Easy Weeknight Beef and Broccoli and Labels for Education

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias, Inc. and its advertiser, #Labels4Edu. All opinions are mine alone

Has school started for your kids yet? If not, is it soon? Emma went back on August 11th.  It's definitely been a transition for BOTH of us.  It's always so hard getting back into the swing of a change in schedule.  Really, it's been a smooth transition to 6th grade Yay! I have always said that we have been beyond blessed with Emma's school and her teachers.  Living in Phoenix, we have suffered the worst of the real estate bubble burst and our schools (among other services) have faced major budget cuts.  These cuts effect all of us and I am really glad that there are companies out there that find ways to give to our schools! Labels for Education makes it really easy to help our schools!

Back to School with Nordstrom Rack! (and a contest!)

disclaimer: This post has been sponsored by Nordstrom Rack but my thoughts are my own.

 Who doesn't love to find fabulous clothing at a bargain (especially brand names and still within the current trends)? Nordstrom Rack helps connect you with amazing designer clothing at a great price (up to 70% off!) all while providing you with legendary Nordstrom customer service! I have a Tween GIRL. GIRL!!! She's very difficult to buy for and it's not because she is picky but because she's right at that age where clothing falls in the "too childish" or "too adult" categories! I want to keep her age appropriate but frankly, tweens are a hard age to buy for! Nordstrom Rack provides so many fantastic options at great prices! I thought I would share with you some of my favorite back to school outfits for Emma (Oh and something new for me, too!) I have found on Nordstrom Rack's website for under $100!

Surviving Abuse: Why YOU are Worthwhile

By Lucas Löf via Unsplash.com edited by me

If you are on Facebook, you may have seen a video from a guy called "Spider" and his moving and brave video about being a survivor of sexual abuse.  If you haven't, you need to watch it:

Post by Scott Spideralamode.

Just a Little Bit of The Elusive Chanteuse, Mariah Carey, For You

Image by: By Wellington Sanipe Courtesy of Unsplash.com

How to Save Money with Paperless Coupons

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone #WalgreensPaperless #CollectiveBias

I've been trying to find ways to save money so I can achieve a few financial goals.  I am really trying to focus on my debt and get it all paid down so I can buy a home (either a townhome or a patio home) next year.  I follow quite a few coupon bloggers and I am always impressed by how much they save! As much as I am inspired by them... I am just not organized enough to clip coupons and organize with sales.  I have been looking at ways to coupon along without the time suck that is coupon clipping and Walgreens' paperless coupons helps me save!

Shopping For a New Car? Show your #NewCarFace & Enter to Win UP TO $25,000!

This post is sponsored by Cars.com but all opinions are my own

A few years ago, I got into a car accident and totalled out my beloved Saturn SL2.  I loved it.  It was paid in full and was a good car that just kept on going! I was so sad but at the same time... NEW CAR! I purchased a new Hyundai Accent, which I like but it's a few years old and it's a bit too small.  I honestly wish I had purchased the Elantra.

Robin Williams - It's Been an Honor

I wasn't sure if I was going to write anything about Robin Williams' passing this soon but I decided to go ahead.   As many of you know, I am a huge movie, TV, music and book fan.  I've always escaped into other worlds thanks to these various forms on entertainment.  As an introvert, I become very engrossed with characters, movies, plots, etc. and I do become somewhat attached.  I've always adored Robin Williams.  When he acts- you can see he puts every bit of himself into it.  I loved Awakenings, Patch Adams, Dead Poets Society, Good Will Hunting, Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Good Morning, Vietnam... shall I bother to continue?

First Day Back To School With a Traumatic Brain Injury

I have to say, I am really proud of Emma's behavior over the summer.  She's really shown a lot of maturity and has really worked hard to make really good choices.  I was cringing at the thought of returning to school because it's a huge change and changes (aka transitions) are always a hard time for somebody with a traumatic brain injury like Emma's. She not only had the changes of switching from her summer program with respite to school but also, she's switching rooms at her after school program (she was in her old room for almost four years!).  How did the first day back go?

Books. Netflix. Canva.

I have been hearing about Canva, a relatively free photo editing site, for awhile and thought I would give it a whirl.  It's definitely going to take some getting used to especially since I have pretty much stopped using Photoshop (just way too cumbersome for what I want to do) and have been using Picmonkey almost exclusively.  Picmonkey is VERY user friendly but can be a bit slow.  I can't tell you any of the pros and cons yet between Picmonkey and Canva but I will as soon as I get more into using both of them.  HOWEVER, one thing I can tell you that really makes Canva stand out is that they have templates specifically for social media- Pinterest, G+, etc.  That is nice.  No needing to resize to optimize but no importing of my hundreds of fonts like Picmonkey does.  Sad girl.   Here is my first Canva creation.  It's not the best but I did it in just a few minutes.

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Jaime

Where is Jaime?

Has she become a victim of some nefarious character's plot to take down the world? 

Did she run off to Bora Bora with a handsome hunk?

Did she win millions of dollars and is in seclusion?

Special cards for kids to show them they are awesome!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #kidscards #CollectiveBias

Do you love to receive cards for special occassions? How about just because? I know I do. I still get giddy when I get a card in the mail. Hallmark has an amazing selection of cards for kids! Emma will be 11 very soon and I like to celebrate her birthday week with sweet little just because cards and with Hallmark's kids poster cards, they are a thousands times more fun. Why? These rocking cards pop out into a huge poster! Their selection is full of really cool characters your kids will love. Also, were you aware of the Hallmark rewards program? For every five cards you buy (especially at Walmart), you get a reward. Be sure to visit Hallmark to learn more about the rewards program and to sign up!

Two Snack Recipes: Chunky Guacamole with Chicken Taquitos and Meatball Sliders!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.#AfterSchoolSnacks #CollectiveBias

This school year is a BIG deal.  Em is heading into SIXTH grade and will officially be an 11 year old on Thursday.  This past summer, she spent the entire day at her program.  Typically, she would stay home in the morning and then attend the afternoon program because of behavioral issues but this summer, she did great and really worked hard to keep her temper in check.  I decided that this new school year, we were going to work on more independent living skills.  She needs to learn to take care of herself and a great way to begin is learning how to make after school snacks!