No Address Opens in Theaters This Friday! Win an Amazon Gift Card!

Inspired by true events, No Address, a cinematic exploration of hope, humanity, and resilience, premieres in theaters nationwide tomorrow. Buy tickets today to see No Address in theaters starting February 28. Enter for your chance to win an Amazon gift card below!

Synopsis:

Homeless at 17, Lauren lost everything—except the will to survive. On the streets, she finds new meaning in a family of outcasts and discovers that home is where the hope is.

No Address is a gripping journey of living without walls and rising above them.

Starring Lucas Jade Zumann, Beverly D’Angelo, Isabella Ferreira, William Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Ty Pennington, Kristanna Loken, Patricia Velasquez, and Ashanti, this powerful film dares you to believe in second chances. Get tickets and learn more at NoAddressMovie.com.

My Review:

Highlighting the human side of homelessness, No Address is an inspiring and touching film that reveals various causes and impacts of homelessness through poignant personal stories while exploring the possibility of sustainable solutions to the problem. It challenges the stereotypes of those experiencing homelessness by suggesting that good, average people can lose their homes without making any bad choices for reasons beyond their control. Like the characters in the movie, they deserve to be seen, loved and cared for.

By following the experience of different individuals who gather and support one another as a family with no physical address, the film addresses a wide range of issues closely related to homelessness, such as substance abuse, mental health, terminal disease, domestic violence, and foster care. It urges the viewers to take action and become part of the solution through volunteering, donating, job training, or simply purchasing tickets to see No Address in theaters. Robert Craig Films has pledged to donate 50% of the net profits from all five No Address productions to organizations and churches that have been working to combat the homelessness crisis within their communities.

Americans With No Address Now Streaming on Prime Video! Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Are you concerned about the staggering increase in homelessness across the country? Have you wondered what could be done to help those experiencing homelessness in the long run? Watch Americans With No Address to get a firsthand insight into the problem and solutions. This documentary is now available for streaming on Prime Video. The feature film No Address will be coming to theaters nationwide on February 28th. Enter to win an Amazon gift card you may use to buy or rent the video!

Synopsis:

Americans With No Address is a documentary that investigates the homeless crisis in America and captures the untold stories of those experiencing homelessness while at the same time trying to find answers to the problem.

My Review:

Drawing on interviews with over 175 people in 20 major cities across 18 states facing various rates of homelessness, Americans With No Address is an informative and inspiring film that aims to break the cycle of homelessness through challenging preconceptions about homelessness, building empathy and compassion for those experiencing homelessness and broadening conversations about policy reform and community engagement. Those interviewed include government officials, leaders of local and national nonprofit organizations and those who were formerly homeless as well as those who are still suffering in it.

I like that the documentary not only reveals the severity and complexity of the issue, but also addresses the root causes of the crisis and explore sustainable solutions with proven success. By sharing personal stories, it helps deepen the understanding of homelessness and see the human side of this social challenge. Featuring tons of charitable organizations on the frontlines, the film prompts viewers to offer support through volunteering or making a donation. It's a movie that gives hope and direction to all who care about the welfare of those in need as well as the future of this country.

Jana Reinhardt Jewelry Giveaway (Winner's Choice)

Do you love handmade jewelry? Do you love animals and care about their welfare? Then you may want to check out British artist Jana Reinhardt's beautiful collections of handcrafted jewelry featuring a wide variety of adorable animal designs. To help with your search for the perfect holiday gifts, Jana has generously offered to give one of my lucky readers an animal themed necklace sustainably handmade from recycled silver! The winner gets to choose from the following pieces valued up to £89!

Tiny Polar Bear necklace, £85 (handmade from recycled silver). A Christmas bestseller, this charming pendant features a sweet little polar bear, so unique and ultra adorable.

Tiny Penguin necklace, £85 (handmade from recycled silver). The cutest little penguin pendant with all the cosy winter feels. Buy for Xmas and wear all year round.

Tiny Cat necklace, £89 (handmade from recycled silver). The most dainty little curled up cat charm necklace, ideal for anyone who's head over heels for our feline friends.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in Theaters 11/8! Win an Amazon Gift Card! #Giveaway

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is coming to theaters everywhere starting November 8! This newest film from Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company is based on the beloved children’s classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson. As of November 2023, the book has sold more than 7 million copies since its publication in 1972. Get your movie tickets here and enter to win an Amazon gift card!

Synopsis:

The Herdman kids are absolutely the worst. They lie, they steal, they bully…and they’ve hijacked the town Christmas pageant. Directed by Dallas Jenkins (“The Chosen”) and based on the international bestseller by Barbara Robinson, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER follows six siblings who sneak into church searching for snacks and walk away with the lead roles in the town pageant. Grace (Judy Greer) is directing the performance for the very first time; she and her daughter Beth (Molly Belle Wright) and husband Bob (Pete Holmes) are less than amused. But the play’s mischievous stars might unwittingly teach a community the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring Lauren Graham ("Gilmore Girls"). Screenplay by Ryan Swanson and Platte F. Clark & Darin McDaniel.

My Review:

Featuring a cast of talented young stars, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is an amusing and heartwarming comedy exploring the true meaning of Christmas through six misfit children who volunteer to lead in the town's annual Christmas performance. While the movie abounds in hilarious mischiefs and mishaps that make you laugh, it also includes quite a few touching moments that make your eyes well up. My favorite character is Imogene performed by Beatrice Schneider, who has nailed the role as well as Imogene plays Mary in the pageant.

By challenging prejudice and misconceptions, the movie prompts us to rethink what Christmas is all about and what is the best way to spread holiday cheer. It reminds us about why we treasure certain traditions as a community and that everyone deserves a chance to shine. With a clear message about kindness and inclusion, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever makes an entertaining and meaningful holiday movie to watch for the entire family.

Ordinary Angels In Theaters 2/23! Win Free Movie Tickets! $50 Fandango Gift Card Giveaway!

Starring two-time Best Actress Oscar winner Hilary Swank, Ordinary Angels opens in theaters nationwide on February 23. Learn about this extraordinary movie and enter to win free tickets awarded in the form of a $50 Fandango gift card!

Synopsis:

Based on a remarkable true story, ORDINARY ANGELS centers on Sharon (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.

All the Small Wonderful Things Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

How do you determine if someone counts as a friend or not? Do you care more about the quantity or the quality of your friends? That's what Alex tries to figure out in All the Small Wonderful Things written by Kate Foster. Learn about this unique book and enter to win a signed copy, along with a $100 donation to a rescue dog charity of your choice!

My Review:

Written with love and insights, All the Small Wonderful Things is an engaging and heartwarming middle grade novel exploring the essence of friendship while exhibiting the remarkable power of kindness. It revolves around an autistic boy named Alex, who believes that winning a trophy at the dog show is his only shot at befriending the most popular kids at school. But there's only five days left and so many things could go wrong, from training his beloved furry friend Kevin to registering for the desired categories in the contest. Will everything turn out just fine despite all the unexpected changes that keep popping up to mess up Alex's plan? Will a trophy really bring in more friends as he hopes?

Adopting a first person point of view, the book leads us inside the mind of an autistic child, letting us see, hear and feel things from his angle. This approach allows the readers to get a better knowledge of the concerns and challenges the protagonist has to deal with on a daily basis, and thus a better understanding of his actions and reactions. His intolerance of loud sounds is caused by his acute sense of hearing. He avoids making eye contact because he thinks it's rude to stare at people. He makes constant, conscious efforts to regulate his emotions and to perfect his self-soothing strategies, although he hasn't always been successful. I enjoyed reading the story from cover to cover. My eyes welled up with tears when I reached the ending.

His kind heart, artistic talent, and tenacity make Alex a lovable character. He is lucky to be surrounded by nice people like Angel, Derek, and the adult figures, who set great examples for how we could offer help to those struggling with communication or social interaction. I feel his joy and excitement when Alex comes to the realization that he has more friends than he thinks. Friendship may take different forms. Alex's story urges young readers to be more considerate and caring to autistic kids, and to accept them as who they are.

What stands out from the book is the incredible friendship between Alex and Kevin, who loves him unconditionally, provides comfort and calms him down whenever necessary. The emotional support from such a loyal friend is powerful and priceless.

Easy to follow and fun to read, this is a delightful book for all dog lovers and anyone who cares to discover and cherish all the small wonderful things in life.

About the Book:

Ages 8+ | 240 Pages
Publisher: Candlewick | ISBN-13: 9781536225808

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last.

Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the Cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought—unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity.

This charming story, told through Alex’s clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn’t one-size-fits-all—maybe it’s found in the small things where you least expect it.

Purchase links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes and Noble

Children Who Dance in the Rain Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Hot off the press comes Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice. The book has won rave reviews and numerous awards including Mom's Choice Gold Award, Literary Titan Gold Award, Family Choice Award, 2023 Children’s Book of the Year, and more. Learn more about this amazing read and enter to win a signed copy!

About the Book:

Book Title: Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-8), 32 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Compassion Project Press
Release date: May 2023
Tour dates: May 15 to Jun 2, 2023
Content Rating: G for all kids.

Sophie gets bored quickly and won’t even eat her food without looking at her tablet. She’s thrilled to hear of her family’s upcoming trip to a magical place called India, a land she’s only heard of in stories. Once there, she quickly realizes that the underprivileged children living in the mud colony possess a joy and contentment she can’t explain. Sophie sets out on a journey of discovery, but what she finds may change her world forever. This tale about the true meaning of happiness and the power of gratitude is based on true events.

My Review:

Marked by stunning artwork and powerful messages, Children Who Dance in the Rain is an inspiring and enlightening book about kindness, generosity and positivity. Sophie learns about the word "privilege" at school, but she doesn't really understand it until she takes a transformative trip to her grandma's hometown in India. Seeing that children there lack access to safe drinking water, nutritious food, and sanitary living environment, let alone modern necessities like electricity and Internet, Sophie realizes how privileged she has been and feels guilty about being wasteful and ungrateful in the past. Meanwhile she's surprised by how happy, content, and willing to share those disadvantaged children are. How will her unique adventure impact her life back home and beyond?

The contrast between Sophie's life and that of the children she meets in India reveals the disparities in resources across different parts of the world, while Sophie's post-trip change in behavior and attitude inspires young readers to cherish all that they are endowed with and to offer help to children who are less fortunate than themselves. Besides, the joy and positivity displayed by the Indian kids are beautifully captured in the colorful and cheerful illustrations, motivating the reader to ponder upon what makes one's life meaningful and fulfilling.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who cares about child welfare in a global perspective and who aspires to make a difference. It's a book that gives back and changes lives.

Buy the Book: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

5000 Blankets In Theaters December 12&13! Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

A warm blanket delivered to someone who has to live out in the old on Christmas Eve means so much more than an ordinary blanket. Wonder how a mom and her son work together to make a difference in their local community? Watch 5000 Blankets in theaters on December 12 & 13 only! Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card in celebration of its official release!

Synopsis:

Inspired by a remarkable true story, 5000 BLANKETS is filled with hope and highlights the power of family and faith. When her husband has a mental breakdown and goes missing, a woman and her young son set out to find him on the streets, sparking a movement of compassion towards those in need and inspiring a city.

My Review:

Set in an unusually cold winter in Fort Worth, Texas, the film features a real-life mother-son team who refuses to give in to emotional turmoil and financial hardships caused by the disappearance of their loved one suffering a mental health relapse. Nor do they give up the search or hope of their reunion. Moreover, they get to see beyond their own misfortunes, offer what they can to help those in need, and manage to mobilize support from the entire community, including churches, schools, businesses and individuals.

Well-acted and full of ups and downs, the movie is incredibly heartwarming and uplifting, while keeping the viewer's interest from beginning to the very end. It inspires us to give back to our community in creative ways, to get our children actively involved in acts of kindness, and not to give up hope at times of adversity. It's amazing to witness a simple idea turn into a viable charitable cause. It's the perfect family-friendly film to watch around Christmas, the season of giving!

Honeycake: A Helping Hand Blog Tour: Review and Prize Pack Giveaway (10 Winners!)

Honeycake: A Helping Hand is the most recent addition to the award-winning Honeycake series written by Medea Kalantar. Learn about this new release and enter to win all six books in the series!

My Review:

Short and sweet, Honeycake: A Helping Hand tells an inspiring story that delivers important messages about diversity, kindness, leadership, charity work and a positive attitude toward life. Our protagonist Nala is a curious and compassionate eight year old living in a multicultural family that embraces diversity. The story follows her to a special fundraising party hosted by a 10-year-old girl named Alexis, who is also the founder of A Helping Hand, a charity dedicated to helping children with disabilities. After meeting Alexis and her friends, Nala is amazed by all the remarkable things they are capable of accomplishing despite their unthinkable physical challenges.

Through a delightful story, the book helps young readers learn about children born with a limb difference and how they can live normal and independent lives with the help of artificial body parts or wheelchairs. It further shows that these children are no less likely to become leaders or excel at what they love to do. As portrayed in the bright-colored pictures in the book, they shine with confidence, friendliness and positivity. Besides, the story encourages all kids to give back to their community by supporting the cause they feel passionate about, to express gratitude for someone's contribution, and to respect and appreciate people as who they are.

A Helping Hand is an uplifting and educational read perfect for Thanksgiving and Giving Tuesday. It certainly gets me interested in reading all the other books in the series.

About the Book:

Ages 4+ | 33 Pages
Publisher: Medea Kalantar | ISBN-13: 9781777289768

In the sixth installment of the delightful Honeycake book series, Nala’s uncles, Victor and George, take her to a fundraiser where she meets Alexis, a girl with an artificial arm. Through her interactions, Nala learns that you are never too young to lend “a helping hand,” that it’s okay to be different, and that being different doesn’t stop you from doing great things in life.

Purchase Links: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble

Inspired by Hope Scarf Giveaway {Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway Hop}

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To help fund breast cancer research, many businesses volunteer to donate part of their proceeds from the sale of specially marked merchandise to Susan G. Komen®. As a consumer, we can do our part by purchasing participating products, like this beautiful Inspired by Hope Scarf from Ford Warriors in Pink.

Channel your inner warrior in this scarf designed to inspire hope and courage. Bold shades of pink are accented by a geometric design symbolizing bravery in the fight. 100% modal is super soft and flowy for comfortable, easy-to-style wear.

Grow Through It Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway (10 Winners)

We are almost halfway through 2020, a year that will be remembered by tons of unusual moments in human history. The pandemic has brought about so much disruption to our normal life that a lot of grown-ups find it extremely hard to accept or adapt to those unwanted changes, let alone the kids. The new children's picture book Grow Through It by Jay Dee sheds light on how parents could help the little ones understand the current situation and make the best out of it.

My Review:
Grow Through It resonates strongly with me as it pinpoints the major challenges that children and their parents have to face during this trying time. The confusion and frustration that Ellen struggles with in the story all sounds too real and familiar. She misses school, her friends, and her grandma. What could she do when she has no choice but to stay at home most of the time? Ellen's mom offers her two choices: to get through it (by playing video games and watching TV all day) or grow through it (by doing things that help her become a better self, such as learning to share housework, showing kindness to neighbors, and staying connected with loved ones through video chats, etc.) Naturally, Ellen goes with the easier option first. But after being bored by trying to "get through it", she finds "grow through it" to be a smarter and more fulfilling choice.

The book clearly encourages young readers to stay positive and adaptive when confronted with new challenges. My favorite character from the story is Ellen's mom. I love the way she communicates with her daughter, allows her to make mistakes, and teaches her about kindness, responsibility, and generosity. Besides delivering empowering messages to kids and parents alike, the book also pays tribute to all the frontliners who are working fearlessly for the good of us as a whole. Grow Through It is no doubt the perfect inspiring read for this special time and for any difficult situation that we may need to stand up to in the future!

About the Book:

Grow Through It
Written by Jay Dee
Illustrated by Jacob Chalkley, Darren Geers, Feras Khagani, Mike Shaposhnikov, Ishmam Ahmed, and Axel Schmidt

Ellen is stuck at home. There’s no school and no friends, and Mom is working all the time. It seems terrible until she learns about the choice each day offers: GET through it or GROW through it. See how starting each day with purpose and gratitude can make all the difference! Created during the CV-19 pandemic, 100% of the proceeds from sales of this book are donated to coronavirus relief efforts.

Ages 5+ | Publisher: Kraine Kreative | May 17, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-0989810876

Order your copy here.

Join Leap! and FOOTLOOSE to Help Aspiring Dancers in Need

I've partnered with Bloggin' Mamas for this social good campaign. I may receive movie-related promotional items or experiences; but all opinions expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

In support of the home entertainment release of the heartwarming animated family adventure, Leap!, Lionsgate has partnered with the non-profit organization, FOOTLOOSE, to gather donations of new and gently used dance shoes to help aspiring dancers in need. On November 16th, from 6pm-8pm PST, Lionsgate will be hosting an event in which they will be presenting FOOTLOOSE with the shoe donations. I'd like to help support this social good project, by encouraging donations from my dear readers. If you have new or gently used dance shoes you are willing to donate, you'll find the address to send them to below. You can also follow along the donation event on social media via #LeapMovie and #LeapForFootloose

No dream is too big and sometimes a little help could make a big difference. Talented but socially disadvantaged dancers like Félicie in Leap! shouldn't be deprived of their opportunity to success simply because they lack access to such basic supplies as a pair of dance shoes. If you've got little dancers at home, chances are their dance shoes are outgrown well before they are worn out. Instead of leaving them in the trash or letting them gather dust in your house, why not gift them to someone who can wear them but can't afford to buy their own? Your generous donation would brighten up the world of those less fortunate young dancers. Just send your new or gently used dance shoes to Lionsgate and FOOTLOOSE, and they'll take care of the rest.

Donations to FOOTLOOSE can be sent prior to November 16 to the address below:

Address For Donations

Leap Donations

c/o Lionsgate

5055 Wilshire Blvd Suite 840

Los Angeles, CA 90036

Office Depot National Backpack Program Prize Pack Giveaway {Oh, The Places You'll Go! Giveaway Hop}

Parents across the country are busy getting their kids ready for school with new clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies and more. But let's not forget that there are kids who are less fortunate and lack access to even the basic essentials they need for school. Committed to giving every child a fair chance to achieve success in school, Office Depot Foundation, in the 17th year of its National Backpack Program, is donating 100,000 sackpacks with school supplies to kids in need!

The Office Depot Foundation, the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc., has donated more than 4 million sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies around the world since the inception of its National Backpack Program in 2001. The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven colorful designs. Inside each bag, there is a zippered clear bag filled with a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons.

EQL: Wear What You Believe In

Many of us show what we love through what we wear, such as t-shirts featuring characters from a movie, a TV show, a comic book; or those with a straightforward statement like "I ♥ NY." You may or may not have realized the power that lies in what you wear. EQL (pronounced "equal"), an organization devoted to equal acceptance-respect-and rights for all, calls on everyone who believes in equality to wear what you believe in and to march every day in an effort to bring about positive changes around you.

To join the EQL movement, simply choose your favorite EQL tee at JoinEQL.com. The organization will apply 65% of the proceeds from sales to amplify your efforts to promote equality for all through various social media channels. This surge of positive communication will change how people think about equality. The other 35% of the proceeds will be donated to organizations that do important work for equality in your community, such as the ACLU. EQL tees come in a variety of styles and sizes, and cost only $25 each.

Together we can make a difference! The approach EQL takes is to combine continuous positive communication with support for organizations on the ground in communities. You can be part of the action by simply wearing your belief. Get your EQL tee today!

Disclosure: I will be entered into a blogger giveaway by sharing the information.

Beat the Thrist for a Cure with Trudeau's BCRF Collection

The Trudeau Corporation has been supporting the fight against breast cancer with their exclusive BCRF collection of hydration bottles and thermal tumblers and mugs. Developed with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), these pink colored products feature exclusive designs that are both fashionable and functional, with a percentage of all sales going directly toward funding for breast cancer research initiatives. To date Trudeau has donated over half a million dollars to BCRF alone.

The 24oz BCRF Cool Off Hydration Bottle is guaranteed leak-proof with a non-slip grip and is double wall insulated, which helps keep drinks colder and prevents condensation. Made of SAN, the lid comes with a protected flexible straw for easy drink accessibility during activity. It's BPA Free, with a retail price of $17.99. I received this bottle for review. I'm impressed with its generous size, which allows it to hold enough water to keep me hydrated during a long road trip or to quench my thirst after an intensive workout session. It's incredibly lightweight though. I also love its sleek design!

The 17 oz Rejuvenate Hydration Bottle is the perfect bottle to infuse water and favorite drinks with citrus, cucumbers, berries and more. It is constructed of thick and resistant borosilicate glass that leaves no aftertaste. The flip-top lid is leak-resistant and comes with a silicone pulp filter underneath that minimizes pulp intake. Includes practical silicone carry strap and built-in fruit infuser basket that is easily removable for cleaning. BPA Free. ARV $19.99.

The Lulu Travel Tumbler comes with personality and practicality. This 16oz tumbler features a stainless steel exterior accented with a bright pink floral pattern and matching lid. The top is a leak resistant flip, sip-and-go lid and comes equipped with a non-slip base, making it fun and functional. The interior consists of polypropylene and double wall insulation, which allows for heat retention up to 2 hours. It retails for only $14.99.

With the Tea-Rific II Tea Tumbler, you’ll be able to brew loose tea or tea bags in minutes! Even better, you can do this on the go with leak resistant lid! Plus, this double wall insulated tumbler will keep your tea hot for up to 2 hours. It has a convenient carry and go design and will hold up to 14 ounces of your favorite beverage. The stainless steel mesh basket is removable and allows you to infuse loose tea or tea bags for the perfect brew, anywhere, anytime. BPA-free. ARV $14.99.

Go to the office, a meeting or just about anywhere with this 16 oz. Boardroom II Travel Mug. Its leak resistant construction is accented with an easy open and close “drink anywhere around the rim” 360° lid. Stainless steel double walled insulation keeps beverages hotter or colder longer (3 hours+). The elegant satin stainless steel body is accented with a pink TPE sleeve and ergonomic 2-tone handle with non-slip rubber base to firmly hold the mug in place. Fits most car cup holders, and reasonably priced at $24.99.

The perfect companion for today’s driver, the Drive Time Travel Mug stays true to its namesake with a fast and sleek look. The double wall insulation keeps drinks warm up to 3 hours, while a guaranteed leak proof lid allows you to drink anywhere on the 360° rim. It comes in a stainless steel body and is accented with a signature BCRF pink lid. The Drive Time Travel Mug comes with a soft rubber bottom that provides a good grip to cup holders and surfaces to prevent movement. ARV $21.99.

Be sure to stay hydrated with your favorite product from Trudeau's BCRF Collection while supporting breast cancer research!

Disclosure: I received a free product to facilitate my honest review. All views and opinions expressed are my own and may differ from yours.

Celebrate National Guide Dog Month with Natural Balance

September is National Guide Dog Month. It's the perfect time to learn about what life might be like for people who are blind or visually impaired. What is it like to "see" through the eyes of a guide dog?

In celebration of the National Guide Dog Month, Natural Balance, the maker of premium-quality pet food, and Guide Dogs for the Blind (a non-profit charitable organization that raises and trains exceptional guide dogs to serve the blind and visually impaired) have recognized the "Top Human-Canine Teams Who Make Us Believe."

These nine teams are outstanding examples of the amazing partnerships possible between humans and canines. I was particularly inspired by Ashleigh and here guide dog Yuri, and I'd like to share their story with you:

Imagine, for a brief moment, what it would be like to work in the middle of Times Square in New York City. Imagine weaving through the large crowds, the bustling commotion, and the pulsing energy at every corner. Now, imagine trying to do this without your eyesight. For Ashleigh Hertzig, this is not just an imaginary scenario—it’s her everyday life.

Visually impaired since birth, Ashleigh used a cane to get around for years—but found that it became increasingly difficult to be mobile during the wintertime due to dangerous patches of ice on the pavement. These harsh winter conditions—combined with encouragement from her family—got her to consider the possibility of a guide dog.

Ashleigh grew up terrified of dogs, but as she began researching Guide Dogs for the Blind, she felt that their positive reinforcement philosophy matched her personal beliefs and values. So she took a leap of faith. When Yuri—a Guide Dogs for the Blind-trained yellow Lab—first walked into her life, Ashleigh remembers he was so excited that he couldn’t stop sneezing. Now, over two years later, they’re so connected that she can’t imagine life without him.

“Being paired with Yuri has changed my life in so many ways. In addition to being my eyes, keeping me safe, and giving me independence, he has also become my best friend—and is constantly by my side,” says Ashleigh. Without Yuri, Ashleigh may have never developed the confidence and independence needed to fulfill her dream of living and working in New York City. She is now able to navigate the city’s fast-paced subway system every day, feeling fully safe and cared for.

As Ashleigh's story shows, in addition to providing enhanced mobility, guide dogs can also be a social bridge, opening a world of possibilities for friendship and human connection.

To help people like Ashleigh Hertzig, please consider donating to Guide Dogs to the Blind. Once there, you can also read the stories of the eight other amazing human-canine teams. There's no better time than National Guide Dog Month to show your support for these incredible people and their four-legged superheroes!

Do you have a special bond with your pet? Feel free to share your own story in the comment section below.

Disclosure: I received a free gift in exchange for this publication.

Savvy Outfitters: Save & Give Back in Style #savvyoutfitters

Love to dress up your little pumpkin but don't want to pay full price for designer brand clothes? Your child grows so fast that some items in her wardrobe no longer fit even before they get a chance to be worn, and you don't want them to go to waste? Then visit Savvy Outfitters, a newly launched online children's resale store, where you can save 70%-80% off regular retail prices on new and like new kids clothing, shoes and accessories sizes newborn to 14 from designers and high quality brands. You can also donate or sell eligible products that your kiddo has outgrown through Savvy Outfitters' simple postage paid mail-in process.

I have accepted new and gently used baby/kids items from my mommy friends and I have also given away new clothes outgrown by my children to kids I know who can wear them. I'm happy to learn that Savvy Outfitters allows me to do similar things beyond my circle of friends. Founded by Laura Gonzalez, who also owns PBPearls and Kay Rose Events, Savvy Outfitters provides a money-saving and money-making platform for budget conscious parents. What makes Savvy Outfitters a better kids resale store is that it offers consistent quality control by carefully examining each incoming piece with reference to a set of high quality standards. It makes the exchange process painless and hassle free by eliminating the seller's need for anything related to customer service and by offering easy returns and refunds to all buyers.

Savvy Outfitters also gives back by sponsoring a program called Boxes For Families, which donates clothes in good condition to families in need. Incoming items that don't pass their selling standards but are still wearable (no holes or defects of that kind) will be added to the inventory for Boxes For Families. Any family in need can apply for the Boxes For Families program at SavvyOutfitters.com. Applicants must provide proof of income and specify what they need (e.g. clothing sizes, gender and season). Once approved, they will receive a free packaged box of clothes from Savvy Outfitters.

To celebrate their official launch, Savvy Outfitters is offering 10% off all orders with coupon code LAUNCHPARTY. Shipping is free on orders $35 and over. Visit Savvy Outfitters today to join the celebration! Stay connected with Savvy Outfitters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclosure: I will receive a free gift in exchange for this publication. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Join Life is Good to Honor Heroes of Optimism

Do you have an everyday hero that you would like to honor? Then share your story with Life is Good and help support childcare professionals for kids in need!

The positive lifestyle brand, Life is Good would like to hear your story about someone in your life who inspires you to focus on the good. Share you story at www.lifeisgood.com/heroes, on Instagram using hashtag #GROWtheGood, or via email: goodstories@lifeisgood.com. For every entry received, Life is Good will donate $1 to support childcare professionals who are everyday Heroes of Optimism for kids in need.

Plus, everyone who shares by August 5, 2016 will be entered to win $1000 to split between the winner and their hero of optimism. Winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Join the campaign now to help spread the power of optimism!

About Life is Good:
The Life is Good Company is a $100 million lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism. The company donates 10 percent of its annual net profits to help kids in need. To date, the company has donated over $11 million, principally through Life is Good products, events and community fundraising efforts. The company was co-founded over 20 years ago by brothers Bert and John Jacobs, who were inspired by their mom, the first powerful optimist in their lives. While the brothers struggled during the early years selling t-shirts from their van, they were motivated by the inspiring letters they received from people fighting to overcome life’s biggest challenges with the power of optimism.

Kohl’s Cares Summer Collection: Gifts That Give Back

A kid's birthday is coming up and still looking for gift ideas? Then I strongly encourage you to consider children’s books and soft toys from the Kohl’s Cares® summer collection. Priced at only $5 each, they are highly affordable and adorable gifts that give back, with 100 percent of the net profit supporting children’s health initiatives nationwide!

The Kohl’s Cares summer collection is now available for purchase at both Kohl's stores and Kohls.com through June 25. It includes:

• Penguin on Vacation book, Penguin's Big Adventure book and penguin soft toy
• Board Book Set and clownfish soft toy
• Found book and bear soft toy
• Stormy Night book and dinosaur soft toy

Get them while you can and help contribute to programs that benefit the future of our country!

About Kohl's Cares:
To date, Kohl's has raised nearly $300 million through the Kohl’s Cares merchandise program. To reinforce the company’s commitment to children’s health, Kohl’s has donated financial support to hospitals across the country. The donations fund hospital outreach programs focused on children’s health initiatives and address the specific issues needed most in each hospital’s community. These tailored programs provide vital resources to families at no cost and include topics such as injury prevention, asthma awareness, dental care, and fitness. A complete list of hospital partners is available here.

Disclosure: I will receive free products to facilitate my posting. All contents were provided by Kohl's.

He Named Me Malala Global Broadcast Premiere & Book Giveaway #WithMalala

He Named Me Malala, a documentary about the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai, welcomes its Global Broadcast Premiere on Monday, February 29th at 8 pm EST. Learn more about this inspiring movie below and enter for your chance to win a copy of Malala's book I am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban!

Synopsis:
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.