Sunday, July 10, 2022
Tips for Planning Your Homeschool Year
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Daily Affirmation Cards
Sunday, March 20, 2022
Long Time, No Post
Friday, December 4, 2020
Holiday Gift Guide: Loot Crate Subscription!
I always struggle with gift ideas for the men in my life. My husband and two adult son's are big into movies, television and pop culture. They are often quote their favorites. I love that LootCrate is a curated subscription that included fan favorite items from their favorite series!
What:
Get a surprise bundle of collectibles and gear from your favorite movies, TV shows, games, comics and more delivered to your door every month!
Choose your subscription from 1 - 12 months and get a new surprise each month!
There are also different themes - you can choose the classic which is the LOOTCRATE (and the one featured above) or maybe you want a more specific theme. They have LootSci-Fi, J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World and LOOTGAMING as some of the choices! Really something for everyone on your Christmas list!
Who would LOOTCRATE be perfect for on your shopping list?
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Holiday Gift Guide: Tea Advent from Adagio
Do you treat yourself over the holidays? I have to admit that I've really come to love treating myself to some self-care type items. My favorite forms of self-care revolve around face masks, deep conditioning hair treatments, colorstreet nails, bath salts, good books and TEA! Yes, tea has become a huge part of my daily self-care. Not just any tea either. I like the good stuff. Real tea leaves, rich bold flavors. There is nothing like a cup of hot tea with a dash of honey to sooth my soul!
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
The Flintstones: The Complete Series - Holiday Gift Guide!
The Flinstones were literally one of the best television cartoon shows ever to air. I have seen every episode many times and I was thrilled to get to share this set with my kids. My ten year old has enjoyed it just as much as I did. It has been fun re-watching and remembering the different episodes. This would be a great gift for the kids in your life or perhaps for a spouse who loves to revisit their favorite shows from their youth!
Monday, September 21, 2020
National Geographic Kids Books Home Learning Essentials Grand Prize Giveaway
I know most students have gone back to school but did you know here in NJ we don't usually start until after Labor Day? I haven't shared my curriculum choices quite yet as we are still working on some things from last year and getting ready to start some new things next week. So look for that homeschooling post in the near future, well probably some time in October if I'm being honest!
One of the subjects we will be studying this coming year is the 50 States. I was so excited to see National Geographic Kids Books had two new titles that will go perfectly with our studies. NatGeoKids books are always beautiful both in design and content. I've loved using them as solid spines as well as supplements in our homeschool.
Friday, August 28, 2020
The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story #bookreview
Guest Post from Amanda U.
The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story is an adorable little tale of Flicker, the smallest candle in the drawer. This cute and whimsical story not only teaches young readers the story of Hanukkah, but also has a meaningful life lesson built in.
As all the candles fight over who should be the first candle to be lit and placed in the menorah, little Flicker doesn’t believe he even deserves a chance, after all, he is “the littlest candle”. Flicker, though small in size, has a really big heart. We learn throughout the story that small doesn’t mean unworthy.
My 5 year old and I loved this story. We quickly fell in love with this sweet, meek, little candle. With every page we turned, my daughter yelled, “No! It should be Flicker!”. It was the perfect introduction to Hanukkah giving just enough information to educate, but not so much that it became overwhelming. This would be a wonderful addition to any holiday library collection.
This post contains affiliate links
| ||
The Littlest Candle: A Hanukkah Story by
Rabbis Kerry Olitzky and Jesse Olitzky and illustrated by Jen Kostman
(9/1/2020; ISBN: 978-0-9988527-5-1; Hardcover $17.99; Ages 4-11; 32
pages). A new perspective on an ancient tradition, this picture book
introduces kids to Little Flicker, the smallest Hanukkah candle. As all the candles vie to be the first lit, the wisest of them, Waxy, tells the history of Hanukkah and the significance of each candle in the menorah. However, Little Flicker cares more about supporting his friends than being the first chosen. Because of this selflessness and compassion, Waxy gives Little Flicker the important task and honor of being his helper – the Shamash -- which lights all the other candles and takes the highest and central place on the menorah.
This uplifting tale is a perfect Hanukkah gift for families to treasure year after year, showing young readers – in the true spirit of the season -- that no matter how small they are, with the right attitude and a kind heart, they can make a big difference. | ||
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Homeschooling Blog Hop - Day 4 - How Do I Teach?
I get asked - How do I homeschool my kids - ALL the time.I think the answer is a little tricky. In some states I know you need a degree or an umbrella school. Let's not go into all of that - that is more about homeschooling law which you can find the info on HSLDA's website. I'm going to go into the actual logistics of teaching at home.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Homeschooling Blog Hop DAY 3 - How To Find The Right Curriculum
The truth there is no magic formula in finding the right curriculum. In fact you might think you have it all figured out and it might end up not being a great fit. I know that is not the advice you were looking for when you stumbled on this blog post but it has happened to even us seasoned homeschooling mommas.
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Homeschool Blog Hop Day 2 - Must Have Resources/Supplies
This will be our 9th year homeschooling. I do think there are some amazing things to use during homeschooling but I think there are some substantial things that are required that you can not buy as well. I think as new homeschoolers and even sometimes us seasoned homeschoolers we get caught up in the stuff. Like a classroom or the perfect curriculum. I'm hear to tell you that most of the success comes with the proper heart!
Friday, August 7, 2020
Homeschooling Blog Hop Coming - Next Week!
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
Loot Crate Wizarding World September Box Theme - the Room of Requirement!!!
Are you a Potter-head? I remember standing in line for Half-Blood Prince at the bookstore. It was a huge event. I stayed up ALL night to read that book and Deathly Hollows!! I'm so excited to share the information of Loot Crate's Wizarding World September Box Theme!! It is the Room of Requirement! It is almost like the ROOM knew what we needed!!
“If you have to ask, you’ll never know. If you know, you need only ask.”
― JK Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Friday, July 3, 2020
TROLLS WORLD TOUR!!! Available on DVD July 7!!! #TrollsWorldTour
Trolls are back! We absolutely loved the first movie! And this family of boys from preschool to teens enjoyed the second one. It was packed with more amazing music and some great new characters! Lots of giggles happened while watching! I really liked all the talented stars in the movie - Ozzy Osborne and Kelly Clarkson are two of my favorites. My kids LOVE Queen Barb and watching her rock out to Crazy Train!
The best part of this movie is the timely theme. Th message is that we can all love different things (different taste in music) but still stand united. I won't get political here but it had me thinking a little about division and how most of the time we are all working towards the same bigger picture. Don't worry is politics are not your thing this movie is not about that at all.
Queen Poppy (Anna Kendrick), Branch (Justin Timberlake), and the rest of your favorite Trolls are back for another musical adventure that’s bigger—and louder—than ever before! In TROLLS WORLD TOUR, Poppy and Branch discover that their kingdom is only one of six musical realms—Funk, Country, Techno, Classical, Pop, and Rock—that were once united in perfect harmony. When the power-hungry ruler of the Rocker Trolls threatens to silence all other music so her tribe can reign supreme, Poppy and Branch must embark on an epic quest to unite the realms of Trollskind, before the songs in their hearts are lost forever! The film is currently available for early viewing on a wide variety of popular on-demand services as a premium rental offering.
BONUS FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd, BLU-RAYTM, DVD and digital:
- DANCE PARTY MODE – As Queen Poppy makes her way across the lands, this on-screen experience encourages the viewer to sing and dance along as they customize their own musical journey. With sing-along and dance elements, interactive pop ups and more, it’s sure to be a world of fun!
- TINY DIAMOND GOES BACK TO SCHOOL – In this exclusive original short film, journey back to school with Tiny Diamond as he tries to figure out how to be the cool kid and ‘fit in’.
- TROLLS DANCE ACADEMY – Compilation of How-To-Dance pieces from Dance Party Mode
- Pop
- Waltz
- Country
- Funk
- KPop
- Reggaeton
- TROLLS WORLD TOURIST MAP – Cloud Guy provides a quick "tourist guide's" view of the six realms that make up Trolls Kingdom.
- Trolls Village
- Symphonyville
- Lonesome Flats
- Vibe City
- Volcano Rock City
- Techno Reef
- DELETED SCENES WITH INTROS BY DIRECTOR WALT DOHRN, PRODUCER GINA SHAY AND CO-DIRECTOR DAVID P. SMITH*
- Cooper's Destiny
- Let's Go Save the World
- Bicycle Built for Two
- Breaktime
- Meet the Bounty Hunters
- Making New Friends
- Cloud 9
- TROLLS PERFECT HARMONY – Hear from the star-studded cast of Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Anderson .Paak, George Clinton, Kunal Nayyar, James Corden and the filmmakers about the history of music featured in the film. From classical to country to rock, pop and techno, the cast and filmmakers reveal their favorite types of music.
- TROLLS WORLD TOUR BACKSTAGE* – A behind-the-scenes
making of featurette showcases Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Rachel
Bloom, Ron Funches, George Clinton, Mary J. Blige, Sam Rockwell and
Kenan Thompson as some of the talent behind the Trolls and the process
of bringing the them to life.
- Opening Act
- Headliners
- Encore!
- FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR WALT DOHRN, PRODUCER GINA SHAY AND CO-DIRECTOR DAVID P. SMITH
TROLLS WORLD TOUR will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-rayTM, DVD and Digital.
- 4K Ultra HD is the ultimate movie watching
experience. 4K Ultra HD features the combination of 4K resolution for
four times sharper picture than HD, the color brilliance of High Dynamic
Range (HDR) with immersive audio delivering a multidimensional sound
experience.
- TROLLS WORLD TOUR 4K Ultra HD is available with HDR10+™, providing a premium HDR picture quality. HDR10+ transforms your movie watching experience with incredible brightness and contrast for each scene, delivering brighter brights and deepest darks.
- Blu-rayTM unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
- Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.
- MOVIES ANYWHERE is the digital app that simplifies
and enhances the digital movie collection and viewing experience by
allowing consumers to access their favorite digital movies in one place
when purchased or redeemed through participating digital retailers.
Consumers can also redeem digital copy codes found in eligible Blu-rayTM
and DVD disc packages from participating studios and stream or download
them through Movies Anywhere. MOVIES ANYWHERE is only available in the
United States. For more information, visit https://moviesanywhere.
com.
CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Website: https://uni.pictures/
Trailer: https://uni.pictures/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Trolls
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Hashtag: #TrollsWorldTour
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Monday, June 29, 2020
Summer Reading Spotlight: The Berenstain Bears!
Who better to tell a story with great characters and a moral lesson than The Berenstain Bears! I have to say I love this family and have enjoyed reading them for years between my childhood and being a Momma for the last 20 years. Zonderkidz titles have the added faith-based content that makes them some of my absolute favorite titles.
About:
Friday, June 26, 2020
7 Sisters Homeschool FLASH SALE!!!
One of my favorite curriculum is having a 72 hour flash sale! 50% off sitewide!! 7 Sisters Homeschool has great writing curriculum! We used them for their research guide you can see that review HERE.
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Thinking About Homeschooling?
Homeschooling can be a wonderful alternative to traditional school. There is great flexibility with schedules and learning styles. We are finishing up our 8th year of homeschooling. I have one son graduated and one just about to. They didn't start out as homeschoolers they started out in private Christian school but God led us to bring them home and it has been an wonderful family experience. Our younger two have always homeschooled. Next school year we will have a 4th grader and preschooler.
Many times I get asked how do I have the patience. To be honest because we've always done this lifestyle with the younger two it is much easier. They didn't know anything other than school at home. I set the expectations and they know what is required. My older two sometimes gave me bad attitudes or didn't complete assignments on time. Ultimately for them they had to come to realize homeschooling is a family partnership. Once they had that mindset it was smooth sailing.
So where do you start? First know that homeschooling is legal in all 50 states. Each state has their own laws and requirements. I have found the HSLDA to be a great asset in finding out what my state required. I also recommend getting in touch with local friends who homeschool and local groups. Most homeschooling Moms are happy to help you learn the ins and outs of your state and even help with curriculum.
As the world stays in chaos I think most people are considering homeschooling this fall. Mask, social distancing and longer commutes don't really jive with younger students. I can tell you that the type of schooling that happened under quarantine was not what I was doing with my kids. We had our normal schedule which is free time in the morning, lunch, nature walk then school at the dining room table. We had books and no online classes. It was a little different as we had to skip our normal park time, play-dates, homeschool get together, sports and even our nursing home visits. I am hopeful those will come back in the fall as we really missed having that time with our friends. (SEE homeschoolers do socialize! )
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Monday, January 13, 2020
Priceless Blog Tour & Giveaway!
When I first learned about this devotional I was intrigued. I've been wanting to study out Proverbs 31 in a more deeper study so this came at a perfect time. The devotional is broken up into six sections. Each day within the section has a reading based on the verse, a page with questions that apply that reading, a prayer/journal page and then a recipe page. This book focuses on hospitality along with being a virtuous woman. I actually quite like the questions and the journal pages. The recipes were easy to do which is also another plus.
I feel a little mixed about this book in general. I did not care for the introduction. There were two instances I looked things up and wasn't quite sure where the information came from. (The first being the definition of Proverbs given as "to be like" - can anyone point me in the direction to that definition?) (the second was who King Lemuel is, personally I think that is open for interpretation but it is implied in this book it is King Solomon.) Now, when I dug deeper I really liked what each devotional was saying and how they were laid out. I like it enough to continue to do the book but I will cross reference and study along with what is being said.
The concept of this book is awesome. It is one of the best books to study (Proverbs) and the best chapter (31) for wives and mothers to take time to learn about. I love the workbook style as that has been really what I've been leaning to lately in my bible study time. I think this book is a neat study and I'm looking forward to working through it. The theme of motherhood, Proverbs 31 and hospitality is perfect for where I am in life. My mom was the Proverbs 31 women. She passed away in 2018 and her hospitality is something I greatly miss. She taught me so much about that and I feel like God has given me that gift as well. It makes me fondly think of her when I'm reading this devotional.
About the Book
Book: Priceless
Author: Vickie Burns
Genre: Devotional/Cookbook
Release Date: November, 2019
Priceless: A Devotional Cookbook Based on Proverbs 31 is a Bible study and cookbook combined. The author, Vickie Burns, takes the reader verse by verse through Proverbs 31, showing them how precious and loved they are. At the end of each day’s study, meal suggestions and recipes are provided to fill their homes with tantalizing aromas and great food. Even young children can help with meal preparation so they learn that dinner doesn’t just magically appear on the table.
For women who’ve read Proverbs 31 and felt inadequate, like they could not possibly live up to God’s description of the perfect woman, Priceless reveals that they have more in common with her than they ever imagined.
“Today’s busy mom rarely finds time to steal a few moments of peace and quiet to spend with the Lord each day,” Vickie says. “On top of that, she most likely does not take the time to flip through endless sections of cookbooks to plan a unique evening meal. Priceless encourages women to view their tasks as God’s call to an abundant life, empowers them by providing a daily word from Proverbs 31, and eases their minds by providing a full menu for the evening meal each day.”
Click here to get your copy.
About the Author
Vickie Burns is passionate about showing women how to love and live the abundant life that Jesus Christ offers. Through Bible study, public speaking, and writing inspirational cookbooks, Vickie inspires women to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength; to see and love themselves as Christ does—PRICELESS; and to love others through genuine hospitality. She lives in Texas with the love of her life, Todd Burns, and they have two daughters.
More from Vickie
This book, Priceless, is not my story but it was birthed from it. I was raised in a single-parent Christian home after my parents divorced. I watched my mom handle everything: cooking, cleaning, bills, homework, a full-time job, etc. I had no idea until I became a wife and mother all that she must have been through while raising three children on her own. I do know that she had a strong relationship with the Lord and that she had friends and family support. Today, I look back at my childhood with renewed respect for my mom. My husband, Todd and I did our best to raise our two girls to honor the Lord while we went to school for our master’s degrees and tried to keep our household running smoothly. I had the help of a husband and was still overwhelmed while working as a teacher, trainer, coach and administrator in public education. On top of that I was still a wife, mother, friend, sister, chef, chauffer, nurse and more. Over the years, as I have gotten to know other women, I realize that I am not alone. We all long for ways to balance work and family, cooking and cleaning, physical busyness and spiritual warfare. As my heart broke for the busy women in my life (to whom I totally relate) I longed to try and make life a little easier for all of us. I began to study God’s Word for answers. As I studied, I learned that God created us for relationship with Himself and with others. I learned that sharing our burdens with one another is His design. I found out that love should drive every word and action as we relate to others. I discovered that the crazy life that we are trying to balance is actually our ministry to our families and communities. I also realized that hospitality isn’t just something that was dreamed up by Martha Stewart. God ordained hospitality from the beginning when He created Adam and Eve in His image and placed them in the garden of Eden. God touches the heart of mankind with a piece of His own. There are examples of this throughout scripture. The biggest deposit of God’s heart within us is the gift of His Spirit. This gift is what makes genuine hospitality possible today. When we touch another person’s heart with a piece of our own, we are showing hospitality, sharing the love of Christ, and making connections that impact our world. This revelation was the birth of my ministry. I call it The Heart of Hospitality. Through my writing and speaking engagements, I share with women how to see the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives as a calling from God. Beyond that, I help women understand that viewing their lives in this way is what Jesus meant when He said He came to give us “abundant life”. My prayer for you, as you read this book is:- that you will be touched with a piece of God’s heart.
- that hospitality will come to mean something new to you.
- that each devotion in this book exposes your pricelessness in Christ.
- that you will know beyond the shadow of any doubt that you are rare, unique and have significant meaning to your Creator.
Blog Stops
Giveaway
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Blog Tour: The Dating Charade
I recently read The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson. This was a really adorable book that had all the feels. I loved the way the story was predictable but in that cute hallmark movie kind of way. You found yourself hoping the characters would get their stuff figured out and get themselves together. This story was unique in the sense that the two main love interests had sort of double lives going on. They had the craziness of their new relationship plus all the actual real life craziness that they were trying to keep together while not bogging down that new relationship. I dug it! It is the perfect feel good book with a happy ending for all!
About the Book
Author: Melissa Ferguson
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Fiction, Romantic Comedy
Release Date: December 3, 2019
Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.
But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.
No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?
Melissa Ferguson’s hilarious and warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Melissa Ferguson lives in Bristol, Tennessee, where she is an adjunct professor at King University and pens books that make her laugh and grow. She used to have hobbies like running and backpacking the Appalachian Trail outside her door. Now she and her husband are outnumbered, and her hobbies include diaper changes, chasing toddlers in parking lots, and admiring the Appalachian Trail out her minivan window while singing “Winnie the Pooh.” She survives by Jesus, rom coms, and roughly two espresso shots a day. The Dating Charade is her first novel.
Read an Excerpt
Read an excerpt of The Dating Charade here.Blog Stops
ARupLife.com received product, press or compensation to facilitate this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that by clicking on an affiliate link I may receive a small amount of money. We only give our honest opinions of products. This post is in accordance with the FTC 10 CFR, Part 255 concerning the use, endorsements or testimonials in advertising. Lisa Rupertus/ A Rup LIfe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.