The Big White Farmhouse

Hungry for Change: I’m always looking to learn more about health and nutrition.  This documentary was quite informational and had lots of good points.  My husband and I liked it very much.

30 for 30: Broke: This was a very interesting look at the reality behind professional athletes’ seemingly perfect, flashy lifestyles.  The majority fall into bankruptcy shortly after retirement because of poor financial decision making.  Sad.   

Craigslist Joe: In this movie, a man spends an entire month depending on the kindness of Craigslist users for his survival.  Definitely a “hope for humanity” type movie.  I liked it.

First Position: This documentary followed young people following their dreams to becoming professional ballet dancers.  I found this one fascinating on so many levels.  

SEC Storied: Lolo Jones: I love movies that are inspirational and this one on Lolo Jones was no exception. She overcame homelessness and poverty to become an amazingly talented Olympic hurdler.  After watching, I was itching to go out and run! 

It’s September and our busy season has just begun.  All of my kids have birthdays soon and the holidays are right around the corner!  Needless to say, gifts are on the brain these days.  I’m continuing to embrace the idea of buying less, but more meaningful gifts.  These sometimes take a little more time to find, but are so worth it in the end.

Let me introduce you to Jessica.  She is the mamma to two sweet boys and I have had the opportunity to get to know her briefly through the Penpal Project.  So when she contacted me to let me know she was also an educational consultant with Usborne Books, I was so excited!  Books are one of my favorite things to gift!  I quickly purchased a book to celebrate our first week of school.    

I chose 1001 Pirate Things to Spot and it was a huge hit!  I loved having the boys huddle around me, searching for the items on the list.

The quality of Usborne books is amazing.  The covers are durable, the pages are made of good quality paper, and the illustrations are colorful and so detailed.

The Usborne website is extensive and has so much to choose from.  Here are a few of our favorites as well as a few on our wish list:

• On the Moon (a favorite space themed book around here!)
• That’s Not my Teddy (we’ve read this one to each of our babies)
• Birds to Color
• Picture Word Lotto
• Hey Jack!  The Bumpy Ride (and the rest of the series)

Now to the fun part: I want to give away a $15 credit toward a book or two to one of you!  The giveaway will be open until Friday, September 13 at 12AM EST.  You can enter through the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


To further support Jessica, I’m also hosting an online show that will be open until September 20.  Think Christmas presents!  For every $25 you spend, you are automatically entered into a drawing for $20 of free books!  You can find the link here.