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Such a Time As This

Faith, Hope, & Love

11/19/2016

A New Christmas Tradition: Star from Afar {plus coupon & giveaway!!!}

A New Christmas Tradition: Star from Afar

{plus coupon & giveaway!!!}

 

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

 

In the last few years my family has made a shift in how we celebrate Christmas.  We’ve taken the spotlight off of Santa and placed it on Jesus.  It’s not that I have anything against Santa … I mean, I grew up celebrating with the big man sneaking down the chimney.  It’s just, my husband and I have noticed a distinct shift in how our culture has been celebrating and how it has become more and more elaborate.  Several years ago, a few of my children became afraid of the idea of an elf or Santa watching them – I think they were thinking more deeply about it than I ever did as a kid.  So we hid the elves and the Santas back in the attic and decided to take a different approach to Christmas.

product-christmas-decor-websize-3

In addition to doing more for others, finding ways to serve rather than be served, and loving our neighbor we wanted to create some traditions and some memories that pointed to the real reason for the season.  We long for our kids to know the reason we have JOY at Christmas (and throughout the year).  It’s not because we got a bunch of sparkly new toys under the tree (although, that is so much fun!!!) but it’s because of Christ.  So, imagine my excitement when I found out about a brand new “game” that helps us all remember the true meaning of Christmas.

star

This game is called Star from Afar and is comprised of a wooden nativity set, a book, a star and a set of Bible verses.  What I love: The wooden nativity scene is safe for kids to use, play with and enjoy!  Because it is sturdy and made out of wood, there is no risk of breaking anything!  It’s so simple to use:

1.) Read the story

2.) Set up the nativity set (which includes Mary, Joseph, Jesus, a Shepherd and Sheep, and a Stable.

3.) Move the wise men to a far away spot in the house (away from the nativity)

4.) Hide the star!

Each day the kids will look for the star that was hidden and when they find it they will move the wise men over to the star.  Finally on Christmas Eve place the star with the nativity scene and place it on the stable roof.  That way, on Christmas day your kids can find the star from afar.

starfromafar3

One of the suggested ways to use the Scripture (found in the back of the book) is to write it on a piece of paper and hide it with the star.  When the kids find the star, read the verse to them as well.  You can also use the verse as a clue to where the star is hidden.  What I love: The daily Scripture readings are just that – daily.  They are written with a date above them so that you know exactly which one to read each day.  The readings start on December 1 and end on December 25.

starfrom-afar

I also love that Star from Afar is an interactive “game” for the whole family.  This one is sure to teach your kids about Jesus, Christmas, and make lasting memories in the process.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Open to US residents only, 18 and older. No purchase necessary.

Don’t forget to use code FOLLOWTHESTAR for 10% off your purchase (good through 12/25/16) from www.starfromafar.com.

 

To Connect with Star From Afar on Social Media : 
 
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Instagram 

 


This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Family Life, Uncategorized Sasha

11/18/2016

Why you need to try Kindred Bravely

Why you need to try Kindred Bravely

Contains affiliate links. This is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.  
Please see my disclosure policy.

 

As I’ve been preparing for the birth of this new baby, I realized that so many of my nursing things needed to be replaced.  It dawned on me as I thought about my breastfeeding journey that because I’ve nursed so many babies, I actually have been nursing a baby for over 7 years of my life.

 

Between nursing and pregnancy it has been about 12.5 years of wearing stretchy clothes and maternity/nursing bras!  Yikes!  Finding the right clothing and undergarments isn’t always easy.

 

However, in my opinion, it is very very important.  I know all too well the discomfort that a poorly constructed nursing bra can bring.  So, as I was trying to figure out what to get before the new baby arrives, I found a new company called Kindred Bravely.

 

I was so excited when Kindred Bravely sent me a few of their nursing products to try.  I tried The Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress.  This dress is soooo comfortable!  It fit over my gigantic belly because it stretches so easily.  Made out of Modal and Spandex, it is the softest nightgown I own.  I love that it features an easy and modest nursing friendly criss-crossed top.  I plan to pack this one in my hospital bag!

 

kindred bravely

Kindred Bravely also included their Simply Sublime Maternity & Nursing Tank which features a built-in bra and is composed of nylon and spandex.  I tried this on and didn’t want to take it off!  The material is so soft and I love that there is no elastic anywhere.  It doesn’t feel tight or constricting and it offers full support in the bra top.  There is easy nursing access with the clips on each strap!

kindred bravely

This piece will be your best friend during the last few months of pregnancy and through your breastfeeding journey.   I could seriously use this all – the – time.  kindred bravely


I also decided to invest in a few Extra Soft Organic Cotton Wireless Nursing & Maternity Sleep Bras  also by Kindred Bravely.  This has no elastic and just organic cotton and a little spandex.  Even in the band around your ribs — absolutely no elastic.  That is what sold me on this bra!  I can’t stand constricting bra bands, especially when I’m sleeping.  These are just perfect.

I noticed that the other pajamas they offer – they don’t have that annoying elastic around your ribs and no clips to bother with when you are sleeping.  I love this!  I can’t say this enough.  Kindred Bravely is exactly what I’ve been looking for my entire nursing journey.  I only wish I knew about it sooner.

suchatimeasthis-com-18

So, if you are looking for some new nursing fashion or you are getting a gift for someone special in your life, I want to offer you a coupon to use at www.kindredbravely.com.  Just use BRAVE15 when you checkout at  www.kindredbravely.com to save 15% of your next order!

 

P.S. You might want to check out my free printable labor & delivery bag checklist.  Hope you enjoy!

Printable Labor Bag Checklist


Other popular posts:

Make Nursing Easier: 8 Must-Haves {Breastfeeding Supplies}

12 items You Want to Have Post-Partum {What You Need Postpartum}

I Don’t Like to Cook That’s Why I Do Freezer Cooking

Common Labor Induction Methods + What to Ask Your Doctor

My Birth Story  Baby Number 7

 

 

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Uncategorized Sasha

11/14/2016

20 Easy and Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes

Christmas Cookie Recipes to Try

20 Easy and Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes

 

 

When I was a kid, my mom used to make hundreds of Christmas Cookies from scratch and then host a huge open house for the people of our church.  We would have all of the people come over and celebrate one afternoon.  Baking Christmas cookies has been a holiday tradition for my family and so I love to save and collect new Holiday Cookie Recipes so that my kids and I can bake each year.  So, here is a quick list of 20 Christmas Cookie Recipes to try with your family this year!

 

Christmas Cookie Recipes to try with your family:

  1. Christmas M&M Cake Mix Cookies Recipe from cincyshopper.com
  2. Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies from muminthemadhouse.com
  3. Peppermint Drops Christmas Cookies from julieblanner.com
  4. Elf Quote Christmas Cookies from lovelyindeed.com
  5. Santaland Christmas Cookies from chewoutloud.com
  6. Matcha Shortbread Christmas Tree Cookies from kirbiecravings.com
  7. Ginger Crinkle Snowflake Christmas Cookies from simpleasthatblog.com
  8. Gingerbread House Decorating Party from glorioustreats.com
  9. Snowman Face Cookies from glorioustreats.com
  10. Quick & Easy Reindeer Christmas Cookies from myfrugaladventures.com
  11. Merry Christmas Cookies from lovelyindeed.com
  12. Maple Cream Cookies from cinnamonandcoriander.com
  13. Raspberry Filled Sugar Cookie Cups Easy Holiday Treats from busycreatingmemories.com
  14. Decorated Gingerbread Row House Cookies from mydiversekitchen.com
  15. Gingerbread Cookies from pipandebby.com
  16. Red Velvet Cookies from wholesomepatisserie.com
  17. Fluffy Star Cookies from eatwell101.com
  18. Christmas Cookies from fivephotography.org
  19. Healthy Gingerbread Cookies from jaroflemons.com
  20. Easy Royal Icing from foodess.com

Filed Under: Recipes Sasha

11/07/2016

Language Arts for the Busy Homeschool Family

Language Arts for the

Busy Homeschool Family {Review}

 

 

Language Arts {The Critical Thinking Co.™}

It’s no secret that I’ve tried to make our days run smoothly by including curriculum that can be done at least somewhat independently, this year.  At 8 months pregnant and already having 6 kiddos, it is extremely beneficial to use either software or workbooks that my kids can use without me sitting over their shoulder.  That being said, I found the perfect language arts for my fourth grade daughter.  I love the thoroughness of Language Smarts™ Level E from The Critical Thinking Co.™.

 

 

language smarts language arts

Language Smarts™ Level E can be used as a complete curriculum or as a supplement to your other language arts.  In my opinion, it is definitely a complete curriculum.  I should start off by saying that my daughter loves reading and writing. When I compare myself to her, a person who really struggles to immerse yourself in a language, I just wonder where she gets it from.  She has never struggled with either of those subjects.  However, I have noticed that without a formal language arts program she has a few holes in her knowledge of language arts.  While somethings she picks up naturally (like spelling) not all the intricacies of our language come easily without being taught in some form.  That is why I love this language arts workbook by The Critical Thinking Co.™.

language smarts language arts

Just one look at the extensive table of contents and you’ll know that this is a complete language arts curriculum!  Here are just some of the subjects that this curriculum covers:

 

  • Synonyms
  • Antonyms
  • Analogies
  • How to use a dictionary
  • How to use an online dictionary
  • How to use a thesaurus
  • Nouns
  • Plural and Possessive Nouns
  • Verbs
  • Regular & Irregular Verbs
  • Perfect Verb Tense
  • Adjectives
  • Adverbs
  • Compound Subjects
  • Capitalization
  • Punctuation – including commas, quotation marks, colons
  • homophones
  • frequently misused words
  • Story Map
  • Comprehension
  • Inferences
  • Themes
  • Genres of Literature
  • Writing steps
  • Personal Narrative, Opinion Writing and Informative Writing

language smarts language arts

That is just a glimpse of what is included in this language arts workbook!  I love that it doesn’t just cover the parts of speech but goes in depth on reading and writing, as well!  As a mom, this makes my life so much easier.  Although my daughter loves reading and writing (and does a lot of it) this makes me feel better that she is getting some more formal instruction through this program.

language arts

As far as how it is laid out, it seems that each subject is given a short introduction and then a page of practice.  The following pages go a little more in depth on whatever it is they are studying.  For instance, the first page talks about counting syllables and gives ample practice.  They include a word list for the students to practice counting the syllables in those words.

languagearts

The second half of the page includes a section that the students can write their own 2, 3, and 4 syllable words.  The following page delves a little deeper into how to divide a word by syllables if your word follows the double consonant pattern or the VCCV and then later the compound word pattern.  In all, they included 5 pages of practice on syllables which each page focusing on different information.

language arts

The practice pages include fill in the blanks, word searches, creating your own sentences, word scrambles, crossword puzzles, fill in the letters, and story mapping (filling in setting, characters, conflict, beginning, middle and end).  I love that there is so much variety.  All of it is educational and some of it is really fun!  The best part is the pages are never confusing – very straightforward so the student should always know what is expected of them.

language arts

I want to quickly mention some other awesome curriculum choices from The Critical Thinking Co.™.  They even have a few digital courses for pre-schoolers like these two listed here: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Before Kindergarten!™ and  Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic Before Kindergarten!™!

 

Language Arts {The Critical Thinking Co.™}
To connect on Social Media with The Critical Thinking Co.™ please see below:
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To read more reviews about The Critical Thinking Co.™ please click the banner below:

Language Arts {The Critical Thinking Co.™}

 

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Filed Under: Curriculum Reviews, Uncategorized Sasha

11/05/2016

8 Things Ever New Mom Needs to Breastfeed Successfully

breastfeeding supplies

8 Must Have Breastfeeding Supplies

 

Are you new to nursing?  Are you wondering what is really needed to do so?  I was just thinking about how many months I have nursed in my lifetime and realize it is over 7 years!

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to breastfeed my kids, although, with two of mine I ended up formula feeding later on (around 8 or 9 months in).  It is very difficult for me to breastfeed while pregnant … so my fourth child ended up weaning because of that and my 5th weaned earlier than a year because I got sick with the flu.

 

I was so incredibly sick and then later put on so many meds for my terrible breathing that my milk dried up on its own.  So, please know that I’m incredibly grateful for the formula that kept my baby growing when I was unable to make milk.

 

However, with that being said, my intention is always to breastfeed for at least one year and preferably for two.

breastfeeding supplies

This is a list of things I have found to be important.  Can you breastfeed without any of these breastfeeding supplies?  Of course!  I feel that having these things on hand will give you your best possible odds at a successful breastfeeding relationship with your child.

 

Contains affiliate links.  Please see my disclosure policy.

1.) Nursing Bras – In my opinion, nursing bras are essential for healthy breastfeeding.

 

I started out using  Bravado Designs Women’s Original Nursing Bra, Black, Medium so long ago, when I breastfed my oldest child (13 years ago! yikes!)  and it was by far my favorite bra.  They feature easy snaps above each cup for easy nursing access.

 

I recently found and bought these Extra Soft Organic Cotton Wireless Nursing & Maternity Sleep Bra and I love how they are constructed.  These are especially good for sleep – no underwire, no snaps or hooks – just pull the cup down over your breast to feed your baby at night.  If you are new to breastfeeding, you may be wondering why you would need a sleep bra.  In the first months you will need it for support and to hold your nursing pads in for leaking.

2.) Nursing Pads are the next thing on my list.  You will need these for at least a little while.

 

When I was new to breastfeeding, I leaked for months.  Now, after the first month my supply typically settles down.  Finding a good nursing pad is important.  I’ve tried a lot.  They are made to either be disposable or washable.

 

The disposable typically hold more without leaking and they are easy to throw away (especially while running errands or out for the day). My favorite kind I’ve found have been these Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads.  They are individually wrapped so they are easy to throw in the diaperbag or in your purse.

 

The cloth are more breathable and they cut down on adding to the landfill.  You just throw these in the washer with your baby clothes and dry them!  There are a lot of variety out there but these two seems like the most and best reviewed cloth pads out there: Bamboobies Super-soft Washable Nursing Pads and Washable Nature Organic Cotton Nursing Pads.

 

Over the years, I’ve had several brands of cloth pads and I can’t even remember all the different types.  Many weren’t absorbant enough for my supply, but these two seem to be much more absorbant.  I’ve never tried Bamboo nursing pads but they seem to be the new hot thing!  Apparently bamboo is very absorbant and very soft.

 

3.) Comfort Essentials – Hot and Cold packs – it took me until my third baby to realize I needed these things as part of my breastfeeding supplies toolbox.

 

I’ve had a few different brands over the years, and this is my favorite: Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy.  You can throw these in the freezer to place on engorged breasts or heat them up for a few seconds in the microwave to assist in letdown or plugged ducts.

 

These are handy throughout your time breastfeeding but I would say they are essential definitely at the beginning.

 

Also, Lanolin is supposed to be soothing for the nipples especially if they get chapped from regular nursing of a newborn.  I used it with my first baby and a little with my second.  Since then, I haven’t found it necessary but I’m throwing this on the list because I know for some it is a lifesaver. Lansinoh Breastfeeding Salve.

4.) Breast Pump – Some may disagree with me, but I think a good breast pump is one of many breastfeeding supplies that I’m glad I didn’t have to live without.

 

When I came home from the hospital with my first born, I thought I was prepared for breastfeeding but I had no idea how quickly engorgement could set in.  It was our first night home from the hospital when apparently he didn’t eat “well” all night but I had no idea because I was so sleepy and I knew that I had fed him a few times.

 

By morning I woke up 3 cup sizes bigger than what is normal for me.  I was huge and uncomfortable…and worse yet, I couldn’t get baby latched on.  I quickly called my older sister who had breastfed her three children and she told me to get out the pump just enough to soften up the nipple for latch.  That did the trick.

 

For this reason I recommend breast pumps…at the time I had the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump because I was working part-time and was planning on pumping at work for the two-three days on the job.  It is a great pump.

 

However, if you are only planning on pumping on few occasions and need it more for a backup my second choice is Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump.  This will be easy and comfortable to use.  There are no cords or tubing to forget or to sterilize and you can save the milk either in an Avent bottle or in a little freezer bag made for breastmilk.

 

There is one more type of “pump” that I’ve recently heard about.  It is the Zerlar Silicone Breastfeeding Manual Breast Pump.  I’ve never used this but I’m thinking of trying it out this time.  It is a nifty little pump that suctions on to your breast while you are nursing on the other.  Any milk that flows out is collected in the bottom of the pump.

 

During the first month or two months, if you are like me and have an abundant (or overabundant) supply of breastmilk, this seems great because instead of wasting the milk into a nursing pad – you save it for baby to enjoy later!

5.)  So, if you use your pump you will need a few feeding accessories.  

 

I love these Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags to store the breastmilk in the freezer.  They are BPA Free and so easy to use.  You can write the date on them and it is easy to read how many ounces are in each bag.

 

As far as bottles go, I really like Philips Avent Classic Plus Baby Bottle.  The nipple is good for breastfed babies (as to not cause nipple confusion) and they hook up directly to the Philips Avent Manual Comfort Breast Pump that I mentioned above.

 

6.) Nursing Tanks – I put these further down the list because I don’t consider these absolute essentials…however, once I started using them with baby number 3 it was really hard to go back to not using them.

 

Why are these so great?  They make breastfeeding in public easier.  I usually wear the tank under another shirt.  That way, I just lift my top shirt and quickly unsnap the top of my tank (which is just like a nursing bra) and then my mid-drift is completely covered up…no tummy showing and no accidently showing too much skin.

 

I’m a huge fan of Bravado! Designs Women’s Maternity Dream Nursing Tank – these are well made and fit great.

 

I’ve recently gotten a hold of a Simply Sublime Maternity & Nursing Tank with Built-In Bra and I love the fit, the nylon material is silky smooth and it can be work in the third-trimester as well (a huge plus in my book!).

 

I consider these comparable to the Bravado Nursing Tanks.  Another “tank” I recently came across is the  Naked Nursing Tank- Classic Cotton.  This is a tank without the built in nursing bra.  The idea, here, is to wear your favorite nursing bra with this tank so that there is easy access for nursing but without the added problem of finding your correct bra top size with a new tank.  I just got one of these and have yet to try it!

6.) Nursing Cover – I know the trend now is to not cover, but I still do.

 

It isn’t because I’m ashamed of nursing my baby but more out of my own modesty.

 

I think this particular cover seems pretty nice and has multiple uses: Nursing Breastfeeding Cover Scarf – Baby Car Seat Canopy, Shopping Cart, Stroller, Carseat Covers for Girls and Boys.

 

I’m also a huge fan of a simple swaddle blanket to use as a cover up.  These seem like really nice muslin swaddles: Ziggy Baby Muslin Swaddle Blanket Set.

 


7.) A breastfeeding pillow helps so much to position baby correctly for feeding. 

 

I’ve used both Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner  and My Brest Friend Original Nursing Pillow.  I really like the Boppy and I think it is multi-functional (baby can use it for tummy time or to help with sitting up, later on.

 

However, My Breast Friend was super comfortable when breastfeeding my almost 10 pound baby.  I had a lot of trouble with latch and it was recommended by our Lactation Consultant.

8.) Nursing Night clothes – If you love nightgowns then please, do yourself a favor and invest in a nursing nightgown!

 

It will make everything so much easier.  One that has cut outs for breastfeeding access or one that pulls down in front are great.  I recently got this one in the mail and absolutely love it: Kindred Bravely The Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress.

 

It fits both in the third-trimester and after baby is born.  It is soft and stretchy and has a pull-down front for easy nursing.  This particular nightgown does not come with an elastic or built in bra.

 

I prefer the kind without the built in bra, typically, because I like to wear my own sleep bras.  However, I also got a pair of The Genna Maternity & Nursing Pajama Set by Majamas and these seem like a great set of pjs for nursing, as well.

 

 

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Uncategorized Sasha

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Hi There! I'm so glad you're here! I'm Sasha, wife to my best friend and mama to 7 kids. My passion is homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging parents of kids with special needs. We are all on a journey. Find what you were made for with some hope and encouragement on the way. xo Sasha

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