To celebrate the launch of the official Little House on the Prairie website we are offering the ultimate Prize Package Giveaway*.  We are giving away the first four seasons of the newly remastered TV series, the best selling Pioneer Girl autobiography (packaged with an exclusive Pioneer Girl tote bag!), and the recently released documentary about Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Enter in the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win this prize with a $164 value.
[Read more…]

We teach our children not to judge others based on race, religion, or gender- but the first thing out of mouths after any real or perceived injustice, crime, or slighting is so often “It’s because I’m/you are race X”.  It is an automatic default to race- why?  This is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with the most interfaith and interracial marriages, and many interracial and interfaith children.  Where LEGO minifigs come in about a zillion shades of “fig”. The hate is really wearing on me lately.  I’m this, I’m that, this is happening because I’m this- really?  Is everyone so put upon?  Does everyone really hate everyone else so much?

Yesterday, my son and I were on our way to an event in NYC.  We passed (or were passed by) a march protesting “police brutality”, specifically the Ferguson death with posters for a few others, with a majority simply saying “Stop Police Brutality” and “Black Lives Matter”.  My son again asked me why people can’t just love each other, and why don’t ALL lives matter?  And the police are here to protect them while they are marching, so why do they still hate the police?  What do you say to a 7 year old, and how do you explain….
Black Lives Matter, Muslim Lives Matter- but if you say “All lives matter” you are an ignorant person who doesn’t care about other people.  Just ask twitter- go on, click the hashtag.  If you dare to say all lives matter- you clearly are an idiot.  What’s that about?
[Read more…]

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dove. I received a product sample and promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Dove makes some pretty great products for women, including anti-perspiration and deodorants.  One of their most recent products is Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant.  This deodorant is different because it features 48 hour odor and wetness protection and gives you softer, smoother underarms.  NutriumMoisture is a set of ingredients which moisturize the skin and are a key part of the new Dove Advanced Care system.  Be sure to check back in here on the blog, because in the coming week I’ll be giving this new product a try for myself and letting you know how it works for me.
[Read more…]

Thank you to Direct Energy for sponsoring today’s post and inspiring me to help out the military veterans in my community.

Our freedom comes at a cost. Some might not see it but it is there. There are brave women and men around the world fighting impossible odds and evil men in order to preserve our rights as Americans. These military personnel deserve our utmost respect and a helping hand when we can give it. Some of the best ways we have found to help our military is by sending care packages. At one point our class had made drawings, written letters and brought in home goods for our troops over seas. These items weren’t big or expensive but were needed like toiletries and snacks. All of which were greatly appreciated. Even the drawings and letters at least brought a smile to someones face in a time of need. Some children even received letters back thanking them and hoping to be pen pals and keep the caring current. All people want deep down is to be loved no matter who they are and to feel that love from hundreds of miles away is something special.
[Read more…]

Life as it is known today would simply not be possible without metal, a material that offers a variety of benefits to virtually every industry. Whether utilized in immense architectural undertakings or used to create essential communications devices, this versatile material has limitless applications in the modern world. Metal is highly valued in building construction, with 85% of homes making use of the substance for a number of functions. Home appliances also rely heavily on metal, with stainless steel being a preferred option due its rust-resistance capabilities. Additionally, some metals can prove ideal for inhibiting bacterial growth on bars and counter tops, which can be an important consideration when designing a commercial establishment. Modern art and architecture even makes use of metal when designing stunning large-scale works. In Chicago alone there are two separate structures comprised of large volumes of metal. The Cloud Gate features 110 tons of polished stainless steel, while the Daley Plaza Picasso is made up of 160 tons of Cor-Ten steel, which is extremely resistant to corrosion. Other notable metal monuments include the St. Louis Arch, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty, which is derived from copper. Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many innovative
[Read more…]

Boston Children’s Hospital HAIRraising Cut-a-Thon:

On April 12, top salons throughout the country will offer discounted haircuts and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Boston Children’s Hospital for the HAIRraising Cut-a-Thon. This is a massive, one-day fundraising event benefitting Boston Children’s Hospital, the #1 Pediatric Hospital and Research Center in the country. Over 100 salons have signed up already in hopes to raise $200,000 this year for the hospital. This is the highest number of salons that have ever participated in HAIRraising and the largest fundraising goal for HAIRraising to date.
[Read more…]