Author: cvegnad

Strengthening Confidence and Ease: #theOriginalStretchlace

When I first heard the word Stretchlace and how it created slip ons out of any shoes, I was intrigued by the hows.

I visited their website and kept looking at the images, the laces didn’t look any different, it didn’t change the look of the shoe or how the model wore the shoes, so how did these actually work?

The creator of Strechlace (Jamie Montz) originally developed the laces to help her three boys learn to tie their shoes. How many parents here can relate to that?! This is one of the most trying lessons to teach as a parent. What seems like an easy concept, can end in tears and frustration. Even when they do master the skill, there will be moments when they will struggle, their laces will come undone during an important game and they will panic.

Stretchlaces are just that – they stretch. When they came in the mail, I wasn’t sure if there was a trick to them and I am going to be honest, I kept looking for instructions in the box. I expected them to have a loop somewhere or that they would need to be threaded differently in your child’s shoes. I can be quite honest with you, I had to google to make sure all that I had to do was thread them and then tie to them to ensure they are tied properly on your child’s feet.

After they were tied, because of the stretchy material in the laces, it gives the shoes that extra room for your child to slip the shoe on and off. That was the real magic, it is the extra give in the laces that allows the shoes to come on and off easily.

As most children (and adults), already like to slide their shoes on and off, we know the damage this causes to our shoes (or our walls as they ricochet off your child’s feet when they wont slide on!). Shoes with regular laces are not meant to slip on and off, the stretchy material in these laces changes that.

Here is what I loved the most:

  • The stretchlaces look identical to regular laces! This is so important for younger children, who don’t want to look different than their peers.
  • They are easy to thread through the shoes and once on and tied, you can forget about having to re-tie the shoes.
  • The company offers fifteen different colours, allowing your child to express themselves and to better match their shoes.
  • The company also offers nine different lengths of laces, which allows people of all ages to benefit from the laces.

I didn’t list it here because only time will tell, but I do have a strong suspicion that this will actually increase the life span of my son’s shoes. He breaks the backs on them quite frequently (I am also guilty of this as I don’t untie my shoes to take them off) because he turns them into slip ons, when they were not meant to be. I suspect because of the extra give in the front of the shoes, this will not happen anymore.

What I also noticed (and can fully appreciate), is how many adults would benefit from these laces.

Adults that may have any type of mobility issue which can make it difficult to bend, pull and tie, would benefit greatly from these laces – once they are tied to fit their feet, they will no longer struggle with these actions. I also noticed how Jamie mentioned that it also benefits those who suffer from swollen feet (right here!!), parents who have their hands full all the time, and those with special needs.

The Stretchlace is reasonably priced, with prices starting at $9.99 and can be purchased on their website.

Want to learn more? Visit the Original Stretchlace website and make sure to follow Stretchlace on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned products in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Forever My Duke Book Review

Can the utterly delightful American beauty ever find a way to love him…despite his being a duke?

About Forever My Duke

Hadrian Ames, the Duke of Clayton, needs a bride. He even has the perfect one picked out. That is, until he meets the lovely, free-spirited Natalie Fanshawe. She’s the opposite of what a man of his high rank should desire in a wife—an outspoken American who has never even set foot in a London ballroom.

But Natalie doesn’t have time to be swept off her feet by a handsome duke who must be a spoiled scoundrel like every other British lord. And she couldn’t care less about Hadrian’s title. After all, it’s not as if he actually worked to attain his wealth and status. He surely can’t understand what it’s like to be a busy woman, planning to open a school while trying to reunite a six-year-old orphan with his English relatives. Nevertheless, Hadrian launches his campaign to win her heart.

My Thoughts

Natalie is a free speaking, independent young American woman who has travelled to England to see that the young child in her care finds his home with his grandparents. She has seen a lot in America – from war, to brutality by the British to illness and death. It has changed her views on life and people, including her own family that moved to America from England.

So you can just imagine how Natalie first felt when she met Hadrian – a wealthy Duke on his way to secure a bride that he did not love. But what I think no one was quite expecting was the attraction that bubbled up immediately between the two and their internal struggles with it. Neither wanted to be attracted to the other – he stood for everything she disliked and she was just the complete opposite of what society would expect from a Duchess.

I loved the personalities of our two main characters, they definitely keep you on your toes while you are reading! Natalie is a breath of fresh air – full of her own opinions and not afraid to share it. But she also has this vulnerable side to her, as she has seen and witnessed some horrible things in her time in America at the hands of the British. I loved watching Hadrian grow into his own person, not afraid to make a decision that goes against society.

The novel was a fun and unpredictable ride from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot and our main characters. A great holiday time read!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Olivia Drake is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in Texas. Her novels have won critical acclaim and numerous industry awards, including the prestigious RITA. Olivia is the author of Scandal of the Year, Never Trust a Rogue, and If the Slipper Fits among others.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The Katie Clemons Journals Review

Looking to celebrate life and those special moments? Create deeper bonds with your children and those around? Look no further – Katie Clemons will help you celebrate those special moments.

We Are So Thankful: A Shared Gratitude Journal

This journal is a thoughtful, creative way for families to connect with one another. Some days, you may be overflowing with reasons to give thanks―capture them so you can always remember, and look back to when you need a pick-me-up. Other days, being thankful isn’t always easy, and you may need to stretch yourself to “choose gratitude.” Through the engaging prompts, kids and parents can discover and celebrate all the things they are grateful for together. Keep record of the little things that brighten up your family’s life―in good times and bad―and foster an attitude of gratitude that will last for ages.

You can purchase a copy of this on Amazon.

Between Dad and Me: A Father Son Keepsake Journal

This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build father-son relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their dads! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both dad and son to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Between Mom and Me: A Mother Son Keepsake Journal

This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build mother-son relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their moms! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both mom and son to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Love, Dad and Me: A Father Daughter Keepsake Journal

This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build father-daughter relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their dads! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both dad and daughter to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Love, Mom and Me: A Mother Daughter Keepsake Journal

This engaging prompt journal is the perfect tool to build mother-daughter relationships. Kids can record memories, swap stories, compare perspectives, and explore common and unique interests with their moms! Interactive lists and letters back and forth invite both mom and daughter to reflect, write, and doodle about topics timely to their lives as kids, build self-confidence, and improve their penmanship.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Awaiting You: A Pregnancy Journal

Lower the volume of your busy life and savor the heartbeats thumping inside of you with this lovely pregnancy journal. Thoughtful prompts guide you to capture memorable moments and milestones, beautiful and complex feelings, and future dreams. You’ll feel your emerging mother-baby bond strengthen as you collect memorabilia and compose a series of love letters to your child.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

My Thoughts

These stunning keepsake journals are a beautiful memory and moments for you to share with the ones that mean the most to you – your children. I love my children more then words can begin to describe and I am always looking for ways to connect with them. These books give parents a great way to connect with their child, share their past and things that make them happy in an easy, stress free, fun manner.

Each book comes with conversation starters, plenty of blank space to write, draw and get creative. You can use the journals any way you want – front to back, skipping pages, complete it together or maybe separate. The most important part is that it gets you two talking and sharing about the things that mean a lot to you. You engage and truly listen to each other and share things that may be hard to share vocally and face to face.

These books make a great gift to new parents, young families and families with older children (especially older children who sometimes stop sharing how they feel). They are a truly beautiful collection of journals that will get you talking, sharing and connecting on a deeper level.

About the Author

Katie Clemons is an avid storycatcher, mom, and fifth generation Montanan whose super power is asking questions. Her mission-Let’s celebrate your story!-began in elementary school when Katie craved a consistent, fun way to capture and write her stories. Today, she’s a No. 1 bestselling author who’s shared her story on HGTV’s “You Live in What?,” given a TEDxTalk, created a storycatching community, and received numerous awards and press for her innovative approach to journaling. Katie and her journals have been featured by media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping and Pregnancy and Newborn.

Katie’s work helps both children and adults celebrate their life stories and nurture deeper bonds with their families while finding greater joy and gratitude. Find Katie and share her storycatching discoveries at www.katieclemons.com or @katierclemons on social media.

Disclosure: I received the above mentioned books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Cookies for Santa: The Story of How Santa’s Favourite Cookie Saved Christmas

The Kringle family cookbook has gone missing, and Santa can’t remember the recipe for the special cookies he makes every year. But where can he turn for help? From the experts at America’s Test Kitchen comes a new twist on a holiday tradition.

About Cookies for Santa: The Story of How Santa’s Favourite Cookie Saved Christmas

Millions of people bake special Christmas cookies during the holidays―including Santa! In fact, every year he bakes his family’s favorite cookie and gives them to the elves and reindeer to show them how much he cares, just like his father and grandfather did. But it’s just days before Christmas, and the Kringle family cookbook is nowhere to be found! If he has no recipe, he can’t bake his cookies. And if he can’t bake his cookies, Christmas might as well be canceled! Luckily, a little girl finds the cookbook and, with the help of America’s Test Kitchen, inspires families from all over the world to work together to make sure that Santa and his family have a happy holiday.

This book also includes the delicious cookie recipe.

Our Thoughts

Cookies for Santa is a beautiful book about the true meaning of Christmas, people working together for a greater cause and the warmth of family and friends.

In Cookies for Santa, Santa can’t find his cookbook which holds all of the recipes handed down from generation to generation. Santa loves to bake and he loves to share this love with the people, elves and animals that mean the world to him. When he loses the book, he feels all is lost and doesn’t know if he can go on with Christmas. A young girl finds his cookbook and comes up with the brilliant idea to bake cookies for Santa with the help of America’s Test Kitchen! Soon, kids all around the world are showing their love for Santa by helping bake his favourite cookies.

I love to bake for others, there is something so satisfying when you can share the time and energy you put into baking with someone you love. I can only imagine how Santa would have felt losing his cookbook – I love the recipes that my Dad cooks, they hold so many memories. I would be devastated losing something like that.

What was so beautiful about this book, was the way the community came together to support and show their love for Santa. People all over the world made his favourite cookies as a symbol of their love and support. This was a beautiful gesture and so very touching.

We loved the illustrations and the ease of reading this book aloud. It was a beautiful story that showcases the true meaning of Christmas. A huge bonus was the delicious Santa’s Chocolate Krinkle Cookies at the back of the book, that your child and you can bake together!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN is the most authoritative resource for reliable, kitchen-tested recipes and cooking information. They value process, curiosity, practicality, and honesty. They believe everyone can learn to be a successful cook and their mission is to test recipes over and over until they understand how and why they work, and arrive at the best version.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Dear Santa Book Review

A beautiful story of honesty and the spirit of Christmas.

About Dear Santa

When Ms. Holly asks the class to write their letters to Santa, Parker gets nervous. He has done some things this year that might put him on the naughty list. Like feeding Brussels sprouts to his dog and staying up past his bedtime. Should he gloss over his mistakes like his classmates do, or take responsibility for his actions? Deciding that honesty is the best policy, and hoping that Santa understands, Parker hands in his letter and hopes for the best.

Christmas morning arrives and Parker finds a big surprise under the tree ― PLUS a letter from Santa!

BONUS: Kids can write a letter to Santa using the festive holiday-themed stationery included in every book. Parents can also visit putmeinthestory.com/dearsanta for a FREE downloadable personalized letter from the desk of Santa Claus, or get a letter and official ‘Nice List’ certificate sent in a magical envelope all the way from the North Pole! It’s never been easier to make your child’s Christmas wishes come true.

Our Thoughts

Dear Santa is the perfect Christmas book that will make you laugh, smile and start all of those important conversations with your child around their actions and being the best person that they can be.

Writing a letter to Santa is a tradition that we have all done every year as a child. It is so important to children and for the magic of Christmas. It can also cause a bit of anxiety, as children tend to worry if they have been good enough for gifts, if they should be showing off all of their good deeds and if Santa will put them on the good or bad list. It can be quite a stressful time for a child!

This beautiful book follows Parker, a young boy who is tasked with writing a letter to Santa at school. He listens to his classmates writing their letters and is shocked when they write about how good they are. Because to be fair – no one is perfect 100% of the time. Parker knows he is not perfect and he doesn’t want to lie to Santa, even if it means he may not get any presents on Christmas. So Parker explains to Santa how he tried to be good and why he wasn’t.

This was an adorable, sweet and funny book that we loved from start to finish. Parker’s fears are something that every child can relate to and it is such an important lesson for children to learn. It is okay to make mistakes and to not be perfect – it is when we own those mistakes that we grow as a person and become better individuals. I loved how this book explained this concept in a way that children can understand – we don’t want our kids to be perfect, just the best version of themselves.

This will become a favourite holiday read in your home and is perfect for children of all ages. We also loved that the book came with beautiful paper in the back for your child to write a letter to Santa to, as well as with a free Santa letter download.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

About the Author

Susanna Leonard Hill is the New York Times bestselling author of Moon’s First Friends, as well as many other award-winning books for children.  She does frequent school and library visits, teaches picture book writing, and offers picture book critiques.  She lives in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley with her children and two rescue dogs.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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