#Wordless Wednesday: Bri's Recent Reads

I've always been a big reader! I lost touch with reading for pleasure in college (because I was too busy reading for school), but I'm happy to say I've picked the habit back up as an adult! I've joined the Mecklenburg County Public Library and I've discovered the cutest little secondhand bookshop close to our new home in Harrisburg, NC.

"The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger
The second time I've read this, and honestly even better the second time! (Also a fantastic movie!) 

"Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult
I'm a HUGE Jodi Picoult fan and her latest did not disappoint!

  

"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd
Not sure how I never read this book growing up but I did enjoy it as an adult! (I believe this one is also a movie? Anyone?)

All this book loving is going down in my favorite room in our new house - my very own reading room!

Easy Baked Spaghetti #tastytuesday

Do you need a quick, easy go to meal?  This is my favorite and I make it a lot to take with me when I need to take a meal.  It's also great to make ahead and freeze for later.  I sometimes make a couple and pop them in my freezer to pull out on a busy night.  

Tips to Help You Raise Your Kids with a Love of Learning

 

If we’re honest, we all want our kids to grow into intelligent, fully-formed adults who are capable of getting good jobs and making a good life for themselves. Of course, we won’t love them any less if they don’t turn out to be academically inclined, but we know that being smart will make their lives easier going forward.

Luckily, there are lots of things we can do to at least encourage a love of learning in our kids, starting from a young age, encouraging them to grow up into smart adults. Here are some of them:

Give Your Taste Buds a Thrill with MunchPak

 Thank you to MunchPak for the samples. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For all those loved ones who enjoy trying different foods, MunchPak is for you. 

The specific snacks are only a few dollars a piece generally. You can choose 5 ($14.95), 10 ($24.95), or 20 ($44.95) snacks for a box. Those are one-time purchase prices. You do save a little money if you choose 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions.

What's On My Bucket List

A few days ago my husband made mention of wanting to create a bucket list.  I think the idea is fascinating and scary all at the same time.  I have always been fearful of death, but for some reason, I have a calming feeling over me right now that I wanted/needed to share.

There have been many things that I have wanted to do in my life only to be told I couldn't, shouldn't, or wouldn't follow through with.  I have let others judge me, put me down, and I have done the same to myself.  After a long and tiring week I have decided to create a bucket list for myself. As I start to think of the things to put on there I cannot help but be grateful for the things I can already cross out...

Helping Your Teen Spread Their Wings

You might know this as much as anyone if you're a parent, but being a teenager is hard. You struggle to realize what is right from wrong in the pursuit of natural rebellion; you trust your instincts which can be off, your body changes, your life goes in crazy directions, and it can be hard to hold on. Being a teenager is a bit of a wild ride - you'll know that, you were one at some point! Your teen is on the verge of being an adult, and that can be a scary time! It means they aren't or soon won't be kids anymore. That can be troubling not just for them, but for you.