Be Well with Plant Therapy KidSafe Essential Oils {A Giveaway Hop}

Welcome to the Be Well Giveaway Hop

hosted by On Honeysuckle Hill
February 29- March 14

In this unique giveaway hop event, each participating blogger will have a family friendly prize valued at $15+ that has to do with being and staying well!! Such an important topic this time of year! So, after you've entered my giveaway, be sure to hop along for more great prizes that will help you and your family feel great!

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Today, we're talking about being well.

I don't know about you, but for me, this topic is pretty timely. With the Indiana weather in the stage of indecisiveness, I feel like my children and I all constantly battling yet another illness. Being sick is no fun!

In my home, before and during sickness we try to turn to more natural remedies where we can. One of my favorite natural remedies are essential oils! And one of my favorite brands- Plant Therapy. Today, I'm excited to share their wonderful KidSafe Line:


 A+ Attention
This amazing oil is a blend of Petitgrain, Bergamot, Cedarwood Atlas, Grapefruit, Lavender and Vetiver. This may not have much use for a child's physical well being, but it is great for their attention and focus. Having a child on the autism spectrum, this is an oil that I love in my house and have found really helpful in getting homework done!

Calming The Child
This blend of Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender and Chamomile Roman is another great one for keeping little ones calm. This is great when they're aren't feeling well and need extra consoling or are having trouble sleeping. This is an oil that most parents would likely be thrilled to have on hand for those rough moment.

Nighty Night
Perhaps one of the best ways to fight a sickness is to get a good night's sleep. This blend of Lavender, Marjoram, Mandarin, Cedarwood Atlantica, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Chamomile Roman and Blue Tansy will help make that good night's sleep happen! These are personally oils that I myself use to aid in sleep as well, and I love that they not only work, but are kid safe as well.

Sniffle Stopper
Did you know that many oils that we as adults turn to for respitory problems are not intended to be used on or around children? Thankfully, this kid friendly blend of Fir Needle, Rosalina, Spruce, Cypress, Spearmintand Cedarwood Virginian works just as well, if not better! This is going to be a must have for all families with little ones to fight those inevitable sniffles!

Germ Destroyer
There's no better way to fight illnesses than to fight them before they even begin. This blend of Spruce, Marjoram, Lavender, Rosalina and Lemon is a great place to begin. This blend helps to keep kids healthy, and to shorten illnesses when they do happen and is more kid friendly than other popular germ fighting blends. Another must haves for all families!

Immune Boom
Finally, a blend to strengthen the immune system to help keep your little ones healthy! This blend of  Lemon, Palmarosa, Dill, Petitgrain, Copaiba and Frankincense carteri is again a more kid friendly option than other immune defense oils on the market.

These are just six of the wonderful KidSafe oils available from Plant Therapy that will help keep your little ones calm and healthy! You can see them all and connect with Plant Therapy at the links below:

Subscribe To Newsletter.

Like on Facebook.

Follow on Instagram.

Follow on Twitter.

Follow on Pinterest.

And one very lucky reader is going to win the KidSafe Starter Set featuring the oils mentioned above. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery.

Flashback to the 90s: A Few Favorite Things

As most of you have probably heard by now, Fuller House premiered on Netflix TODAY!!

Anyone who knows me personally knows me knows how very excited I am about this! Some of you may recall me talking about how I'm a huge Candace Cameron Bure fan, so I always look forward to anything that she's in! But Fuller House moreso than any other. I literally grew up watching the show- I was just one month old when it premiered! My sisters and I LOVED watching it every week- though for whatever reason, we called it 'Baby and Guys' back then. I love that this little piece of my childhood is now coming back...and not just through old reruns and DVDs. You can be sure to know what I will doing this weekend- along with so many other 90s kids!



The excitement of Fuller House had me thinking about some of my other favorite things from the 90s! Today, in honor of the premier I wanted to share just a few of my other 90s favorites! Here's my little blast from the past:


TGIF

Full House wasn't the only reason we were excited for Friday nights- though it was certainly high on the list. I loved the entire TGIF lineup- Family Matters, Step by Step, Clueless & Sabrina... and of course, the best show ever on television- Boy Meets World!!! I greatly miss that there is no longer a good lineup of lighthearted shows that were fun for the entire family to watch- though I've certainly introduced my own kids to some of these favorites.

Baby-Sitters Club Books

I have always been a big reader and when I was younger, nothing could beat The Baby-Sitters Club! I have read every single book- from the main series and the specials and mysteries, to Little Sister and California Diaries. I've even read the BSC Forever books, though those didn't come in the 90s. They were my absolute favorites and I could not get enough! And of course, I watched the TV show and the movie too! At one point, I even had my room decorated in all things BSC with little sections dedicated to each character. Seriously, obsessed!

Goosebumps

Like many 90s kids, I was also a big fan of Goosebumps books (and shows too). Some of my favorites were the 'Give Yourself Goosebumps' books... you know, the ones where you chose your own ending. Of course I always had to read back through to see all possible endings! This is another one that is so fun to see making a comeback! My son loves it even more than I did as a child, and its fun to share that with him.

Spice Girls

Need I really say more? I was a girl. In the 90s. Of course, I loved Spice Girls! And like all girls, my sisters and our friends all had our favorite whom we dressed as- mine was Posh. To be entirely honest, I'm shocked my mom allowed us to dress as them (though tamer, I assure you), but there are pictures somewhere, I'm certain! To this day I cannot hear Wannabe without singing along! I'm a fan of a lot of other 90s pop too, but Spice Girls are certainly among the top picks!

Power Rangers

Sure, Power Rangers may still be around, but everyone knows that they have never been as good as the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Was there any 90s kids who didn't love them? Was there a 90s kid who didn't pretend to be their favorite Ranger? Mine, of course, was the pink ranger! Looking back, I'm honestly not sure what the appeal was... but it still brings back fond memories for me!


Were you a 90s kid? What are some of your favorites from the 90s? Will you be binge watching Fuller House on Netflix too?

Don't Miss the 'He Named Me Malala' Global Broadcast, Monday February 29 {+ A Book Giveaway} #HeNamedMeMalala #WithMalala

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Nat Geo. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.




Here in America, it's hard to imagine a girl not being allowed a proper education simply because she is a girl, isn't it? I look at my daughter, and I'm excited to see her learn and grow as she gets older and hope that she will find an area that interests her to pursue. I hope that she is like me and loves to read books and expand her knowledge. I hope she loves school and will continue to learn throughout her life. And you know what? No one would think twice about her-as a girl- doing just that! It's acceptable for girls to have an education in America.

Unfortunately, that's not the case around the world. Some of you may remember the story of Malala Yousafzai, a girl who fought for education for girls and was targeted for her efforts. Perhaps you've even read her book, I AM Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up For Education and Was Shot By The Taliban. Today, I'm excited to tell you that the book has now been turned into a movie. Check it out:

ABOUT THE MOVIE:

HE NAMED ME MALALA is an intimate portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who was targeted by the Taliban and severely wounded by a gunshot when returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old was singled out, along with her father, for advocating for girls’ education, and the attack on her sparked an outcry from supporters around the world. She miraculously survived and is now a leading campaigner for girls’ education globally as co-founder of the Malala Fund.

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth, Waiting for Superman) shows us how Malala, her father Zia and her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls worldwide. The film gives us an inside glimpse into this extraordinary young girl’s life – from her close relationship with her father who inspired her love for education, to her impassioned speeches at the UN, to her everyday life with her parents and brothers.



Sounds like a pretty great movie, right? You can catch this must see film during the Global Broadcast on Monday:

He Named Me Malala

Global Broadcast of He Named Me Malala

Monday, February 29th

8 pm est/7 pm cst

You can also purchase a copy or learn more about the film at the links below:

Website: 

http://www.henamedmemalalamovie.com/

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/HeNamedMeMalala

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/MalalaFund

And one very lucky reader is going to winner a copy of the book. Enter using the giveaway form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery.

Bible Journaling on a Budget

We've talked about some different reasons why some feel as though Bible journaling isn't for them... maybe they're uncomfortable journaling in their Bible or feel like it won't be good enough. But what about those people who are ready and willing to start... but feel like they can't afford to?

I'll be honest, this can be a rather expensive hobby. After paying for your new Bible AND all your supplies, well...it can quickly add up. But the good news is, it doesn't HAVE to! There are many ways that you can still enjoy Bible journaling within your own budget. Today I'm sharing a few ideas.

To Save on a Journaling Bible

• Look for Sales. Amazon prices are always changing, so check often. Family Christian often has 50% off Bible sales to include some journaling Bibles, so be on the look out for those as well. I was able to purchase my son's for just $20 during one of their Bible sales.

Other Options for Bibles

While I personally prefer a Bible made just for journaling, if you cannot find one there are other options to consider.

• Use What You Have. Have an extra Bible at home? Use it. You may not have wide margins, but there are plenty of ways to make it work. Use mediums that allow you to see through to the words, make mini art in the space you do have. Use washi to tape in pages (allowing them to be flipped open to read under). Use deli paper. It takes a little more imagination, but it is possible!
• Check Dollar Stores. Don't have an extra Bible? Try a store like The Dollar Tree for an inexpensive Bible. Use the same tips as above.
• Use a Journal. Sure, it might not exactly be Bible journaling, but the experience will be similar. Create an art journal to create in as you read your Bible. 

To Save on Art Supplies

• Keep It Simple. Really, the only things you NEED to get started are a Bible and some colored pencils. That's it! The other things are nice, but you don't HAVE to have them!
  
  

  

  A simple entry using just colored pencils and a black pen.

• Look for Clearance. I love checking the clearance sections of my local craft stores. I have found washi tapes for as little as 19 cents each (regularly $1.99), stickers for 50 cents, etc. Sometimes it requires some digging, but you can find great deals!
• Use Coupons. Most craft stores offer coupons ALL the time. Use them! If you don't get them in the mail, you can print them or open them right on your smart phone. Many craft stores will also accept competitor coupons.
• Use Discounts If You Can. Find out what type of discounts-if any- your local store offers. Two of my 3 local craft stores (Michael's and JoAnn's) offer a military discount. These can definitely bring down the cost of craft supplies greatly!
  

  

  This page was created using Hand Made Modern paint from Target and 19 cent clearance washi tape.

  
  
  
• Check 'Bargain Sections'. Target Dollar Spot is an amazing place to find inexpensive craft supplies, though I've found they often go quickly. I also love the bargain craft section at my local Meijer Store. I have found MANY great items here for only $1! Craft stores tend to have their own bargain areas as well.
• Look Online. I have found a couple of fun websites that can truly help save as well. First up, Blitsy. This is similar to Zulily, offering daily deals, but also allows you to shop a large variety of other supplies as well. They accept and list competitors coupon codes, and you have the potential to earn credits to shop too. When you sign up, you get a $10 credit (must be used right away), and for every friend you refer who shops, you will receive an additional $10 credit! The credit does NOT cover shipping, but there are still many great deals to be found and can save you a trip to the craft store too! Another great site is Peachy Cheap. They offer only ONE product a day, but the deal is usually amazing!
  
  

  

  Created using scrap of scrapbook paper and holiday Washi Tape from Target ($1 roll)

• Buy Cheaper Options. I love using acrylic paints in my Bible, but if you look at some of those recommended for journaling.... well, they can get rather costly. But you don't have to buy the most expensive option. I personally use and love the Hand Made Modern acrylic paints from Target. They range from $1.99-$2.50 and there are often deals available to get them cheaper. They're vibrant and fun, and work perfectly for me. I also just use an inexpensive water color tray intended for children. Is it the best? Probably not. But it works for me and is very affordable!
  
  

• Use What You Have. Have old scrapbooking supplies? Use them! Old greeting cards? Cut them up and tape them in! Silhouette users? Create your own stencils or die cuts. Use household items for unique textures. A friend of mine recently suggested painting with bubble wrap! Apply a thin layer to the wrap with a foam brush and apply to paper! A genius way to get a unique design for little to no cost!

Created using Bubble Wrap (with Hand Made Modern paint). Letter stickers from JoAnn's Bargain items. 

These are just a few of the MANY ways you can enjoy Bible journaling without breaking the bank. The important thing to remember is that it really does not matter how fancy your Bible is or how much you paid for supplies, but rather how you use what you have and the reason WHY you're doing it. To spend time with God.

Are you a journaler on a budget? What other ideas do you have for saving money? Share them in the comments below.

The Legend of the Easter Robin Review & Giveaway {+ Kids Craft}

At Christmastime, we so often hear these great stories of how the symbols of Christmas remind us of Christ's birth, life and death. There are symbols to be found in candy canes, Christmas cookies and so much more. But what about Easter? You don't really hear about how the legends surrounding Easter, do you? At least, I never did... like the legend of the Easter Robin!

But in the fantastic children's book, 'The Legend of the Easter Robin', we learn all about it:

In the center of the nest lay one perfect egg, the color of a spring sky. The father robin sat on a branch nearby, guarding his family. Tressa spotted raccoon tracks below and a blue jay eyeing the nest. “Gran, how are we going to keep the egg safe?” “We’ll have to leave that one to the Creator,” Gran said. Robins have built a nest on the window ledge at Grandmother’s house! Tressa is thrilled―and concerned. What will happen to the sky-blue egg laid by the mother robin? As more eggs appear, Tressa witnesses the daily drama of the robins’ nest and learns how God cares for all creatures. Besides watching the birds, there are Easter eggs to color. And there is a very special story to hear―a tale of long ago about one small bird with a very big heart. How did the robin get its red breast? Tressa is about to find out as Gran tells her the story of the Easter robin. Brought to life with colorful, tender illustrations, The Legend of the Easter Robin will captivate and teach your child about compassion and faith.


So, what is the legend? It is an old Pennsylvania Dutch tale that celebrates the compassion of the robin and the sacrifice of Christ. The robin serves as a sign of spring and a sign of Christ's love, death and resurrection. The nest resembles a crown of thorns. The red breast a sign of Christ's suffering. And eggs to remind us of the new life that we were given in Christ. And this lovely book tells the story beautifully!

Perhaps you remember my post on The Legend of the Christmas Cookie last year? This is written by the same author and has that same wonderful style. It seamlessly mixes these great family stories in a more present setting to these legends of the past and helps us to look at these holiday traditions in a whole new light! If you loved that book, you will love this one. It is sure to become an Easter staple that your family can enjoy year after year, serving as a great reminder of the reason we celebrate!

To really help draw in the lessons of books such as this, I love creating fun little crafts that make them a little more interactive... so for this one we made Popsicle stick robin's nests! This super easy craft is ideal for home or Sunday School!

Popsicle Stick Robin's Nest

• Popsicle/ Craft Sticks (I used larger ones that I had on hand, typical size works too!)
• Glue
• Easter Egg

1. Start shaping a birds nest with the popsicle sticks, gluing them together. There really is no set pattern here, just have fun with it, piling the sticks on in all directions!
2. Once you have your nest built up to your liking, add an Easter egg to the center!

Like I said, a super simple craft that your little ones can look at and remember the legend of the Easter robin!

Ready to bring this wonderful book to your home? You can learn more and connect at the links below:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

OFFICIAL BOOK TRAILER

FACEBOOK 

TWITTER

And one very lucky reader is going to win a copy for themselves! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery

Mommy Scene Eco Baby Giveaway

Our green-themed Eco-Baby Giveaway features everything a baby could need for diapering, feeding, naps, clothing, sensory play, and travel! It's sponsored by Mommy Scene and features prizes from 16 sponsoring brands, each offering unique products to help make life a little simpler and more Eco-friendly for families with little ones. Check out all the innovative products below and enter to win the entire gift set!

Eco-Baby Giveaway Gift Set

Coco & Kiwi

Prize: Coco & Kiwi $50 Gift Certificate
Our mission is to provide smart products with easy cleanup. Your time is important, so spend it on what really matters and let us do the rest. Messy Baby, Happy Mom. Learn more at cocoandkiwi.com.

FunBites

Prize: FunBites Red Heart Food Cutter
As seen on Shark Tank, award winning FunBites creates fun shaped bites that kids can't resist! It's great for picky eaters & creative moms and makes healthy food fun! FunBites is also made in USA, dishwasher safe, and BPA free. Learn more at funbites.com.

Zipadee-Zip

Prize: Zipadee-Zip Swaddle Transition sleep sack
The Zipadee-Zip wearable blanket is loved by sleep experts, pediatricians and parents everywhere! It provides a womb-like environment but full range of movement to roll over and wiggle around safely and freely. The slight resistance in the arm-span helps soothe the startle reflex and will often work to ensure sounder sleep. Even with the full enclosure the Zipadee-Zip provides, babies can pick up and put in their pacifier or play with a toy while wearing it! It keeps those little hands warm all night and prevents scratching! It's also perfect for keeping germs at bay on airplanes, in doctor's offices and in grocery stores. Learn more at sleepingbaby.com.

Buttons Diapers

Prize: One trial pack of cloth diapers: 1 cloth diaper cover + three daytime inserts
Buttons Diapers are an affordable, easy-to-use, all-in-two cloth diaper system. Buttons Diapers AI2 system features soft waterproof diaper covers available in dozens of colors and prints, snap-in absorbent diaper inserts, and diapering accessories as well. Learn more at buttonsdiapers.com.

PouchBuddy by ChubChub

Prize: PouchBuddy feeding attachment
PouchBuddy is an innovative pouch feeding tool that promotes mess-free self-feeding. The mom-approved one piece design is easy to clean, convenient, and travel friendly. BPA, Phthalate, & PVC free. ChubChub is committed to creating real solutions for real parents. Our product development team is constantly seeking and testing new ways to make parenting easier and more efficient with safety as a priority. And together, we help families spend less time on the challenges of parenthood and more time enjoying childhood. Learn more at chubchubbaby.com.

Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap

Prize: 1 tub of Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap - 12 oz.
Sudsy Dough makes bath time fun and encourages sensory play. Kids can rub it on as a cleansing body wash and make soapy bubbles with this scented soap-based play dough. It's moisturizing thanks to Shea butter and beeswax and comes in 4 great fragrances; Merry Mango, Sassy Strawberry, Bubbly Blueberry, and Awesome Apple! Learn more at sudsydough.com

Thinkbaby | Thinksport

Prize: Thinkbaby Starter Set + Complete Feeding Set + Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen, 6 ounces
Thinkbaby and Thinksport's founder, Kevin Brodwick, brought his interest in health and preventative medicine and his background in biotechnology together to form a company whose sole purpose is to create alternative products for babies to athletes alike. With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest biological and chemical sciences, Thinkbaby and Thinksport continue to lead in the usage of safe, non-toxic materials for consumer goods. Thinkbaby and Thinksport's efforts are further energized by working with both leading child and health advocacy partners and like-minded individuals. Learn more at gothinkbaby.com.

Fiddle Diddles

Prize: LullaBelay car seat adjustable strap system
LullaBelay is the first & only adjustable strap system that safely secures an infant carrier to a shopping cart. LullaBelay provides you with a safe, worry-free & hands-free shopping experience. No more placing your infant carrier precariously on top of a toddler seat, or in the basket of the cart taking up all your room. With LullaBelay you can easily shop with a toddler and a baby, all while enjoying full use of your cart basket. Fully safety tested and meets all CPSIA safety requirements for children's products. Learn more at fiddlediddles.com.

Silkberry Baby

Prize: 1 organic cotton long sleeve romper - choose from silver cloud stripe with owl, blush stripe with bunny, or arctic blue stripe with bear
Silkberry Baby long sleeve rompers are soft and comfy and made from certified organic cotton fabric. The roll up cuff can be flipped over to cover hands to prevent baby scratching and two front snaps open the neck wide for easy dressing. Snaps at the inside of legs make for easy diaper changings. Available in sizes nb-3m, 3-6m and 6-12m. Silkberry Baby offers cute, trendy and comfortable baby gear made of eco-friendly and sustainable fabric for baby and toddler. All our natural theme-inspired clothing and accessories are designed by Vancouver moms in Canada. Learn more at silkberrybaby.com.

Revelae Kids

Prize: Cozy Blanket Pouch - style of choice + Yummi Pouch Brights reusable food pouches
Cozy Blanket Pouches are a unique way to keep your little one warm during playtime and slumber. The soft fuzzy material keeps baby cozy from the waist down, secured by an elastic waistband to fully surround baby's legs and keep the blanket in place. Cozy blanket pouches leave room to wiggle and don't restrict leg movement — an ideal extra layer to use when a baby is playing, sitting, or lounging during the day. Available in sizes small & large and four colors. Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches make it easy to take baby food and healthy snacks on the go, save money, and reduce household trash. Learn more at revelae.com.

Bambo Nature

Prize: Case of diapers, winner's choice in size
For over three decades, Bambo Nature has taken every measure to bring you a premium baby diaper that's gentle, soft, and made of a high percentage of sustainable materials. Bambo Nature has earned more credentials, awards, and eco-labels than any other diaper on the market. While other brands are busy making claims, they're busy substantiating their diaper's premium quality with concrete proof. The diapers are guaranteed skin-friendly with no dangerous chemicals and/or allergens, Eco-friendly and made using sustainable resources and less waste, and sleep-friendly with maximum absorbency, ultra-soft and flexible textures. Learn more at bambonatureusa.com.

organicKidz

Prize: Baby Grows Up Thermal Gift Set
organicKidz Baby Grows Up stainless steel bottle kit grows with your child! Baby Bottle converts to Sippy Cup and then to lunch box ready Water Bottle by simply attaching the accessories included in the kit as your baby grows up. Bottle keeps liquids hot or cold for 6+ hours making it perfect for parents on the go, play dates, travelling, daycare or just about anywhere else. Unlike glass and plastic bottles, organicKidz Stainless Steel is naturally bacteria resistant, unbreakable and light weight. Kit includes 9oz Thermal Baby Bottle, 3 flows of vented silicone nipples, silicone sippy spout, handles, stainless steel lid, and leak proof bottle cap. organicKidz Baby Grows Up kit makes a great gift from newborn to toddler to preschool and beyond! Learn more at organicKidz.ca.

Wee Can Too

Prize: Veggie Dough and Veggie Crayon set
Wee Can Too was founded with a mission to bring art supplies to babies and toddlers by offering the highest quality products made from fruit and vegetable powders, plus plant-based ingredients. Our products are all natural, and made from the safest ingredients without chemicals, preservatives, color additives, and are made from food based ingredients. Our colors come from nature! Learn more at weecantooart.com.

Pure Hazelwood Baby Necklaces

Prize: Two (2) Pure Hazelwood baby necklaces
World leader on the market for more than 18 years, Pure Hazelwood products are inspired by a First Nations tradition, handcrafted with 100 % natural hazel wood and meant for the whole family. Rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules, hazel wood helps relieve several symptoms related to inflammation such as: teething pain, colic, skin problems, digestive disorders, joint pain, and more! Learn more at purehazelwood.com/en/teething-pain.

Poncho Baby

Prize: Poncho Baby Organic Roly Blanket
Award-winning Organic Baby Blanket is perfect for outings, this breathable organic cotton blanket unfolds quickly to create a soft, clean place for babies to play and relax. Made in the USA with 100% organic cotton muslin Imported. When you're done, the blanket rolls back up, closing up to be no bigger than a petite clutch purse. Learn more at ponchobaby.com.

Liliputi

Prize: Liliputi Stretchy Wrap - color of choice
The Liliputi stretchy wrap is a beautiful, comfy and versatile carrier for newborns and young babies. It holds a baby softly and safely, distributing the baby's weight equally along the back, shoulders, and hips, allowing you to comfortably wear your baby for long periods of time. The Liliputi stretchy wrap is made of Certified OekoTex 100 fabrics and is also suitable for front and hip carry and perfectly fits any body type. Liliputi solutions help parents ensure the safety of their young children, strengthening contact and supporting physical and mental health in all kinds of situations. Liliputi carriers, coats, bags and accessories are designed in-house with the help of talented Hungarian designers. Every Liliputi product supports babycarrying and upbringing based on close human contact, inspiring a healthier and more harmonious world in every aspect. Learn more atliliputibabycarriers.com.

Loopy Gear

Prize: Loopy 2-Pack
Loopys are a baby rattle holder designed to attach baby's favorite toy to their wrist. Great for shopping, on a walk or even around the house because babies inevitably throw and drop the things they play with most. With a number of colors and styles to suit anyone's taste, Loopys are a fun gift idea that new moms will come to love because the five second rule doesn't apply to babies. So versatile, they can be also used on car seats, strollers, baby carriers, highchairs, and shopping carts. Loopys are handmade in USA, machine washable, and meet CPSIA standards. Learn more atloopygear.com.

Enter to win these great prizes!

This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on March 4th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beat the Winter Blues with Homemade Tomato Soup {A #Flashback Friday Recipe}

Did you know that A Modern Day Fairy Tale has been around since 2009!?

It's hard to believe it's been that long, and throughout that time, it has grown and changed each and every year, reflecting where my family is at that time in our lives! And throughout the years, there have been some fun posts that are worth taking a look at all over again! So, that's just what I'm doing. On occasion, I'm going to reshare some posts from years past that I think you'll enjoy!

Like this recipe I originally posted in 2010! This homemade tomato soup is still one of my absolute favorite recipes to cook for my own family, and perfect for these cold winter days!! I hope you will enjoy making it with your own as well.

Homemade Tomato Soup

• 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomato 
• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomato
• 3 1/2 cups low sodium veggie broth
• 2 Tablespoons diced onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, diced
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons granulated (white) sugar
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/8 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
• Italian seasonings to taste (oregano, extra basil, etc)
• Parmesan or Asiago cheese for garnish (optional)

1) Melt butter in large soup pot.

2) Add all other ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil.

3) Reduce heat and let simmer for at least an hour.


4) Sprinkle individual bowls of soup with cheese (optional)

A few tips and variations:

• The original recipe called for canned tomatoes with Italian seasoning blended in. I prefer seasoning it myself instead, but this is always an option! You can also try other variations like those with peppers and onions mixed in.
• Add peppers! I don't know about you, but adding green peppers to near anything makes it even better! So I love adding chopped green peppers to this soup... gives it a little extra something taste wise, and more color and substance too!
• In addition to the cheese as a garnish, I also love adding a bit of parmesan and/or Romano in as it's cooking as well.
• Nothing goes better with tomato soup than grilled cheese, but for this particular soup, I love using mozzarella or provolone for the grilled cheese. A delicious twist on a beloved classic!

Why Bible Journaling? A Look at Illustrated Faith {& A Giveaway}

When it comes to talking about Bible journaling, I find that there are primarily two groups of people. There are those who are intrigued by the topic and want to learn and see more. And there are those who are shocked and cannot believe that you would color or paint in the Bible.

"It looks great, but if you want to paint, why not a separate journal? Why BIBLE journaling?"

First and foremost, I must say that Bible journaling isn't going to be for everyone. As much as I personally love it, I realize that some people are just not going to be comfortable with the idea. And that's perfectly okay. Each of us has to find our own ways to worship God in a way that makes sense to us. For me, Bible journaling is one such way. I was not raised to believe that there was anything wrong with writing in my Bible, but instead always believed that it was meant to be used and studied. Looking back at my old Bibles from high school I discovered notes, highlighted verses and even a few doodles here and there. I didn't journal in my Bible in the way that I do now, but I certainly used it well.

So, when I discovered this Bible journaling movement, it wasn't a far stretch for me. I was intrigued- though admittedly apprehensive because of lack of artistic ability- and ready to hop on the train. I have only continued to fall more in love with Bible journaling the more I dig in. Just as those notes and marks in my teenage bibles helped me to study and reflect upon the words I was reading, Bible journaling allowed me to do the same in a much more creative-and fun- way.
For myself, Bible journaling was a creative way to make reading my Bible more fun again, but for many, it's inspiration to start reading their Bible for the first time. So many times in Bible journaling forums I see comments that say, 'I never could find the motivation to read the Bible, journaling gave me that." That's a pretty great thing, isn't it?

I'm sure people have been journaling to some degree in their Bibles for many, many years... so why the sudden interest now? That can in large part be credited to Shanna Noel, creator of Illustrated Faith. Long story short? She shared her own Bible journaling on her blog...and well, here we are!! Illustrated Faith has grown into a large and passionate community of Bible journalers, sharing their faith through art!

Illustrated Faith has also grown into a beautiful collection of products that are perfect for Bible journaling! They have stamps, stickers, pens, and so much more. I love going to the craft store and browsing for new supplies, but I often find myself wondering how these would be incorporated into journaling. Because these were created with just that in mind, they work perfectly! They're full of faith, full of fun and quite frankly, they're absolutely beautiful. They provide inspiration for journaling and can truly take it to the next level. I loved how easily these products allowed me to share my faith unlike any other crafting products on the market! Just take a look at the pages in this post- all created with Illustrated Faith products!

Want to learn more about Bible journaling and Illustrated Faith products? Visit the links below:

Visit the Website.
Shop for Products.
Like on Facebook.
Follow on Pinterest.
Follow on Instagram.

And to help you illustrate your faith, one lucky reader will win a $50 Illustrated Faith prize package. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery

Encourage Healthy Snacking with Chef Club Box {A Review & Giveaway Hop} #KeepCalmHopOn

Welcome to the Keep Calm and Hop On Giveaway Hop Event

hosted by The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island

The participating bloggers have all come up with a variety of family friendlly prizes for you to enter to win! So, after you enter my giveaway, be sure to hop along to win more!!

*************************************************

**Product received for review. All thoughts are my own.




I hate shopping for snacks!

I know, I know...hate is such a strong word... but it's true! The rest of my grocery shopping comes pretty easily. I have my lists planned out- entree and sides, household needs, kitchen essentials... but when it comes to snacks, I draw a blank.

You see, my kids are snackers. My husband too! They eat all the time. When we think of snacks we so often think of junk food... and that's not what I want for my family all the time. Instead I want to feed them foods that I can feel good about. But where to begin? The trouble with healthier food options for me is that they tend to be a bit more expensive, and for what you'e getting, I completely understand... but at the same time, it makes it hard to branch out and try new things. If we don't like it? We've thrown that extra money in the trash! So, I find I tend to go with the same ol' snacks over and over again.

Until Chef Club Box that is!

So, what is Chef Club Box?

The ChefClubBox is a premium snack delivery subscription providing healthy snacks for families on the go. The ChefClubBox also comes with some fun too! It is the perfect gift for family and friends!

The Details

• 10+ Healthy Snacks
• Kid Surprise in Each Box
• Interactive Kids and Family Activities
• Monthly Contests with Prizes
• Recipes and Healthy Lifestyle Ideas
• $35.99 (monthly subscription)
• FREE SHIPPING in US
• $35+ Value

Sounds pretty cool, right? But that's not the coolest part. Chef Club Box was created by a 15-year-old! Remmi Smith is far from your average 15-year-old however! Her Italian Salad Dressing is sold at Whole Foods and other specialty stores and she is a published author of Global Cooking for Kids, which as won a gold Addy award. Pretty accomplished for a 15-year-old, right! Chef Club Box is her latest venture in her mission to raise awareness about the problem of childhood obesity!

Having read all that, I was pretty intrigued and could not wait to try it out! When I first opened my Chef Club Box, I was greeted with a fun calendar that shared several food related 'holidays'. Did you know that February 4 was National Homemade Soup Day? I didn't either! But these fun days were fun to go through with my kids, and also helped to create some fun menu inspiration too! There was also a fun newsletter with activities for the kids.

But the real fun was inside... it was loaded with delicious and healthy treats for the whole family! Some snacks were more suitable for my kids, while others were ideal for my husband or I. It gave us a large variety of snacks to choose from and we were able to discover some that we could buy in the future too. Knowing ahead of time that we like them makes paying the higher price tag more bearable! My favorite though was the fun surprises for the grown ups... including Remmi's Italian Salad Dressing AND a stunning necklace from The Vintage Pearl- a jewelry company that I happen to be a huge fan of! The surprises certainly kept coming with this box!

If you're looking for a fun way to help encourage your family to eat better and have fun doing it, Chef Club Box is a must see! You can learn more and connect at the links below:

Visit the Website.
Like on Facebook.
Follow on Twitter.


And one very lucky reader is going to win a box for themselves! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery

Cloth Diapers After Potty Training: Repurposing Old Cloth

You've built up your cloth diaper stash through the years, put them to good use. But as much as we love those fluffy bottoms and fun prints, eventually those cloth diapering years have to come to an end. Perhaps you're already there, or are like me and getting there sooner than you'd like to admit. So, what do you do with all those diapers once you're little one is finished?

Perhaps the most common answers are to either a) sell them or b) save them for future babies. Both are wonderful options, but what if you're done having babies and don't want to/cannot sell (due to wear or personal preference)?

Cloth diapers are all about being green and preventing waste, so rather than throwing out your worn out cloth diapers, today I'm sharing some practical and fun ways that you can recycle your cloth diapers to give them an all new life- post potty training!

• Keep Your Wet Bags. First and foremost, let's talk wet bags! The great thing about these is that they serve so many purposes well beyond cloth diapering days have passed. Take them to the beach for wet clothes! Going somewhere where the kids will get messy? Keep the mess contained! Even potty training can have its share of accidents so don't toss them out just yet!
• Night Time Protection. Speaking of accidents, overnight accidents are not uncommon for young kids. If your child is prone to accidents overnight, you may consider keeping them in cloth-inserts and all. If it's just an occasional trickle, the waterproof diaper cover can provide a little extra protection!
• Clean It Up. Microfiber inserts are most often used in cloth diapers because they are super absorbent... this doesn't just make them ideal for diapers, but for cleaning up too! Have a spill? Soak it up! Super crafty? Attach elastic and create reusable pads for your Swiffer-type mops!! Prefolds and flour sack towels make great cleaning rags! From home to cars to pets, old cloth diapers can keep your home sparkling clean!
• Cloth Pads. Looking for reusable feminine hygiene options? You can reuse the materials in cloth diapers (PUL, etc) to make your own cloth feminine pads! 
• Baby Doll Diapers. Perhaps our favorite way to reuse old diapers is to turn them into baby doll diapers!! This is especially great for newborn diapers, but can work with one size, depending in the doll as well. My daughter loves putting her pretty diapers on her baby dolls!
• Get Crafty! Most of us cloth diapering mamas have a print or color we absolutely love, right? So again, reuse those materials to create fun works of art. Make a key chain, create a shadow box of baby memories, decoupage a Christmas ornament... the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

Just because your cloth diapering days are ending or over, doesn't mean the fun has to end! What other ways can you reuse your cloth diapers?

Inspiring Big Imaginations in Kids

As a child, I had quite the imagination! Perhaps it came from growing up in the middle of nowhere where there was no other option to entertain myself, but I was always coming up with new stories and allowing my imagination to run wild. As a mom, this is something that I really hoped for my children as well... when you have a big imagination, you can never be bored!

To some extent, I think imagination is something that some of us are just created  with. Some people are just more likely to have big imaginations. My daughter is like me in that respect. Earlier this year, I even shared a few of the great stories that she has come up with at just 2 years old. My son on the other hand like so many on the autism spectrum doesn't do well with pretend play at all. Their varying imaginations are just part of who they are. Still, as parents, there are many things that we can do to encourage imaginations in our children. Today, I'm sharing just a few:

Read. A Lot. If you ask me, readers have some of the biggest imaginations out there! And why wouldn't they? They get to travel and experience the world with the turn of a page. As I've mentioned, my son isn't much for pretend play, but I have noticed that as he has gotten more into his books, his imagination has grown. He still doesn't enjoy pretend play so much (though he's known to dress as Darth Vader at random), but they inspired him to start writing and drawing his own comics and show off his imagination in other ways!

Ditch the Batteries. Okay, okay...I don't mean completely. My kids have plenty of toys that use batteries, play with electronics, etc... and there's nothing wrong with that- so long as it is not ALL they have. As fun as these toys are, simple toys like dolls or play foods or dress up really inspire children to use their imaginations so much more. Right now, my daughter's favorites are Barbie dolls. She pretends they are doctors, she takes them on picnics, she makes them perform songs. They aren't fancy, but those simple toys allow her to make them her own. One of the toys that we purchased when my son was around two years old was a silly little toy called a Bilibo. So, what does it do? Umm...nothing! It has no purpose aside from allowing kids to play with it as they please! Six and a half years later, this is still one of the most played with toys in my home. It's used for spinning, it's used as a step stool, it's been used for train tunnels and baby beds... it's even been a hat!

Enjoy Crafts Together! My kids love doing crafts, and while some crafts (like many you'll see here on my blog) do have an end look in mind, there are many crafty activities that you can do that are more open ended to allow children to just use their imaginations. Give them some blank paper and crayons or paint. Cut random shapes and give them glue to create as they please. Put all your random craft supplies on the table and just let them go nuts! One of our favorite crafty activities is Playdoh! We don't have a lot of Playdoh tools or sets, so they can just go with it.

Just Go With It. Some of the scenarios my daughter comes up with are CRAZY! We've have invisible Christmas trees with invisible castles stuck inside and we've had to call upon Toodles for a mousekatool to save the day. That's just one of the many examples. On a day to day basis we rotate out various characters from her favorite movies. At times we're Disney princesses, other times we're different emotions from Inside Out, and other times we are the patients and she is the doctor. We have learned to just go with whatever she throws at us to encourage her to continue on with that imagination.

Do you have a little one with a big imagination? What other ideas do you have to encourage and inspire that imagination to grow?

Breaking Busy: A Book Review & Giveaway #BreakingBusy

**Book received for review. All thoughts are my own.

Let me ask you a question: what does your schedule look like this week?

For many of us- the answer can probably be summed up with one simple word: busy!

Busy, busy, busy!

We have meetings to attend. We have homemade Valentine cards that have to be made. We have grocery shopping and meal planning to be done. We have committees and commitment. We have work and extracurricular activities. Our schedules are filled to the brim without an extra minute to be found.

And if we're not busy? It feels like we're not doing enough. Should we join more clubs? Volunteer more? Find another project to keep me busy? We live in a society where busyness seems to be equated with being fulfilled. But for me, being busy doesn't make me feel more fulfilled. Quite the opposite. It makes me feel exhausted, overwhelmed... and like I am accomplishing little of worth because I'm too busy trying to just cram it in rather than slowing down and focusing on just those things that are most important.

Does this sound like you too? If so, I have a great book that you are going to want to take some time to read, Breaking Busy:

Have you ever felt like a fraud or failure as you struggle to find balance in life? Do you find yourself juggling everything in mediocrity and feeling like you’re succeeding at very little? In her no-nonsense way, Alli Worthington tackles the big questions about finding happiness and one’s God-given purpose.

Breaking Busy marries popular secular research with solid biblical principles, instilling confidence that you, too, can move from crazy busy to confident calm. With refreshing candor, uproarious true stories, and a Christian worldview, Alli delivers truths that dismantle common happiness myths. Then she empowers you to get unstuck, to let go of the good to make way for the great, to know yourself and your Creator, and ultimately to find peace and purpose in this world of crazy.

You will:

• Learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do.
• Identify the common lies you believe and how to strip their power from your life.
• Recognize how what you say no to determines what you can say yes to.

With relatable anecdotes, Alli models real-life guidance on boundaries, relationships, and self-care, humbly examining her own mistakes and walking through how she learned from her missteps and found peace in a world of busyness.

If you long to find real connection with both your loved ones and your Creator, Alli Worthington deftly balances intelligent humility and heartwarming humor to help you rediscover your path.

Have you ever read a book and felt like it was JUST the book you needed to read? I feel that Breaking Busy is going to be that book for many of us! It helps us to take a look at how we're spending our time and why... and helps us to find a way to try and get back to what we SHOULD be doing. That doesn't mean we will stop being busy all the time, of course... but it will help us to take a better look at how we should be spending our time and our energy! 

What I love most about this book is that its real. As I read it, I don't feel as though I'm getting a lecture on how I'm doing it wrong. Instead Alli shares her own personal experiences and shows us that she too has dealt with this. To me, I get a lot more out of books such as this when they are relatable and this one certainly is. I feel like I'm talking to a friend, and it makes reading it all the more enjoyable. I also love the real life applications at the end of each chapter that will help us take a deeper look at the topics talked about and apply them to our own lives so that we truly can 'break busy'.

If you need to start breaking busy, this is certainly a must read! It is available to purchase now at your favorite book retailers.

And one very lucky reader is going to win a copy for themselves! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery