your next gathering...or just to fill that craving, these are a MUST! 

Encourage Kids To Practice Good Oral Health With These Tips {+ Save on Propolinse Mouth Wash} #sponsored

**This is a sponsored post written by myself on behalf of Proplinse. All thoughts are 100% my own.

Aww, kiddo snuggles. They're the best, right? Until your kiddo gets right up in your face and you discover... bad breath! Eeek, that's not nearly so pleasant, is it?

Man image created by Freepik

This is why it is so important to teach kids at a young age the importance of taking proper care of their teeth and mouth! So.. how do we do that? Today I'm sharing a few simple tips:



Start Young. 

Many of us think that we should start when the first tooth pops out, or even only after they have a few... but we can actually start even younger. Before teeth, we can use a soft washcloth to wipe gums. Once they get that first tooth, you can move onto an appropriate brush- soft bristles and made for their size. You need just a tiny amount of toothpaste--- the size of a grain of rice. By starting them out young, not only does it offer them protection before the teeth pop up, it also gets them into the habit and makes it easier as they get older.


Lead By Example.

Make brushing your teeth a family activity. When your children see you taking proper care of their teeth, they will learn from your own example.


Give Them Choices.

Let your kids choose their own (age appropriate) toothbrush and even their own toothpaste when possible. They can find some with fun characters or favorite colors that will make it that much more appealing. Not only that, but it will make them feel like they have some more control over the situation as well. For my kids, that's a HUGE benefit.

Read All About It.

Find fun stories about taking care of their teeth to make it more entertaining...and even to teach kids the proper way to do it. Kids are often very visual so a good story book with lots of images could be a huge benefit.

Make It Fun.

Create fun games, make rewards charts...whatever works. One thing that worked for my kids was downloading a timer app that let them know how long they needed to brush...it had fun characters too, so they were being entertained AND doing a job well done.

Let Them See the YUCK.

Let's be honest, kids love everything gross. I mean, I cannot tell you how many fart jokes I hear in a day around my house. So... use that to your advantage. Let them see the ickiness that causes bad breath and cavities.

For that, Propolinse can help.



If seeing is believing, Propolinse will make you a believer. This innovative mouthwash contains Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extract that absorbs and solidifies dead protein dirt inside of mouth that you can see when you spit. Sounds gross... maybe even looks gross, but it's highly effective! When the kids see the black waste, they'll want to brush it away, right? Kids can be very visual, so as much as we TELL them about the germs and plaque inside their mouths, it can go right over their head. With Propolinse, the proof is in the spit! Is it any wonder that it is recommended by pediatric dentists to encourage kids to brush their teeth?

But it's not JUST great for kids! Many smokers find it useful as well. And honestly, we can ALL use that little extra help making sure that not only are we brushing our teeth, but that we're truly doing a great job of it. Is it any wonder that over 25 million bottles have been sold worldwide?

And it tastes better than other mouthwash products as well, in my opinion. It doesn't contain alcohol so none of that burning sensation that we get with so many other mouthwash products. It's a bit bitter, certainly a different flavor that may take some getting used to, but it works. It leaves our mouths smelling and feeling fresh and clean.

Ready to try it for youself? You can learn more and shop at their website: https://dealspotr.com/go/EYRwv  My readers can use the exclusive code RANDIKAYE to save 20% off with FREE 1-3 Day Priority Shipping!

Prefer Amazon? You can find it there too, no coupon code required!



How do you encourage your family to use proper oral care? How can Propolinse help?

Vigilante Assassin Book Tour + Giveaway

Vigilante Assassin

Jake Wolfe Book 2

by Mark Nolan

Genre: Thriller

Every marriage has a secret, but this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”

Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.

Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

Vigilante Assassin is “Jake Wolfe book two” in the ongoing series. It can be read as a stand-alone, or you can start with book one, titled: Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie. 

Both of these Kindle Unlimited books in the Jake Wolfe mystery thriller novel series are available to read for free with your subscription to Kindle Unlimited.

Goodreads * Amazon

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie

Jake Wolfe Book 1

A mysterious killer who calls himself The Artist is assassinating wealthy lawyers in San Francisco. When war veteran Jake Wolfe accidentally takes his picture during a murder, The Artist adds Jake to his kill list and he becomes a target in a deadly game of cat and mouse that only one of them can survive. How far would you go to protect your loved ones from a killer? Jake wants to leave his top secret, violent past life behind him. But the reluctant, flawed hero can't ignore his duty and his personal moral compass.

This gripping thriller is full of suspense, plot twists and surprises. It features a cast of interesting characters, including several strong-willed women, two wise-cracking San Francisco Police Homicide Inspectors, one highly intelligent dog, and a philosophical killer who shares Jake's admiration for Van Gogh paintings but still plans to kill him anyway. As Jake gets closer to unraveling a merciless conspiracy, his life gets turned upside down and the danger level increases, adding to the growing suspense. This entertaining page-turner starts out as a murder mystery and then shifts gears into a high-speed action thriller that takes you on a roller-coaster ride to the riveting ending. A good read for those who enjoy mysteries, suspense, action and adventure, vigilante justice, unique characters, witty dialogue and a little romance too. Now on sale in over a dozen countries around the world. Be the first among your friends to read it.

Fans of new Kindle Unlimited novels will be happy to know this book is one of the best financial thrillers in kindle unlimited books.

Goodreads * Amazon

Mark Nolan is the author of Dead Lawyers Don't Lie, and the sequel, Vigilante Assassin. Right now he's busy writing Jake Wolfe Book 3. He also tries to make time every day to answer emails from readers. You can reach him and subscribe to his newsletter at marknolan.com.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts and a giveaway!

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2018 Baby Shower Essentials Giveaway

Are you expecting a baby this summer? These 2018 Baby Shower Essentials are practical, natural, problem-solving and adorable! We are excited to share with you some great baby gift ideas and offer you the chance to win an amazing gift collection!

The Ultimate Gift Collection - Win It!

Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Tableware are stylish, durable and natural; perfect for your baby's health and for our environment. They are gluten-free, dishwasher-safe and biodegradable.
bamboobies Variety Pack Washable Nursing Pads come in two varieties. The ultra-thin, light pink heart-shaped regular nursing pads are made for light leaking and are designed to be less visible through clothing. The round shaped overnight nursing pads are not only ultra-soft, but larger, thicker and super absorbent for heavy leaking and newborn nursing.
Back Buddy is an award-winning maternity and feeding support pillow which alleviates common back pain during and after pregnancy. It provides comfort and support while holding or feeding baby and encourages proper position for breastfeeding.
Curtain Critters giraffe and elephant curtain tiebacks look adorable peeking out from behind curtains while keeping them in place. Perfect for a designer nursery!
Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches are convenient to take yogurt, applesauce and smoothies on the go. Just mix up a blended snack, pour it in and seal the top of the pouch. Once finished, you can easily clean these snack pouches in the dishwasher.
Pamper a new baby with a 6-piece Earth Mama Organics baby product collection of travel sized products. This luxurious set includes Organic Diaper Balm, Sweet Orange Baby Lotion, Sweet Orange Baby Wash, Calendula Baby Oil, and Organic Baby Face Nose and Cheek Balm.
Revelae Kids enclosed cozy sleepers are a great way to keep your little one warm and cozy while they snooze or rest. Cozy baby sleepers keep baby's arms and legs inside, while giving them tangible boundaries they can feel that aid in restful sleep for baby and parents.
Buttons Diapers all-in-two cloth diapers combine adjustable waterproof diaper covers and snap-in-place absorbent diaper inserts.
GOOtensils are pre-spoons that making starting utensils so much easier. GOOtensils are flat so there's no scooping, no balancing and no wrist rotation required. It allows a child to participate in mealtime until they can transition to a traditional spoon.
Toofeze Natural Baby Teether is soothing for baby's irritated gums. The stainless steel quickly gets cold ANYWHERE allowing you to bring a clean, cold teether even on the go. It's simply, the COOLEST teether ever!
The Polarn O. Pyret Eco Wind Fleece Bunting is windproof and water resistant with a double zipper & chin guard for a comfortable fit. The hood is breathable and detachable.
Alina Cosmetics Natural Moisturizing Lotion for Stretch Marks contains extracts of birch and licorice to strengthen collagen and elastin, increase the skin’s density and reduce the appearance of stretch marks in all skin types.
B & N all natural stain remover is made with Goat Milk Soap. Includes a built in 100% wool scrubber. It's great at removing breast milk stains from baby clothes and tough cloth diaper stains.
The Yookidoo Elephant Baby Shower is a battery operated compact & portable baby shower designed for ease of use by parents and gentle comfort for babies.

More Baby Shower Basics

ciao! babychair is the original go-anywhere-high chair. It's all one piece, folds up and comes with its own carry bag. Great for travel, dining out, outdoors and grandma's house.
The Simply for Flying Logbook is unique keepsake which will keep a record of all your child's flying adventures & memories. It's better than a passport! With the assistance of the Captain & Crew, each flight will be recorded and signed by the Captain. Suitable age 0+.

Enter to win these 14 Baby Shower Essentials!

Toofeze Natural Baby Teether • Yummi Pouch Brights • Back Buddy • Revelae Kids Cozy Sleeper • Buttons Diapers (3 covers/inserts) • Pacific Baby Natural Bamboo Bowls • bamboobies Variety Pack • Earth Mama Organics Baby Travel Set • Eco Wind Fleece Bunting • Goat Milk Stain Remover • Curtain Critters • Natural Moisturizing Lotion for Stretch Marks • GOOtensils • Yookidoo Elephant Baby Shower

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