Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

Helpful Tips To Rid Your Home of Nasty Allergens

If you wake up with a running or stuffy nose, have a dry cough, sneeze often, suffer from itchy or watery eyes, the culprit causing your allergies may be your home. Dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and more can be found in most homes. Here are some tips for a cleaner, healthier home.

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Get rid of wall to wall carpeting and padding and replace with hardwood, tile or other impervious flooring. Carpeting is a magnet for just about every allergen, walking across them sends releases those allergens back into the air. If it is not possible to get rid of all your carpeting or if you have to do it little by little, start with the bedrooms.

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Double up on the door mats, have one outside and right inside the door to minimize the chance of introducing irritants into your home. It is also a good idea to remove your street shoes at the door and encourage your guests to do the same.

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Curtail the curtains and drapes. Opt for blinds or shades instead because they trap fewer allergens than window treatments made from fabric. If you must have curtains or drapes, make sure to get ones that are machine washable and wash them often. Vacuum blinds and shades once a week with a brush attachment, wash them regularly with warm water and soap especially if you keep the windows open often.

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Many are allergic to mold and with over 100,000 different species of mold in the world it is hard to get away from. Mold loves damp places that is why it is so prevalent in bathrooms. Make sure you dry surfaces of standing water and make sure your bathroom has adequate ventilation. Replace caulk around sinks, tubs and showers to prevent water seeping in and encouraging mold growth behind the walls.

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Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks, make sure there are no leaks or drips that will be a breeding ground for mold. Also check for rodent droppings another allergen.

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Use a vacuum with a Hepa Filter to vacuum floor surfaces, mattresses and upholstered furniture. After that, vacuum with a UV-C Light Vacuum like the Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum.

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Vacuuming with this can leave your home surfaces 99.9% germ and allergen free! The ultraviolet light technology is built into the vacuum and can eliminate dust mites, bed bugs, bacteria, mold, allergens, flea eggs and more that are lurking in your home.

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This portable vacuum comes with a brush and crevice tool attachment. This is a great way to clean your home and destroy germs and viruses like MRSA, H1N1 and more without the use of harsh, harmful chemicals.

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Vacuum bedding, mattresses, furniture. floors, rugs and more. Eliminate odors by killing odor producing bacteria. If you are looking to buy a new mattress like the Leesa Mattress make sure you keep it clean from the start with these methods.

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The 400 watt motor and cyclonic action ensure maximum power and suction, and easy empty, bagless design and 2-stage micro-allergy filtration prevent recirculation of pollutants.

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Using the same UV sanitizing technology  that’s been used for over 30 years in hospitals, food processing facilities and water treatment plants, CleanWave’s germ reducing  light can penetrate a micro-organism’s cell membrane damaging the DNA, preventing growth and killing the organism.

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Check out my video here of how easy it is to use.

I love that I can take this anywhere, it is easy to operate and has a safety feature that automatically turns the light off if it is not on a flat surface. It is easy to empty and gives me peace of mind. We have allergies in our house and using this vacuum is making a difference.

 

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Verilux is sponsoring a giveaway (giveaway is over) on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Verilux, CleanWave Portable UV Vacuum. Thank you to Verilux for the review CleanWave UV Vacuum and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Verilux CleanWave Sanitizing Portable Vacuum Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Christmas, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Home, Home & Garden

New PJMasks Products Just In Time For Holiday Shopping!

As an Official PJ Masks Blogger, I am really excited to share some new products in the PJ Masks Line. My kids love PJ Masks and if yours do too, you will love these new products. See my video below for the reveal of these newest wonders.

 

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The PJ Masks Collectible Figure Set is available at Toys “R” Us and includes Catboy, Owlette, Gekko, Luna Girl and Romeo. All figures are in dynamic action poses so your kids will be able to act out creative scenes with the characters.

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The PJ Masks Night Sight Game by Wonder Forge is fun for kids and adults to play. I played this with my sons and what I liked best is that we are playing as a team to stop the mischievous Romeo from stealing the city’s toys.
My boys are very competitive so this team game of us against Romeo was a welcome change to the distress that happens when you have one winner. This game also has fun masks that let us see the hidden toy pictures. This is a fun memory team game that would make a great gift.

 

 

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For creative fun the PJ Masks Crayola Color and Sticker Book. There are so many great 2 sided coloring sheets as well as sheets of stickers. My kids love to color so these are perfect for times when they want to just sit down and spend some time creating their own masterpieces.

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Having a budding reader the Ready To Read Book, Time To Be A Hero lets kids join their favorite heroes as they work together to save the day in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read based on PJ Masks, the hit preschool series airing on Disney Junior!

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Comment and let me know what you think of the new arrivals.

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How To Make Your Own Spreadable Butter

In our house we use real butter. I used to use spreads that I thought were healthier but surprise, butter is not bad for us! So ever since, it has been real butter. The only bad part was that it was not spreadable. I started buying spreadable butter but that costs a lot more for very little and with our big family, we were flying through those small tubs. Looking for a solution, I learned that butter does not need to be kept in the refrigerator to stay fresh. That’s right, when you use a butter pot, you can have nice spreadable butter anytime you want without paying extra for those tubs in the supermarket.

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If you are wondering what a butter pot is, it is a pot that has a lid that you pack the butter into and then you add cold water to the base. You leave it out on the counter at room temperature and all you have to do is change the water every 3-4 days and replace the butter as needed.

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The French have been storing their butter like this for years. The water creates an airtight seal that will keep butter fresh for up to 30 days but you know what, it never lasts that long without refilling in our house!

Watch my video of the process below:

Would you like a chance to win an Emile & Henry Butter Pot like mine? I thought you would, just enter below! We think this makes a great gift and have added it to Mommy Ramblings’ Holiday Gift Guide.

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Giveaway:

Emile & Henry is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an Emile & Henry Butter Pot in their choice of color (subject to availability). Thank you to Emile & Henry for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Emile & Henry Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baking, Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide

My Secret For Baking Perfect Bread Loaves Every Time!

Tis’ the season for hearty soups and stews and home-baked bread. I used to have issues baking bread, it just never came out right. Last year, I discovered that when I used a bread cloche I could make the most delicious artisan bread consistently. Baguettes were not a problem any more either and I was turning them out 3 at a time. They disappeared before they were even cool! So I was left with mastering baking the perfect bread loaf. I am happy to report I mastered that and no matter how many I make, they are perfect and delicious every time!

If you are looking for pointers, I can help. I will tell you that I do use bread flour, I add a little more sugar than my recipe calls for and make sure to use fresh, active dry yeast. The recipe I use is easy, it is actually the same recipe I use when I make my round bread in the Emile & Henry Bread Cloche. I do not change a thing, the only thing I do differently, is use the Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker.

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This is the recipe I use:

3 cups of bread flour

1 cup of warm water (95 degrees F)

2 tsp of salt

2 tsp of granulated sugar

2 tsp of dried baker’s yeast

2 tbsp of milk

In a large bowl mix the bread flour, salt, sugar and dried yeast.

Pour in the warm water and knead for about 2-3 minutes.

Put the covered bowl in a warm place away from drafts to rise for 20 minutes.  Uncover the dough and knead to remove the carbon dioxide, form the dough into a loaf.  Grease the bread loaf pan with butter and flour and place the loaf of dough into the loaf dish. Cover with the top and let rise for another 45 minutes at room temperature.

Brush a little milk over the top at the end of the rise time and sprinkle with flour.

Bake in a preheated oven of 460 degrees F for 35 minutes and I remove it after a few minutes to a board.

Click on my video below to see me bake a loaf from start to finish.

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We have a giveaway for this bread loaf baker and you can enter below. We will also be posting a giveaway for a Emile & Henry Butter Pot and Stewpot so make sure you follow us if you don’t want to miss it. We think Emile & Henry products make great gifts and we will be putting them on our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide.

Emile & Henry is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker . Thank you to Emile & Henry for my bread loaf baker and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Emile & Henry Bread Loaf Baker Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baking, Cooking, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

Meet Your Teething Baby’s New Best Friend-Sammy The Squid #Giveaway #HolidayGiftGuide

Babies who are teething have a new best friend! Meet Sammy The Squid, his squeaks will have baby squealing with delight. The variety of textures and chewable parts will make Sammy a friend your baby will want around all the time.

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This teething toy is part of the Brain Builders Collection from The People Toy Co. Sammy may seem a little pale but it is a good thing! There are no added colors for  safety. The unique shape holds your baby’s attention, soothes sore gums and helps develop multiple senses.

Check out our video review of this teething toy below:

You can purchase this teether on Amazon. We like it so much we are adding it to Mommy Ramblings 2016 Holiday Gift Guide!

The People Toy Co. is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Sammy The Squid Teethng Toy! Thank you to The People Toy Co.  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Sammy The Squid Teether From The People Toy Co. Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Christmas, Gift, Giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, Review

My Mom Confession-I Hate Halloween!

There, I said it! I am not one of those moms who obsesses for months over the perfect costume. I don’t look forward to going out trick or treating with my kids. It is not that I don’t enjoy being with my kids, it is just that there is so much I would rather be doing with them. In fact, it is their happiness that keeps me doing it. It is nothing religious or anything like that. As a kid it was fun, but it was not over the top fun. When we were done trick or treating, I was glad it was over and actually liked answering the door for the kids and handing out candy better.

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The weather in upstate New York is so unpredictable. I can remember so many Halloweens where my kids had to go trick or treating in winter coats. You could not even see their costumes. It would be raw and bitter cold and you would go to as many houses as you could before your ears froze off. Of course our neighbors are few and far between as we live in a rural area so that means driving and with little kids that means buckling them in and out of car seats every 2 minutes. Car seats with costumes is not fun, car seats with costumes and winter coats is excruciatingly not fun.frost

On the years when the weather is nice, it is tolerable once we arrive at a quaint neighborhood in town. There we can park and walk from house to house. We meet up with friends and it is enjoyable, for a while.

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Once the chill creeps in and the kids start comparing who got what and bickering over the fact, that one got a Snickers and one got a Kit Kat at the last house.  Soon after that I will make the announcement that we are going to the last 2 houses and calling it a night. Sometime they moan that they want to do more even though their buckets are overflowing with candy and sometimes they are just as glad to be done. As soon as we get to the car, you can see their exhaustion and they are happy to be headed home.

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The worst part is when Halloween falls on a weekday. Of course, this year, it is not only on a weekday but that weekday is Monday! It is getting dark earlier, the kids don’t get off the school bus until 4:10 pm. If we are lucky their teachers will not assign the usual mountain of homework. It will still be an immediate rush to get them dressed and in the car to head out to a Trunk or Treat in town and then to that little neighborhood and hit our neighbors who want so much to see the kids and always have special things for them.

After that it will be a rush home, fighting about who got what and why can’t they eat any more candy. Then it will be showers and bedtime. After that, I will be so grateful we survived and we don’t have to think about this for another year! Oh wait, where was dinner? Where does dinner fit in here? See what I mean? It is crazy! Does any parent really enjoy this?

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Let me not forget to mention, Halloween comes on the heels of a jam-packed weekend of a Halloween Parade we all marched in down to the youth center where there were games, cider, donuts and more. On Sunday, the last soccer game of the season was on despite the torrential rain and chilly weather. Everyone was drenched, freezing and wanting to get home and warm. We all had to wait until the awards and the party was finished.

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So there is my big confession, I don’t like Halloween! There would be no argument from me if it was cancelled. If it cannot be cancelled, I wish we could all agree to celebrate it on the last Saturday of October, so no one needs to juggle all this on a school night.

Oh, one more thing, I am not a huge fan of birthday parties either.

 


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Filed under Halloween, Humor

How To Top The Perfect Ice Cream Sundae

We love our ice cream in this house and more than that, we love our ice cream sundaes! We make fresh whipped cream, top gourmet ice cream with real caramel sauce and decadent hot fudge. Then we pile on the freshly whipped cream, add chopped nuts and of course a cherry on top. Some don’t give much thought to that cherry on top but we do. We recently heard about Dell’s Maraschino Cherries and had to try them.dells-cherries

Dell’s Maraschino Cherries are crunchy, tasty and sweet unlike the other brands we have tried that were limp, tasteless and not even appetizing to look at.

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Located in Brooklyn, New York, Dell’s Maraschino Cherries come with or without stems and are the perfect “cherries” for your cocktails, soft drinks, ice cream or desserts. Dell’s Maraschino Cherries has a complete line of the best quality, best tasting, medium, large or jumbo sized maraschino cherries for consumers, retailers, schools, colleges, restaurants, hotels, hospitals and airlines. When you choose Dell’s Maraschino Cherries, you can be rest assured you’re choosing the best!

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Check out the delicious Maraschino Cherry recipes on their website. Let me know how you top your favorite sundae and if you ever tried Dell’s Maraschino Cherries.

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Filed under Bakery Treats, Baking, Cooking, Kitchen, Review

Go Back To School With PJ Masks

Almost time for back to school for my kids. I am super excited to share some PJ Mask’s Back To School gear. As PJ Mask Blog Ambassadors we were sent a sampling of goodies. My son loves the feel of the back pack and lunch box. The have an almost memory foam type feel and the shirt with attached cape really lets him play out the part of the little super hero.

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The 14″ PJ Masks Time To Be A Hero backpack features Owlette, Gekko and Catboy. This backpack is nice and roomy with a padded back and straps. There are side mesh pockets to hold a water bottle and a double zipper for convenience.

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This coordinating lunch box features a double zipper for easy access, the padded handle means it is comfortable to carry and your child’s lunch and snack will stay nice and fresh because it is insulated.

Back packs and lunch boxes are available at Toys “R” Us and you can find so many cute clothing options featuring these great little super heroes at Kohl’s. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions.

 

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Filed under Back-To-School, Fashion, kids, PJ Masks

Enter Our #Giveaway For “The Wonder Years” Complete Series on DVD

Last week Time Life re-issued one of the most beloved sitcoms of all-time in specially priced slipcase packaging!

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THE WONDER YEARS: THE COMPLETE SERIES

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Add One of the “Top 20 Shows of the ‘80’s” to Your Home Entertainment Collection; the 22-Disc Set Features All 115 Landmark Episodes and Nearly 12 Hours of Exclusive Bonus Features!

For six seasons, The Wonder Years captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late 1960’s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage). Audiences eagerly followed his evolution as a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight.

From his first kiss with Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, and loss, but above all, wonder. This 22-DVD set contains all 115 episodes from the six seasons of this landmark series that aired from 1988 to 1993. Included in this specially priced slipcase set are complete show notes with episode synopses, cast member reflections, “Current Events,” and more plus nearly 12 hours of bonus material, as well as an astounding soundtrack of over 300 classic period songs as they were featured in the original broadcasts featuring such artists as: Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, and of course, Joe Cocker’s unforgettable theme.

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BONUS FEATURES 

  • Highlights from the first cast reunion in 16 years
  • Roundtable discussions with Danica McKellar, Fred Savage, and Josh Saviano
  • 6 newly produced featurettes
  • Farewell set tour
  • One-hour ABC broadcast of the series finale
  • 1 TV Guide
  • Exclusive interviews with the show’s creators and cast including Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Alley Mills, Dan Lauria, Olivia d’Abo, Jason Hervey, and more!

ABOUT THE WONDER YEARS 

The Wonder Years debuted in 1988 following ABC’s broadcast of Super Bowl XXII, and the affectionate look at growing up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s in suburban America was unlike anything else on television. It was 1968 — the year of Nixon, space walks, Mod Squad, and Vietnam. Enter Kevin Arnold, a sixth grader at Kennedy Junior High School. Set against the suburban backdrop of Anytown, USA, Kevin sought to minimize his teenage angst while dealing with an older, noogie-happy brother Wayne (Jason Hervey), a rebellious sister, Karen (Olivia d’Abo), distant, workaholic father, Jack (Dan Lauria) and doting housewife mother, Norma (Alley Mills). Add to the mix Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano), his nerdy, allergy-riddled best friend, a potential love interest in winsome girl-next-door Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) and narration by an older, wiser, wittier Kevin (voiced by Daniel Stern) to add perspective to the nostalgia, and you have the perfect recipe for TV greatness.

For the next six seasons, America tuned in to follow Kevin’s exploits, as he navigated adolescence in the most memorable of ways. From 1988 to 1993, The Wonder Years was one of the most popular shows on TV, achieving a spot in the Nielsen Top 30 for four of its six seasons. And the critical accolades and awards would follow: after only a scant six episodes, the show captured an EmmyÂŽ for “Best Comedy Series;” and, at the age of 13, Fred Savage would become the youngest actor ever nominated as “Outstanding Lead Actor for a Comedy Series.” The series would also go on to win 24 awards (and be nominated for 70 more), including multiple EmmyÂŽ Awards, a Golden GlobeÂŽ and, in 1989, a PeabodyÂŽ Award for pushing the boundaries of the sitcom format and using new modes of storytelling. Additionally, in 1997, “My Father’s Office” was ranked #29 on TV Guide’s “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” and in the 2009 list, the pilot episode was ranked #43. Suffice it to say, The Wonder Years was one of the most critically lauded sitcoms of the late 80s and early 90s.

Enter To Win This Collector’s Set

Time Life is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win this 22 disc Wonder Years Collection! Thank you to Time Life for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Wonder Years Complete Series DVD Collection Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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“Would A Worm Go On A Walk?” #Giveaway

We are a family of book lovers and reading aloud to me kids is a very special time that we all treasure. Worm on a Walk by Hannah C. Hall is a creative and funny picture book that all animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God.

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Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street?

Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had four worm-sized feet?

Would a worm go on a walk?

No.

No matter how he tries, worms weren’t made for walking and they don’t like exercise.

The whimsical illustrations and fun text make it easy to teach young children that God created all creatures and children too with wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Our kids loved this book and I can tell it will be a favorite. What I like best is it lets them feel that everyone is loved and special, even a worm.
About the author:
Hannah C. Hall is the author of best-selling children’s books, including God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas, as well as an award-winning blog, HannahCHall.com. Hannah lives in Prairie Grove, AK with her husband, Josh, a worship pastor, and their four children.

Would you like a chance to win a copy of this great book? I thought you would. Just enter below.

Giveaway:

Worm On A Walk Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US and Canada residents. 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.”

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Filed under Books, Giveaway, Review