White as Silence, Red as Song: A Novel

I tried... I REALLY tried 

So my headline should say it all.  I tried several times to get into this book, but just could not.  It got to the point where I would dread reading it.  I KEPT at I though and finished the book, mainly because I saw other reviewers saying it gets better.....  For me it never did I didn't like the characters (especially Leo, the main character)  He did get better as the story plot went on and he grew up a bit, but I feel the damage was already done and I just couldn't get into it.

“I was born on the first day of school, and I grew up and old in just two hundred days . . .” Sixteen-year-old Leo has a way with words, but he doesn’t know it yet. He spends his time texting, polishing soccer maneuvers, and killing time with Niko and Silvia. Until a new teacher arrives and challenges him to give voice to his dreams. And so Leo is inspired to win over the red-haired beauty Beatrice. She doesn’t know Leo exists, but he’s convinced that his dream will come true. When Leo lands in the hospital and learns that Beatrice has been admitted too, his mission to be there for her will send him on a thrilling but heartbreaking journey. He wants to help her but doesn’t know how—and his dream of love will force him to grow up fast. Having already sold over a million copies, Alessandro D’Avenia’s debut novel is considered Italy’s The Fault in Our Stars. Now available in English for the first time, this rich, funny, and heartwarming coming-of-age tale asks us to explore the meaning—and the cost—of friendship, and shows us what happens when suffering bursts into the world of teenagers and renders the world of adults speechless.

MUPPET BABIES TIME TO PLAY!

Disclaimer:  I was given products in this post for the purpose of review.  I was not paid to write this review.

Growing up I loved the Muppet Babies!  I remember I would watch Muppet Babies, Baby Looney  Tunes and Wacky Races all the time (at times I think I made that last one up, because no one else remembers it!!)

They were all great shows and I was so happy to see they were bringing The Muppet Babies back.  They may look a bit different than I remember (better graphics) but they are still the same lovable group.  My kids loves this show so much that two weeks ago when I purchased two teddy bear Guinee Pigs the named one of them Fozzie bear (the other is Winnie, short for Winnie the Pooh)

Almost 30 years after the Muppet Babies first won the hearts of kids and families around the world, Disney Junior's reimagined "Muppet Babies" chronicles the hilarious playroom antics of a young Kermit the Frog, Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal – plus a brand-new Muppet Baby, Summer Penguin. Under the watchful eye of Miss Nanny, the Muppet Babies use their imaginations to embark on countless adventures that take them to the farthest corners of the universe and demonstrate to young viewers the power and potential of imaginative play. 

Sir Kermit the Brave/Animal Fly Airplane

Super Fabulous vs. Captain Icecube/Piggy’s Time Machine

The Great Muppet Sport-A-thon/You Say Potato, I Say Best Friend

Hatastrophe/Fly South

Bonus Features: 2 Bonus Episodes-

How Kermit Got His Groove/One Small Problem

Playground Pirates/The Blanket Fort

10 “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” Shorts-          

Kermit’s Show and Tell

Piggy’s Show and Tell

Fozzie’s Show and Tell

Gonzo’s Show and Tell

Summer’s Show and Tell

Animal’s Show and Tell

Kermit and Piggy’s Show and Tell

Kermit and Fozzie’s Show and Tell

Piggy and Gonzo’s Show and Tell

The Great Muppet (Short) Musical

6 Music Videos-

“What's So Scary About The Dark?"

"Never Have To Say Goodbye (To The Summer)"

"Get Back In The Game"

"Good Things Come To Those Who Wait"

"You Can Be A Dancer"

"Muppet Pirate Shanty" 

               

Release Date:               August 14, 2018

Ratings:                                TV-Y (US)

Run Time:                           Approx. 92 minutes (not including bonus)

Aspect Ratio:                     1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions)

Audio:                                  English 2.0 Dolby, Latin Spanish 2.0 Dolby

Subtitles:                      English Line 21, English SDH, French S & Latin Spanish

Closed Captions:              English

So as a mom I love that the episodes are super cute and deliver a great message.  But not by being to over the top.  My boys no longer like shows that are to obvious.  Muppet Babies is the perfect blend of fun and real life lessons.
As a long time fan I can see this reboot did a pretty awesome job of capturing the original fun and put a new twist on already beloved characters!

THE SIMPLY ME BLOG'S 2018 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

This is the time of year when I like to sit back and just relax with my family.  Snuggling under warm blankets, drinking cocoa and watching our favorite Holiday movies.  

As we all know, the Holiday's are not all about relaxing, lots has to be done.  My boys are still at that wonderful age where they think it is all done by magic....  But us adults know the hard work, running around and planning that goes into that "magic."

I'm hoping that this year my gift guide can help you with all your shopping needs!

Keep checking back over the next several weeks to see all the great products and companies.  

If you are a company interested in being part of my guide please contact me at savannahm1987@gmail.com

Fall fashion with Berkshire Legwear

Disclaimer I was given product in this post for review.  I was not paid to write this review

Legwear since 1906, Berkshire is a leading women’s hosiery brand in department, specialty, and ecommerce retailers in the USA. This true American brand manufactures its products in the USA (Burlington, North Carolina), and is always innovating to bring its customers new legwear that is fashionable and comfortable. Berkshire legwear is made to fit properly with attention to every woman’s size and shape. Every style and size is fit on actual female fit models to ensure that the product is beautiful, comfortable, easy to put on, and meet its specifications.

Okay so as you most likely can tell I copied that right from Berkshires' email.  Let me tell you in my own words why I love them:
1)  Their leg and feet wear is so comfortable!  I hate when a seam is in a weird place.  Or when something is itchy.  Berkshire takes this all into account and makes sure to provide only the best legwear.
2) Their size chart couldn't be more right on!  I hate those one size fits all legwear companies.  Berkshire has a size for everyone and it is right on!
3) So many styles to choose from!  There is literally a style for all occasions our outfits!
4) Durable, they don't rip when I put them on.  Which earns them a huge thumbs up.  We have all been there; you know.... perfect outfit picked out.  You go to put it on 5 minutes before it is time to leave and bam the tights rip.  Leaving you scrambling to try to come up with a 2nd great outfit.

Okay so instead of going on about all the great styles I am just going to show you a few that I love!  

To learn more and see all the styles they offer please check out my link below:
http://eberkshire.com/

Only One Life: How a Woman's Every Day Shapes an Eternal Legacy

Disclaimer:  I was given this book for the purpose of review.

Life keeps us running so fast and frenzied that we often lose sight of each day’s holy potential. Yet as a woman loved and called by God, your ordinary everyday matters more than you could possibly imagine. Your choices today shape the legacy you leave for future generations. You are part of a story that has existed long before you and will long outlast you. And you can play a unique and irreplaceable role. In Only One Life, mother-and-daughter team Jackie Green and Lauren McAfee invite you to join the company of women God is using to change the world. Through vivid portraits of women of the Bible, women of history, and women shaping the world today, you will discover how God multiplies seemingly small daily offerings of faithfulness. Come and see your own story reflected in the lives of women such as: Mary Magdalene, the first witness to Jesus’s resurrection. Catherine Booth, an early apologist for women’s rights and co-founder of the Salvation Army. Christine Caine, a contemporary speaker and human rights activist And other ordinary women who have done extraordinary things, including Harriet Tubman, Queen Esther, Lottie Moon, and Joni Eareckson Tada. Building a legacy through your “only one life” is not a calling for the elite few. It is a calling for you—as a woman with unique capacity to shape the future through your faith, family, gifts, and leadership. Only One Life will encourage and empower you to develop grit, grace, and the long view—able to change your world forever—starting today.

When we think of the heroes of the Bible it always seems our mind goes straight to the men of the Bible.  David facing down a giant of a man, Noah building a ark, Moses standing before the pharaoh and the list continues.   How often we forget the women.  We forget their bravery, their loyalty and even their sacrifice.  I love that this book highlights  women not only of the Bible, but through out history.  Brave who changed the world we small or big act at a time.  Women who faced impossible odds, yet didn't back down.  When I read this book I felt empowered and inspired.  It is a must read.  Our lives matter, even if I never have to be brace like Esther, loyal like Ruth or fearless like Mary I can still live a God filled life that inspires my children and those around me.  This book really drives that point home.