Recently, we visited Rehoboth Beach, DE. I was able to grab some action shots of my son with my camera who was swimming in the ocean. The ocean is his happy place. You can see it on his face and in the way he runs and jumps through the waves. It’s pure joy for him. He could be in the ocean all day. Upon returning from our trip and uploading my photos, a few thoughts came to mind about how swimming in the ocean is a lot like navigating your way through life’s challenges.

Tackle Something that Looks Daunting

We all have challenges in life….whether personal or professional….being brave and tackling that challenge in front of us that seems so daunting may be worth it in the end. Make the move to a new state, try a new hobby, take on a challenge at work, jump into that new relationship….whatever the challenge is….dive right in!

When You Get Knocked Down and Smacked in the Face…… Get Back Up

So you dive in and things don’t quite work out….we’ve all been smacked in the face with disappointment or knocked down by people around us. The best thing to do is learn from what went wrong and get back up. It may take getting knocked down by a few waves before you can stand proudly on your two feet. 

Run Through Life Like Nothing Matters

Pure joy is being able to run through life without the cares or worries that can be put upon you. Don’t let things weigh you down….keep smiling and keep moving. Surround yourself with positive people and situations. Life is too short….find the happiness around you. Find the people that make you happy….family, friends, and co-workers that lift you up and celebrate you. There is no time to be around those that keep you down and hold you back from succeeding in life and finding happiness.

Jump the Hurdles in Life

Life comes with challenges and hurdles. Use your strength to lift yourself up and overcome those waves that can pull you under. Have a setback at work? Get into a fight with a loved one or friend? Have a financial situation to deal with or a house that won’t sell? Have a goal you have not been able to reach? We’ve all been there….and possibly through much more! Find the strength within to hurdle that wave in front of you.

Take Challenges Head On

It’s easy to try and hide in the background or not take responsibilities for things in life. The bravest thing to do is to face your challenges head on! Starring at the huge challenge in front of you can seem all-consuming, but finding a way to tackle it head on can keep you standing tall instead of turning your back to the challenge and possibly getting your feet swept out from under you.

When You’re In Over Your Head….Find Solutions

We all get in situations over our head. Take on too much at work? Find a way to delegate duties. Say something you wish you had not? Take responsibility for it and apologize. Have issues with spending your money? Sit down and make a plan to pay off debt. Agree to do things you don’t have time for? Be honest and let people know. Honesty goes a long way and having a forgiving spirit towards others can free your mind and soul. Don’t drown in situations you have the power to overcome with solutions.

Have Someone There to Guide You

We can always use guidance in life from others and have them point us in the right direction. Whether it be a parent, teacher, sibling, coach, colleague, etc….embrace what others have to offer you. Even if you don’t take the advice of others, at least listen with an open mind because you never know when they can provide the direction you need to meet and overcome challenges in life.

Ride the Wave

Grab your board and find a way to ride the wave of life. Things definitely vacillate from positive to negative situations throughout life….sometimes we are on top of the wave and other times things are crashing down around us. Knowing when to “ride the wave” and just enjoy what is going on in your life at the moment is something some people have a hard time doing. Being mindful and focusing on the here and now can help. As I watched my son in the ocean, I thought of the beauty of the moment. The pure happiness he was feeling right now and how I was blessed to be here to see his smiling face at this moment. 

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

When you overcome that challenge in life, celebrate your accomplishment! It’s okay to be proud of yourself and pat yourself on the back. Challenges can be tough and when you find that solution to overcome it….smile….fist pump….share your learnings with others….but be humble. Be proud without being prideful. 

Reflect on the Beauty Around You

Last but not least, sit and reflect on things in life. Reflection of challenges met and not met can lead you to a path of learning and growing. When you learn and grow, it helps to open your mind to things around you. The beauty of new experiences, the mindfulness to live in the now, the ability to forgive yourself and others for not being perfect, the strength to be yourself, the capacity to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have, and the overall allure of the world around you. As the sun rises and the sun sets each day….go out there and find the beauty around you and within in you! 

The post Life is Like Swimming in the Ocean {Reflecting On Life Lessons} appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

The summer is coming to an end, and we have had one of the longest and busiest summers in years. We had to sell a house, buy a house, move states away, set-up all new doctors and schools. It has been crazy, to say the least. Now I finally have a moment to sit and chill. I’m excited to start reading this book by my friend, Leah DeCesare. Forks, Knives and Spoons has won three awards: Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in New Fiction, National Indie Excellence Award Winner in Contemporary Fiction and Finalist in Women’s Fiction. You should add this to your must read list now too!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Is your guy a nerdy “spoon,” or an arrogant “fork?” HuffPo columnist Leah DeCesare brings humor and timeless wisdom to 20-something dating mindset in Forks, Knives, and Spoons.

There are three types of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. That is the final lesson that Amy York’s father sends her off to college with, never suspecting just how far his daughter will take it. Clinging to the Utensil Classification System as her guide, Amy tries to convince her skeptical roommate, Veronica Warren, of its usefulness as they navigate the heartbreaks and soul mates of college and beyond.
Beginning in 1988, their freshman year at Syracuse University, Amy and Veronica meet an assortment of guys —from slotted spoons and shrimp forks to butter knives and sporks—all while trying to learn if the UCS holds true. On the quest to find their perfect steak knives, they learn to believe in themselves—and not to settle in love or life.

Reading Forks, Knives, and Spoons is like having your best girlfriend take you by the hand and tell you a story. A story you want to sit and listen to until the very end.
– Ann Hood, New York Times bestselling author of The Book That Matters Most

Leah DeCesare has a writer’s voice that is remarkable for a debut novel. The characters in Forks, Knives, and Spoons are so relatable and the story makes you long for your own youth. A wonderful book about love and growth, and discovering who you are and what makes you happy.
– Anita Hughes, author of Christmas in Paris

What a warm, wonderful read! I fell in love with Leah DeCesare’s wit and her relatable, human characters who brought me back to that tender and occasionally heartbreaking time at the very cusp of adulthood.
– Cristina Alger, author of This Was Not The Plan

I couldn’t help but get nostalgic as I read the charming and witty Forks, Knives, and Spoons. There is a delicious innocence and great fun in reading about young women seeking love and romance in a time before a left or right swipe had anything to do with dating. This book is full of heart and hopefulness—a joy to read.
– Jessica Anya Blau, author of The Trouble with Lexie

http://www.leahdecesare.com/praise-for-forks-knives-and-spoons/

To request an ARC or an interview – Contact Leah at leah@leahdecesare.com or 401-489-5939
Ship Date: 03/04/2017 Pub Date: 04/18/2017
Price(s): 16.95 US Dollar 18.95 Canadian Dollar
EAN: 9781943006106
Trim Size: 5.5 in x 8.5 in Format: Paperback / softback Page Count: 280
Carton Qty: 26
BISAC Code – Category: FICTION / Contemporary Women
FICTION / Literary
FICTION / Coming of Age

The post Forks, Knives and Spoons by Leah DeCesare appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

Also, don’t miss Family Night, which is on Wednesday, May 17th at 7pm!

The deal is Buy ONE regularly-priced ticket and receive a complimentary ticket of equal value for a child aged 18 or younger. Please call (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or visit the Box Office at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence for more information and to order; Family Night tickets are NOT available online.

Note: Family Night tickets for Matilda The Musical are available in selected locations. Tickets for Family Night are limited and are available on a first-come; first-served basis. The Family Night offer is NOT available for previous ticket purchases and may not be combined with any other offers. All sales are final, and there are no exchanges or refunds. Standard service fees apply.

Schedule of Show Times:

The post Matilda The Musical at PPAC {Ticket Giveaway} appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

Spring into something new! I am excited to share with you this collection of amazing Spring themed posts from many of our outstanding members here in the Social Fabric community. We know that you will enjoy them and hope that you can create some new spring memories for yourself and the ones you love.

SPRING DESSERT RECIPES

Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake by Mostly Homemade Mom

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse Cups by Food N Focus

Slice of Spring Cake A Sweet Potato pie

Mousse and Cookie Jars by Herbivore Cucina

Easy Flower Basket Birthday Cake by Savoring The Good

Grandma’s Orange Cream Ice Box Pie by The Kitchen Whisperer

My Chocolate Eclair Pie and Spring Centerpiece by An Alli Event

Pineapple Carrot Cake Cupcakes by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Dunkaroos Dip by Stress Baking

Mini Crustless Lemon Meringue Pie by My Big Fat Happy Life

Chocolate Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake by Busy Creating Memories

HOMEMADE CUPCAKE BOUQUET WITH STRAWBERRY BUTTERCREAM FROSTING {RECIPE & CRAFT} by A Million Moments

SPRING DRINK RECIPES

Rhubarb Iced Tea Recipe by Savoring The Good

The Carrot Clementine Pineapple Punch by Adriana’s Best Recipes

Strawberry Chia Agua Fresca by Adriana’s Best Recipes

Triple berry mimosas by Certified Pastry Aficionado

Cherry Rum Punch by Mom on the Side

Strawberry Rhubarb Infused Vodka Recipe by Savoring The Good

Simply Healthy Blackberry Lemonade Smoothie by The House of Healthy

Cool Off With These 4 Drink Recipes by Lily The Wandering Gypsy

MEADOW TEA – PA DUTCH ICED MINT TEA by Crafty Cooking Mama

SPRING RECIPES

Blackberry Lime Napoleon Recipe by Kitchen Concoctions

Cinco de Mayo Bar Cart by Happy Family Blog

A Kumquat Papaya Gooseberry Salad by Adriana’s Best Recipes

Rustic Ham, Asparagus and Goat Cheese Tart by The Chef Next Door

Ham, Brie and Apple Sliders by Savoring The Good

2 Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream Bread by Sweet Sensations

Copycat Starbucks Mini Lemon Loaves by Moore or Less Cooking

Puff Pastry Baskets with Creamy Lemon Filling by Hostess At Heart

Pan-Poached Tilapia with Lemon Caper Sauce by The Every Kitchen

Banana Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping by A Sprinkle of Joy

Spring Vegetable Pizza by Culinary Ginger

Watermelon Arugula Salad by Just is a Four Letter Word

SPRING CRAFTS

DIY Unicorn Kinetic Sand by MamaPlusOne

Pipe Cleaner Flowers by Inspiring Momma

SPRING HOME DECOR

Monogrammed Tulip Wreath with Burlap Bow by Curly Crafty Mom

DIY Floral Spring Wreath by wife in progress

Brunch centerpiece with free spring printable download by Our Mini Family

DIY Butterfly Wreath by Gina Michele

Upcycled Vintage Coffee Pot Planters by Ginger Casa

Painted Terra Cotta Pots for Succulents by The Real Girl’s Realm

Rustic Burlap and Hydrangea Wreath by Little Mama Jama

A Pink & Green Floral Spring Tablescape by Charleston Crafted

How to Get Your Patio Ready for Spring by A Cowboy’s Life

Welcome Spring printable by Keeping Life Sane

Spring Printable by Try it – Like it

‘Unending Love Amazing Grace’ printable art by Neat House. Sweet Home

SPRING BEAUTY AND FASHION

DIY Orange Blossom Bath Bombs by Southern Mom Loves

Spring Sandals Under $100 by Styled by Becca

Colorful Striped Dress for Spring by A Sequin Love Affair

SPRING GARDENING

How to Plant a Beautiful Planter For Your Porch, Patio, Garden by Ever After in the Woods

How to Grow Your Own Cotton by Little Sprouts Learning

MORE SPRING INSPIRATION

PRINTABLE FAMILY SPRING BUCKET LIST by The Dating Divas
25 Ways to Have a Spring Refresh by Tamara (Like) Camera

50 Tips & Ideas for Spring Photography by The Dating Divas

Save

Save

The post Spring is Here! Find Some Inspiration! #SoFabSpring appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

Denise and Geoff

Schaefer Family Photo

Denise and her beautiful girls

Denise worked as a school counselor at Magruder High School in Rockville in Maryland. She positively impacted students around her, as well as coaching softball at the school. To help honor Denise, her best friend Amy created a race to raise money for students that need college scholarships. What better way to honor Denise than to hold a race event, one of her greatest passions in life. The “Denise Wilson Schaefer Memorial Scholarship” will help create a dream for a deserving Magruder High School student to help them with their future.

Amy and Denise

This race, Dee’s Dash, is in its third year, as Denise has been gone for three years this May. If you would like to attend this great event, it’s not too late to register for the race. Dee’s Dash, a 5K and 1 mile Family Fun Run, will be held at OBGC Park in Olney, MD on April 23rd, 2017. You can register for the race that morning or if you pre-register, you can pick up packets at 7:15am (the race starts promptly at 8am). Registrations need to be in by April 6th, 2017 to guarantee a t-shirt. Make sure to check out the Dee’s Dash site for more information. There will be an after “breakfast” at The Greene Turtle in Olney, MD at 9:30am.

Denise running (her passion)

The Dee’s Dash in honor of Denise Schaefer

Mama Luvs Books is a proud sponsor of this event. If you do not live close to the DC area and cannot participate in the event but want to help out this great cause, please make donations to the scholarship fund through the site or by mailing in a check:

Donate to Dee’s Dash by sending PayPal donations: Dee’s Dash PayPal
or mail a check to:
Dee’s Dash
P.O. Box 3157
Silver Spring, MD 20918

Denise, always in our hearts and minds ~ We love you and miss you!

In Loving Memory of Denise Schaefer

The post Dee’s Dash ~ Honoring a Friend, Counselor, and Coach! appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

Credit: https://www.ppacri.org/events/detail/rodgers-hammersteins-the-king-and-i

You can share this 2015 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival with your family. Just visit PPAC in Rhode Island October 30th – November 6th in Providence! This show takes place in 1860s Bangkok, and the musical tells the story of the unconventional relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. The story development between these two characters is amazing, and there are some great lessons learned in this production as well. Don’t miss it!

SHOW TIMES:

• Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 1:00 PM
   
• Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at 7:00 PM
   
• Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM
   
• Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 7:30 PM
   
• Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30 PM
   
• Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 PM
   
• Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 8:00 PM
   
• Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 1:00 PM
   
• Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 6:30 PM
   

TICKET PRICES: $31-$83 per person (Click to buy tickets online at PPAC)

GROUP INFO:

10%-50% discount available for 15 or more.

Contact Paul Hiatt at (401) 574-3162 or email phiatt@ppacri.org

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GROUP INFO

GIVEAWAY: 

Win a family 4-pack of tickets for the Wednesday, November 2, 2016 show at 7:00 PM! To enter, all you need to do is comment on this post and let me know WHO you want to bring and WHY you are excited to see The King and I.  Giveaway ends Saturday, October 29th at 11:59pm EST. You must be 18 or older to win, and live close enough to the venue (PPAC) to provide your own lodging and transportation. Giveaway is for FOUR SHOW TICKETS only.

Credit: https://www.ppacri.org/events/detail/rodgers-hammersteins-the-king-and-i

Disclaimer: I received promotional tickets and tickets for the giveaway; however, all opinions are mine and mine alone.

The post RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I ~ See it at the PPAC in RI! appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

DESSERT RECIPES

Home and Garden Cafe – Apple Pie Coconut Ice Cream

Joy’s Life – Apple Pie Dessert Pizza

Kitchen Concoctions – Toffee Apple Pie Cookies

The Bandit Lifestyle – Delicious Apple Fritters Perfect for Fall

Roasted Beanz – Easy Crustless Almond Raisin Apple Pie

Wondermom Wannabe – Clean Eating Apple Crisp with Caramel Sauce

Anti June Cleaver – Mini Dutch Apple Pear Pie to Get You Ready for Fall

Basic N Delicious – Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake

Mostly Homemade Mom – Caramel Apple Pie Fudge

Little Blog in the Country – Pressure Cooker Canned Apple Pie Filling

Diana Rambles – Apple Spice Dump Cake

The Tip Toe Fairy – Apple Plum Skillet Cobbler

Five Marigolds – Sweet and Savory Salted Caramel Apple Dip

Intelligent Domestications – Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake & Apple Cream Cheese Icing

Home Maid Simple – Easy Apple Crisp

More or Less Cooking – Best Apple Fritter Coffee Cake

My Big Fat Happy Life – Skinny Caramel Ice Cream

An Alli Event – Apple Bundt Cake with Praline Frosting

Tobin’s Tastes – Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Ginger Casa – Delicious Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Sweet Sensations – Apple Cobbler with Oatmeal Muffin Crust

A Labor of Life – How to Make Delicious Apple Roses

Julie Is Coco and Cocoa – Fried Cinnamon and Sugar Apple Rings

Polka Dotted Blue Jay – Mini Carmel Apple Bites

Finding Sanity in Our Crazy Life – No Bake Oatmeal Apple Pecan Cookies

Being Tazim – Strawberry Apple Crumble Vegan and Dairy Free

Upstate Ramblings – Caramel Apple Cake

Lily the Wandering Gypsy – Fresh Apple Donuts with Bacon, Caramel Pecan Glaze

Rebecca Lately – Baked Apple Recipe

Simple Food 365 – Light and Fluffy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Mama Plus One – Homemade Apple Cider Donuts

Bento Lunch (dot) net – Caramel Apple Pudding Parfaits

MORE APPLE RECIPES

Broken TeePee – Salmon and Rice Noodles on Apples, Carrots & Zucchini

Revel & Glitter – Autumn Cranberry Apple Pear Salad

Happy Go Lucky – Bacon Cheddar Apple Dip

Honest and Truly – Delicious and Easy Mini Apple Pancakes

Smiling Notes – Healthy Apple Pie Oat Pancakes

Creative Southern Home – Apple Bread

Beyond Mommying – Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese

Momcrieff – Apple Pancake Rings for Breakfast or Snack

Tiaras and Tantrums – Favorite Autumn Apple Snacks

Injenious Life   – Gluten Free Applesauce Muffins

Everyday Party – Simple Caramel Apple Cider

A Paper Arrow – Apple Bread for the Fall

Happy and Blessed Home – Delicious Apple Recipes

Mom Saves Money – DIY Dehydrated Apple Rings

Gluesticks Blog – Baked Apple Chips

Life With Lorelai – Caramel Apple Crumbly Bread Recipe

Ava’s Alphabet – Baked Apple Pancake

Life with Lovebugs – Spiced Applesauce and Oatmeal Muffins

For the Love of Crust – Homemade Crockpot Apple Cider

Oat & Sesame – Maple Your Applesauce

Southern Mom Loves – Cheddar and Apple Goldfish Snack Mix Recipe

My Life Cookbook – Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bread (Gluten Free)

ACTIVITIES

Tales of Mommyhood – Apple Picking Favorite Family Activity

Mama Luvs Books – Apple Picking in Rhode Island

Kori at Home – Apple Tot School Unit with FREE Printables

Jenny at Dapperhouse – DIY Apple Basket Sorting Game

To & Fro – Tips for Apple Picking with Your Family

CRAFTS

Little Mama Jama – Apple Stamping Sensory Activity for Preschoolers

Creative Ramblings – Fabulous Fall Wood Apple Sign

Woods of Bell Trees – Quilted Apple Pillow

For What It’s Worth – Apple Themed Party with DIY Apple Craft

The Kennedy Adventures – Paper Plate Apple Craft

Babs Projects – Apple Scented Potpourri Pouches

Great Contradictions – Apple Themed Candy Bar Wrapper Printables

BEAUTY

Momerish – Apple Pie Sugar Scrub Perfect for Fall Pampering

Can you believe all these incredible Apple themed posts? Bookmark this page so you can come back and try out all the recipes, crafts and activities with you and your family!

Check back next month when Social Fabric features posts with a pumpkin theme. You can always search the hashtag #SoFabSeasons to find more of what you’re looking for!

The post Apples! Apples! Everywhere! Crafts, Recipes, Activities… appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

Craft/DIY/Tutorial

Friendly Valentine Candy Jar – Creative Ramblings

Valentine Felt Envelopes – Good Morning Loretta

Valentine’s Day Candy Filled Mason Jar – Savvy Saving Couple

Valentine’s Day Love Bug Craft – Maryland Momma’s Rambles

Last-Minute Quick, Cute Cut-Out Cards – Our Daily Craft

DIY Heart Shaped Massage Bars – Thriftanista in the City

Valentine Memo Chalkboard – Southern Couture

Valentine’s Day Chalkboard Decoration – Pretty in Pigment

Flower Vase Craft – Polka Dotted Blue Jay

No-Sew Ribbon Embellished Cocktail Napkins – Atta Girl Says

Macaroni Art Lace Hearts – ABCs and Garden Peas

Cupid’s Arrow Valentine’s Day Favors – Home. Made. Interest.

Hand Lettered Valentine Notecards – One Artsy Mama

Instagram Magnetic Bookmarks – Happy Go Lucky Blog

Birdseed Heart Valentines – Made with Happy

Valentine’s Day Burlap Wreath – The Farm Girl Gabs

Cute Flower Valentines for Kids – Love, Jaime

DIY Valentine Flower Corsage – Suburban Wife, City Life

DIY Valentine’s Snowglobes – Woods of Bell Trees

Valentine Envelop Chair Backers – 2Paws Designs

Reversible Valentine’s Day/St. Patrick’s Day Banner – Fearlessly Creative Mammas

Mini Bubblegum Machine Valentines – Bubbly Nature Creations

DIY Button Heart Picture Collage – Our Piece of Earth

Kids’ Valentine’s Day Gift with FREE Printable – A Cowboy’s Life

Easy Mesh and Ribbon Valentine’s Day Wreath – My Pinterventures

Snickerdoodle Sugar Scrub Recipe – Sunny Sweet Days

Valentine’s Day Verse on Burlap – Life with Captain Fussybuckets

12 Days of Romance Scavenger Hunt – The Mama Zone

Candy Kiss Ring – So TIPical Me

Valentine’s Day Hand Print Craft – As Cute as a Bug’s Ear

How to Make a Valentine’s Day Ribbon Banner – Aprons and Stilletos

Date Night with a Romantic Treasure Hunt – The TipToe Fairy

Chalkboard Gift Box – Organized Island

Easy Valentines Felt Pillow Cover – Creative Southern Home

Polar Fleece Ruffle Heart Wreath – Joy’s Life

Making A Valentine’s Day Rag Wreath with Fabric Scraps – Third Stop on the Right

Washi Tape Bubble Valentines – Moneywise Moms

Homemade Candles in 5 Easy Steps – Lemon Peony

DIY Felt Ornaments for Valentine’s Day – 3 Little Greenwoods

Butterfly Valentine’s Day Craft – Sarah in the Suburbs

Epsom Salt DIY Valentine Candles – A Day in the Motherhood

I “DOVE” You Printable with Candy – Newlywed Survival

Rainbow Heart PomPom Garland – Cupcake Wishes & Birthday Wishes

Valentine’s Day Printed Burlap Subway – Occasionally Crafty

Pom Pom Cupcakes Valentine Craft – Cute as a Fox

Valentine’s Wooden Door Hanger – We Got the Funk

Hearts Aplenty: Valentine’s Day DIY Decor – Woman in Real Life

Love Letters Simple Valentine’s Day Craft – Craving Some Creativity

Valentine’s Day Coffee Cup Sleeve – Craving Cynchronicity

How to Make a Great Loves Print – My Sweet Sanity

Cross Stitch Heart Pillow – Cutesy Crafts

Free Valentine’s Day Cards Kids Can Make – Happy and Blessed Home

Recipe

Valentine Cupcakes – Home Maid Simple

Valentine’s Day Cakes – Charleston Crafted

Red Velvet Pudding Cups – Mostly Homemade Mom

Blood Orange Panna Cotta – Mooshu Jenne

Candy Cane Chocolate Hearts – Drugstore Divas

Cranberry Bliss Bars – Swanky Recipes

Valentine Rice Crispy Treats – Midwestern Moms

Chocolate Valentine Sandies – Cindy’s Recipes and Writings

M&M’s® Red Velvet Brownies – Julie is Coco and Cocoa

Nutella Filled Conversation Hearts – A Million Moments

Conversation Hearts Martini – JVKOM Chronicles

Valentine’s Day S’mores Dip – Our Mini Family

M&M’s® Red Velvet Blondies – The NYC Talon

Valentine’s Day Cheesecake Brownies – West of the Loop

Red Velvet Cheesecakes – Houseful of Nicholes

Chocolate Kiss Valentine’s Day Cookies – Moscato Mom

Chocolate and Candy Valentine Popcorn – Made by a Princess

Easy Valentine’s Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies – Janine Huldie

Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe – Scrappy Geek

Coeur a la Creme with Raspberry Sauce – Graceful Order

Love Dipped Wafers – Sparkles to Sprinkles

Valentine’s Day Bento Lunch – Diana Rambles

“Blackened” Seafood Medley for a Low-Calorie Valentine’s Dinner – Broken TeePee

Sweet Salty Fudge – Foody Schmoody Blog

Valentine’s Day Covered Pretzels – Texas Type A Mom

Valentine’s Popcorn – Mommy’s Bundle

The Easiest Valentine’s Day Fudge Recipe – Young at Heart Mommy

Valentine’s Day Butter Cookies – Ilona’s Passion

Valentine’s Day Blondies – Saving You Dinero

Super Healthy Pomegranate-Cranberry-Almond Smoothie – Easy Cooking with Molly

Brownie Cut-outs – Tramplingrose

Puppy Valentine’s Day Cookies – Staying Close to Home

Valentine OREO Brownie Bar Recipe – As Mom Sees It

Strawberry-Vanilla Ice Cream Pie – Johanny’s Kitchen

Strawberry Filled Chocolate Cake – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Chocolate Raspberry Truffles – Food Lovin Family

Honey Bee My Valentine Cakes – I Don’t Have Time for That

Red Velvet Valentine’s Day Parfaits – Living a Sunshine Life

Homemade Strawberry Syrup – Day by Day in Our World

Cranberry Hootycreek Cookies – Momma DJane

Red Velvet Donuts – Frugal Family Tree

Strawberry Mocha Granola – Strength & Sunshine

Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – Tales of a Ranting Ginger

Chocolate Shot Glasses – The Bewitchin’ Kitchen

Chocolate Pretzel Kisses – Just 2 Sisters

Valentine’s Candy Bark – Life with the Crust cut off

Chocolate Kiss Shooter! – Housewives of Frederick County

Super Simple Valentine’s Day Candy Hearts – My Real Food Family

Easy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – Meatloaf & Melodrama

3 Ingredient Strawberry Brownies – Fun Things to Do in Central Mass

Nutella Baked Brie – Basil and Bubbly

Easy Cupid Crinkles – Creative Southern Home

Valentine’s Day Edible Tic Tac Toe Game – A Frugal Friend

Valentine’s Day Ombre Sweet Treat – Tastefully Frugal

Party

How to Throw a Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Party – Amber Nicole Blogs

Valentine’s Day Party for Tweens – Soiree Event Design

Love is in the Air Valentine Table – Not Just a Mommy

Valentine’s Day Tea Party – The Peanuts Gang

Printables

Easy Valentine’s Printables – I am the Maven®

Printable Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes and Coupons – Gluesticks Blog

“I Love You Like” Valentine’s Free Printable – C’mon Get Crafty

4 Free Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages – Saving More than Me

Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt Clues – Mom on the Side

Valentine Gift for Kids {Free Printable} – Fun on a Dime

Crayon Valentines Printable – Mom’s Messy Miracles

Tic Tac Toe XOXO Valentine with Free Printable – Housewife Eclectic

Valentine’s Day Activities for Kids – Simple Living Mama

2 Free Printable Valentines (Owls) – Altamonte Family

Love is in the Air Valentine Card – Making of a Mom

Matchstick Valentine Free Printable – Frenchie

Valentine’s Day Lunch Box Notes & Jokes – Coupons are Great

I “Wheelie” Like You Car Valentine Printable – Artsy Momma

Round-Up

Valentine’s Day Guide – The Ranting Latina!

24 Frugal Valentine’s Ideas – Real: The Kitchen and Beyond

7 Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day – Downshifting PRO

5 Perfect Valentine’s Day Gifts for Bloggers – That Chic Mom

Top 5 Romantic Restaurants to Eat at in East Greenwhich, Rhode Island – Mama Luvs Books

Other

War Room Movie Night – A Beautiful Exchange

Pairing Chocolate with Wine & Spirits – In Good Taste

Valentine’s Day Make-up Tutorial – Glam Hungry Mom

Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home – Natasha Byrd

Can you feel the love tonight with all these great Valentine’s Day inspired activities?

The post Ultimate Valentine’s Day Round-Up appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.

We found our new favorite outlet shopping venue; Tanger Outlets at Foxwoods Casino! This indoor shopping mall with over 80 stores has something for everyone. Even though it does connect to the Foxwoods Casino, Tanger Outlets is family-friendly and can be easily accessed with routes around the gambling areas. Once inside the mall area, you are not near the casino activities. One of our favorite things about this outlet mall is that it’s located indoors. Being in New England, the weather can get quite cold for many months of the year. Most outlets around here have the outdoor mall shopping, where you have to put on your coat each time you bounce from store to store. At Tanger Outlets in Foxwoods you can take off your coat and enjoy the warmth as you shop.

Another thing we loved about Tanger Outlets is the selection of stores. Our favorites were Kate Spade, Nike, and Gap Factory Store. There were so many to choose from though (listed below). My daughter and I were super excited to make purchases at Kate Spade. I’d never owned one before, but at the outlet prices and extra discounts the store was running I could finally buy my first! We also bought shoes for the entire family at Nike, and some clothes at a few of the other stores.

Store Directory from Tanger Outlets Website:

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Photo Credit: http://www.ppacri.org/events/detail/annie

The excitement is building around Providence, Rhode Island! Annie will be coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center this coming December 29th – January 3rd! This is just in time for you to get tickets and wrap them up to put under the tree or in a stocking! Annie is the perfect musical for the entire family to enjoy! My kids have never seen it, but I remember seeing it growing up. I can’t wait to take them! Make sure to purchase tickets today at PPAC. Tickets range from about $52 – $79 each.

Annie is one of the world’s most loved musicals. It’s directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro. this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Also, it will be featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. The musical will include classic songs like: “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” and “Tomorrow.”

NOTE: This production of Annie will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Very cool!

PPAC Show Dates and Times:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: Winner is responsible for all transportation and stay. This contest is for 4 tickets ONLY and only valid on December 29th. Winner will be asked to pick up their tickets at the theater.  

The post Annie Playing at PPAC in RI this December! {Giveaway} appeared first on Mama Luvs Books.