Groove Silicone Apple Watchbands Have Arrived!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Groove for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

We love hanging out outdoors, especially during the warmer months.  You can find us in the pool, at the beach or on the boat all summer long, and in case you didn't know, summer in south Texas lasts about 11.5 months a year :)  Groove Silicone Rings makes it easy to wear our wedding bands no matter what we're doing.  No more taking it off when we go out to play and no more worrying about losing them or getting them dirty either!  Add to that, Groove's new line of watch bands for the Apple Watch and we are happy campers!  Check out a couple of our favorites from the new watchband line:

WATCH BAND DIMENSION CHEVRON BLACK

WATCH BAND DIMENSION TOPO BLACK

Turns out, Groove watchbands are just as comfy and fun to wear as their rings!  They use a high quality, breathable design for maximum comfort and performance.  Say goodbye to sweaty wrists! The medical grade silicone keeps your watch band flexible and comfortable while maintaining a high level of durability. 

For now, Groove Watch Bands are offered in the following options for Apple Watches:

Series 1, 2, 3 | Sizes 38mm and 42mm, short and long band options.

Series 4 | Sizes 40mm and 44mm, short and long band options.

8 premium designs, 5 fresh colors and 4 unique 3D textures to choose from.

They are working on creating other compatible watchbands for Fitbit, Samsung and Garmin watches, so keep an eye out!

Now it's time to check out some of our favorite rings from Groove that we will be rocking this fall!  I love that Groove makes it affordable to change up your ring choice...no more sticking to one boring ring all year.  They have so many gorgeous colors and patterns, you can wear a different ring every day!

Here are a few of our favorite women's rings from Groove:

EDGE THIN LAGUNA

 THIN ASPIRE SOAR TEAL

THIN ASPIRE AURORA

Groove rings look great with pretty much everything and are crazy comfortable.  I pretty much forgot I was even wearing a ring after putting it on.  Honestly, the most comfortable pieces of jewelry I've ever owned.  These rings are super lightweight and stay put. We are in the water a lot and I have never had issues with my Groove rings slipping or snagging.  These rings are all very feminine and flattering.  They offer a fun way to show off your style no matter what activity you happen to be doing on any given day.

Here are B's favorite rings from the Men's lines:

 ORIGINAL DIMENSION KRYPTEK MIDNIGHT BLACK/ORANGE

 ORIGINAL CAMO MOSSY OAK ELEMENTS AGUA BLACKTIP

Groove's Original rings come in a variety of color combos with tons of customizable options.  They have tons of other fun ring lines as well!  The breathable grooves along the inside ring keeps your finger dry and comfortable day and night.  Groove rings are super flexible and crazy tough.  In fact, they have a "no BS Warranty" if you happen to break it, tear it or lose it.  We had to use it with B's first Groove ring and it couldn't have been easier!  The new ring arrived within just of few days, easy peasy!

Groove silicone rings and watchbands are perfect for athletes, hunters, professionals, and outdoor enthusiast alike. 

Keep your fingers and wrists cool, dry, safe and stylish with a super awesome Groove silicone ring or Apple Watch Band!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Awesome Books for Young Readers from National Geographic Kids + #Giveaway

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to National Geographic Kids for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Today we have an adorably huggable review and giveaway for y'all from National Geographic Kids!  Check it out:

So Cool! Sharks 

Sharks are among the world's top predators, but that's just ONE reason why they are SO COOL. So who wouldn't want to hang out with them to learn more! These books blend awesome animal photos with silly quips and info that will delight young readers and animal enthusiasts. For example, kids can catch the hunting habits of a great white shark while learning that its true nature is as chill as a frozen fish stick. This is the perfect little reader to get their brain buzzing and keep them laughing during downtime, bedtime, or anytime.

So Cute! Pandas 

 Get ready for cute overload, panda style. And the funny thing is, this panda isn't just cute. It's got attitude! You'll flip over the adorable photos and be equally charmed by what this sassy little panda is thinking on every page. Introducing the brand-new series from National Geographic Kids that combines two wonderful things: super cute photos of all your favorite fluffy animals and silly text that will have the whole family laughing. Add to that some great nonfiction content that gets kids learning, and, what can we say? This series is just so cute!

These books are great for reading aloud to younger kiddos or for young readers to practice with the adult reading the smaller print words and the child reading the larger print words.  My kiddos are 10 and 13 and even they loved reading these books and learned a thing or two!  The books are full of facts and gorgeous pictures like other fabulous National Geographic books.  There is also a steady stream of jokes and puns to keep everyone laughing.  Short and sweet, these books are a great introduction to sharks and pandas and the plush are adorably cute reading buddies! 

Explore National Geographic Kids

Find National Geographic on Social Media:

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Enter to win this adorably huggable prize pack from National Geographic Kids:

Sustainable Crafting with Darn Good Yarn!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Darn Good Yarn for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

We recently got the chance to get crafty with a few products from Darn Good Yarn!

Check out some of our favorite Darn Good Yarn products and our crafty adventures:

Sari Silk Ribbon

This 100% Silk Sari Ribbon Yarn is handmade from vintage silk saris. Whether you knit, crochet, weave, or make jewelry, this recycled yarn will be a beautiful foundation for any project. Each skein is hand dyed.  We love the beautiful colors!

A decided to use this yarn to make a belt.  She braided it and it turned out super cute! Very boho chic!

Sari Silk Fat Quarters

The perfect fat quarters for your next quilting or patchwork project. These quilting squares are handmade from reclaimed sari silk, by the artisans in Darn Good Yarn co-ops in India. There are 12 per bundle and several color options available.  The dimensions of the pieces is 18" x 22"

A fashioned these into beautiful light-filtering curtains.  She loves this new, colorful addition to her room!

Handmade Istanbul Sparkle Sample Card

If you need a little bit of awesome embellishment, try this sample card of very special Handmade Istanbul Sparkle. The sample card has 5 yards of this exclusive ribbon; it's adorned with braids, beads and other whimsical flourishes. this special ribbon is handmade in India by one of Darn Good Yarn's awesome co-ops that empowers women and gives safe jobs to them while providing you with a beautiful craft accessory.

We aren't sure what we are doing with this yet, but it is gorgeous and perfect for embellishing!  A is thinking maybe making some tie-backs for her new curtains:)

Darn Good Yarn is all about experiencing joy through creating and their awesome products allow crafters of all skill levels to do just that!  So many different craft supplies to spark your creativity!  Who knows what awesome crafting adventures await when you use Darn Good Yarn?!

Explore Darn Good Yarn

Use the code ABCDDIARIESMOM_15 to get 15% off your order!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fall Reading List Pick: Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out our latest Fall Reading List Pick:

LIFE AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES 

by Kristan Higgins

About the book:

Kristan’s trademark as a novelist is her ability to take on the most challenging and painful topics—loss, betrayal, parenting—with humor, grace, and hope. LIFE AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES explores one of life’s hardest won lessons—your worst moment does not have to define your entire life. Unforgiving matriarch Genevieve London is forced to admit she needs the help of her adult granddaughter Emma, who she tossed out at 18 when she became pregnant. Now she will see Emma for the first time in 17 years, and finally meet Emma’s 16-year-old daughter, Riley, who is the key to bringing these estranged women together.

Like the beloved shows This Is Us, Parenthood and Gilmore Girls, LIFE AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES is a multi-generational story that dares to show family relationships in all their complexity.

My thoughts:

If you are a fan of Kristan Higgins' lighthearted romance frolics, be prepared that this book is quite different.  It is still pretty amazing writing, but deals with the more serious subjects of death, suicide, grief and more.  It is beautifully written and relatable.  The characters of this dysfunctional family are super realistic and believable and their journeys are at times tragic and heartbreaking.  The odds of you shedding tears while reading this book are high (or maybe I'm just super emotional and can connect with various parts of the story from personal experience) but don't let that deter you from picking up a copy.  It is totally worth it!

Happy Reading! 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Healthy Indulgence with NORTI Low-Carb Chocolate Bars!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to NORTI Nutrition for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

If you are trying to eat healthier, but aren't willing to give up chocolate, you're in luck!  NORTI Nutrition has a line of low carb chocolate treats that allow you to indulge without sabotaging your health goals! 

NORTI treats are chocolates that are packed with health benefits like pre and probiotics, hemp protein, no added sugar or gluten. Check out the goodies we got to try out:

NORTI Performance Bar

This bar has it all. Packed with over 9gs of premium hemp protein, digestive enzymes to supercharge your digestion, pre and probiotics to boost your gut-health and no nasties like gluten, added sugar or dairy to weigh you down.

This protein-packed chocolate bar is a decadent dark chocolate treat.  Our favorite way to use them is to chop them up for a protein-infused healthier version of chocolate chunk cookies!  

 NORTI Low Carb Bar

It’s Keto friendly, low carb and delicious. With pre and probiotics to keep things running smoothly you’ll be glad you discovered NORTI’s Low Carb Bar. Like other NORTI goodies, it’s got no added gluten, dairy or sugar making it vegan friendly and perfect for everybody.

These are smaller than the performance bars and the perfect substitute for unhealthy chocolate bars!  The smooth dark chocolate is unbelievably indulgent and just a piece or two is enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. MMMMMM, chocolate!

We were pretty impressed with NORTI.  If you are following a low-carb diet, you know good quality snacks that taste like their unhealthier counterparts are hard to find.  NORTI chocolate tastes like good, super dark or bittersweet chocolate and it's a real treat!  Since it improves gut function, feeling good has never been easier.  It isn't crazy sweet, but has just the right amount of Birch Bark Xylitol and Monk Fruit to let your brain know you are indulging your sweet tooth a bit.  Bring on delicious, healthy chocolate treats with NORTI!

Explore Norti Nutrition

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

One Last Bit of Summer Fun with Radz!

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to Radz for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Get your sweet tooth on with Radz candy surprise packs before the summer ends!  So fun! 

 Smooshy Mushy 4in1 Deluxe

It’s a spectacular day for Smooshy Mushy Fanz! Nothing will sweeten up your day like the Smooshy Mushy 4in1 Deluxe! with four special surprises inside and even more fun to collect! What’s more exciting than our Smooshy Mushy 4in1 Deluxe!

Inside your surprise pack, you'll find a bracelet, a squishy charm, candy and a poster!

Secret Life of Pets Twistz 

Portable and perfect to store in your backpack for whenever that sweet tooth hits … or whenever you’re missing your fave Secret Life of Pets characters ;)

  In each surprise pack you will find a Twistz character dispenser, candy and a poster!

 Secret Life of Pets Foamz 

Squish em, Squeeze em, love em and pop em in your locker for a mid-day snack! 

In each surprise pack you will find a squishy character dispenser, candy and a poster!

Paw Patrol Tinz

Here to rescue you from your cravingz- Paw Patrol Mini Tinz! There’s tons of sweet surprises inside and with four to collect it’s never a dull moment with Paw Patrol Mini Tinz! Inside each tin you will find 3 magnets, 2 sticker sheets, candy and a poster.  The tin doubles as a cute little bank!

The kiddos always love Radz and their awesome surprise packs!  What a fun treat to wrap up summer and start the new school year off right!  All of these fun goodies are available at Walmart so check them out!

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Fall Reading List: The Sea of Japan by Keita Nagano

*DISCLOSURE* Thank you to PR by the Book for providing product samples in order to facilitate this post.  All thoughts are strictly my own. 

Check out what I'm reading this fall!

The Sea of Japan 

by Keita Nagano

ABOUT THE BOOK:

After fleeing a disastrous teaching job (and a bad gambling habit) in Boston, Lindsey starts teaching English in Hime, a small fishing town in Japan. One morning, while trying to snap the perfect ocean sunrise photo for her mother, she slips off a rock at the edge of Toyama Bay, hits her head, and plunges into the sea—and in doing so, sets off an unexpected chain of events.

When Lindsey comes to in the hospital, she learns that she owes her life to a young man named Ichiro—a local fisherman who also happens to be the older brother of one of her students. She begins to spend time with her lifesaver, and in the ensuing months, she becomes increasingly enmeshed in her new life: when she is not busy teaching, she splits her time between an apprenticeship with the local master sushi chef and going out fishing with Ichiro. As she and Ichiro grow closer, however, she also learns that not all is well in Hime, and she is drawn into a war to stop the town next door from overfishing their shared bay. Soon, she, Ichiro, and her pastrami-obsessed best friend, Judy—the New Yorker, who talked Lindsey into coming to Japan in the first place—are spending all their free time working together to rescue the town. But when their efforts backfire, Hime gets closer to falling apart—putting Lindsey’s friends, her budding relationship with Ichiro, and her career in jeopardy. To save Hime, Lindsey realizes, she’ll have to become a true American fisherwoman and fight for her new home with everything she has.

This book provides an inside look at the competitive fishing industry in Japan and the intricate bonds of the human experience.  It is beautifully written and the perfect book for your fall reading list!  I actually learned a lot about Japan and the fishing industry as a whole that I didn't know.  This book shows how adversity can bring out the best in people, no matter where they are from.  Check it out! 

Find out more about Keita Nagano

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Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.