Jumpin-Beans

 As 2023 comes to a close, I really wanted to talk about one of my most favorite subscription boxes.  I have to admit, as a mom, I tend to spend all of my money on my kids... and other loved ones... and rarely on me.  Every now and then I take a chance and order a subscription box for myself.  It ends up being a fun treat, since I don't know what is in there and it is like little surprises for me!   To be honest, several of them were major let downs. I am sorry, but just because I am a female, it does NOT mean I want a box full of makeup / pamper items... So those are normally a big waste for me.  FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I was given the chance to review ONCE UPON A BOOK CLUB this year and I was so happy with it!  First of all - YOU GET A

We were recently invited to visit Synchronicity Theatre to see their production of THE LITTLE PRINCE.  If you follow my blog, you know that Savannah LOVES this movie.  We have the movie, we have the book...we even have a couple of the figurines from the story. That being said, I knew it was a no brainer that I would be taking her to the show, if at all possible!  Synchronicity Theatre was new to us, as we had never visited it and did not know anything about it... But, it was easy to get to!  We grabbed a spot in the parking deck ( take your ticket, so you can get parking validated) and then we were on our way!!!! She was so excited about the play!   FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Here is the fun part...  We got there and parked, walked in the buildin

This holiday season, we decided that we were going to try and watch more holiday movies.  As soon as we saw EDDIE MURPHY had a new movie out, we knew we had to check it out!!!!  We planned a family movie night and we totally loved it!!!  Make sure to check it out! FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Directed by Reginald Hudlin Written by Kelly Younger Produced by Brian Grazer, p.g.a., Eddie Murphy, Karen Lunder, p.g.a., Charisse Hewitt-Webster, p.g.a., Executive produced by Doug Merrifield Starring Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Stephen To

If you know me at all... You know how much I love to travel and see what all is out there.  Lucky for me, Matt likes it too, so we have made many adventures together already!  We can go on a day trip, or an over night one... either way, you can bet we will be laughing along the way!   Recently we were invited to check out a friend of mine's airbnb - and I have to be honest, it is the first airbnb I have ever been in... but it was absolutely PERFECT, so I wanted to tell you all about it!   So, the airbnb is in Pine Mountain Valley, Georgia.  We got there and wanted to check out the little town.  That being said, we drove over to the "main street" there and parked to check it out. They had several buildings with murals painted on the side.  They had a few different places to shop - and GET THIS ---  my friends were in the process of opening up an eating establishment!!! It is called Dakota's Counter   and its in downtown Chipley, Georgia.   Their instagram has the menu

This past Monday, I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday...  I had a great day and felt loved by my family and friends.  That being said, I wanted to share with you a great gift idea... Perfect for a birthday gift, or a Christmas present!  I am IN LOVE with the subscription box, Once Upon a Book Club!  The latest book I was able to review- The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson. FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. So more about Once Upon a Book Club -  You get an awesome box in the mail and open up to a world of wonderful gifts!  Like I said, I was able to get The Lost Tickey by Freya Sampson.  To be honest, I was worried it would be one that had me in tears-  London (bucket list for me), a love story and a man with dementia on a mission to find his one t

Now, I am not personally familiar with this organization, but I have heard of them...  And if not this one, maybe just think about donating coats to someone this year that might be in need!   As summer fades and anticipation of a new school year looms, parents are busy with the usual preparations. Buying new school supplies, scheduling haircuts, and adjusting sleep schedules are the obvious tasks on the back-to-school checklist. However, there’s a crucial element that can be added to this annual ritual; an opportunity to teach our children about the power of giving back.  Parents should not just reset their routines and refresh their children’s wardrobes but also consider donating outgrown or unused coats for a worthy cause.  These donations to  One   Warm   Coat  will be used to  warm  children and adults in need this winter.    37 million or 11% of all Americans now live in poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities . That includes 11 million children according to the Children’s

Yall - It is crazy to think this little firecracker is 8 years old now!  Where has the time gone?  I feel like it was not too long ago that I was telling Broxton that he was going to be a BIG BROTHER, but then it feels like a lifetime ago as well.  Time is such a crazy thing...   Anyways, for those that know me, this is a repeat, but for any newbies out there - a quick recap... We try and go to Biloxi each summer.  With Savannah's birthday in July and mine in August, it just sort of made sense... not to mention it was a great time for family vacation as well.  Well, a few years ago, my dad spotted THE SUGAR FACTORY was opening up at the Hard Rock Biloxi - and of course that meant we would have to check it out whenever we went for our summer / birthday trip!   When our trip finally happened, I took the kids to The Sugar Factory for lunch one day and the food was pretty good...  when they did a birthday celebration for another customer in there, I knew that we WOULD for sure be back,

Well, well, well...  I am sorry I have been out of blogging for a while now, but things have been happening.   I am here and I am still active on Instagram, but the blogging has been pushed back, but I am back now!!!  Make sure to follow me on Insta to keep up with the day to day!!!! Just a little post to give an update on how life has been.   First of all, I am going to be a grandma!!!! Remember how Marc has older boys than our two?  Well, the one that joined the Coast Guard called me back in the beginning of the year to let me know his girlfriend was pregnant!  She is due any day now, so my heart can't take it!  I keep waiting for a text with a picture of the newest baby to love!   Next - my baby brother, Ashton - well they had their baby at the end of last year.  He is a beautiful baby boy and I sure do love him!   Savannah has somewhat grown out of her UNICORN OBSESSION stage... She still love them, but where we had unicorn theme birthdays the last few years... She decided that

 We are finally at the stage now where Savannah loves Harry Potter!  She was into it a bit last year and we started watching the movies, but then "life" happens and it kind of got pushed to the side... We started it back up again recently... I had originally asked friends for the DVD's to borrow - and I did not realize how many HP fans are out there - but I spotted a deal online and we ended up buying the set.  Anyways, don't judge... better late than never, right?   So, after finally getting into the whole magic of Harry Potter, when I realized the Harry Potter Exhibition was still in Atlanta, I was so excited to be able to make a trip out of it and go check it out...  FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. We drove up to see Harry Potter-

We have loved all of the Rock Dog movies through the years, so when we heard that Rock Dog 3 was coming out - you know we were happy to review it!  The music is just so good.  The movie is always a fun time to watch and normally, I can get both kiddo's to hang out for most of the movie and enjoy!  (Hello teenage years!)   FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are  my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Bodi rocks back into the spotlight when  Rock Dog 3: Battle the Beat   will be available on Blu-ray™ + Digital and DVD January 24 from Lionsgate. Join the famous Tibetan mastiff for his newest adventure as he continues on his journey as a musican.  Rock Dog 3: Battle the Beat  will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 on Blu-ray™ + Digital and $19.98 on DVD.   O

We love movie night around here and we love singing... So when the chance to review Lyle, Lyle Crocodile came our way, we were excited to get a chance to watch it.  I will be honest, I had not heard of it, but Savannah had and was so thrilled that we had it headed our way.  BUT - when the movie arrived, it was right here around the holidays and life gets hectic then, as we all know... So between everything we had going on here and then them going to visit their dad, it was hard to find the time to watch it... We did try it, but it was getting late, so we had to turn it off and not finish it.  Now that the holidays are behind us, we decided to give it another go - we really enjoyed what we saw when we were watching it the first time, but like I said.. TIME was not on our side...  FTC Compliant Review Policy:    The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed