Organize Your Homeschool With The Well Planned Day ~ Review

Lesson plans are a huge part of my life, and the reason I am Coupons and Lesson Plans! I am sort of a planning freak! Still I have been trying to juggle keeping our lessons organized and my home running smoothly. Really it comes down to the simple fact that life in a homeschooling family isn't just lessons; we have field trips, groups/ meetings, lessons outside the home, sports, and much more going on too. The standard lesson plan format, that educators use in private or public school settings, just doesn't work for us. Looking for a better way to organize our homeschool and our family life was my goal this year, and this Back To School season, I have found the planner that will do just that! 

10 Decadent Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

I am so excited about the approach of fall! Crisp air, colorful leaves and best of all... pumpkin flavored everything! No wonder it is my absolute favorite season. I can't wait to start baking some amazing pumpkin goodies for my family who, thankfully, all love pumpkin as much as I do. Found 10 Decadent Pumpkin Dessert Recipes that I can't wait to try, and I bet you are going to love a few of these too!

1- Pumpkin Pie Scones 
2- Spiced Pumpkin Cake Truffles 
3- Creamy Pumpkin Ice Cream 
4- Pumpkin Apple Chimchangas 
5- Pumpkin Cream Pie Trifle  
6- White Chocolate Pumpkin Cups 
7- Easy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars 
8- Crock Pot Pumpkin Cake 
9- Pumpkin Ale Cupcakes

10- Pumpkin Pie Latte Mousse 

~Which of these mouth watering pumpkin dessert recipes do you anticipate trying first? I am leaning towards the Easy Cheesecake Bars as a special treat for my husband, or maybe the White Chocolate Pumpkin Cups. It's hard to decide.... they all sound delicious right?!!! 

Warrior Huntress Costume Review ~ Halloween 2015

This year was the very first time my daughter had trouble deciding what to be for Halloween. She has always enjoyed dressing up, but now that she is nearly a teen her style is changing from that of a little girl. As a Mom, I was worried about finding something that both of us would agree on since she is already an inch taller than I am but still only twelve. When we started looking at costumes in adult sizes the selections were not what I would consider age appropriate for my tween. My daughter had quite a few stipulations on what she was looking for too, and to be honest I didn't know if there was a costume out there that would be what she was hoping to find.

After just a few minutes of searching online we found the Warrior Huntress costume at Costume SuperCenter, and it is perfect! The Warrior Huntress costume includes the dress with attached cuffs. and a belt with a satchel.  The main part of the dress is 100% polyester, and trimming and emblem on the bodice have a faux leather look and feel. This sleek costume is the right style for our girl since she is not into anything low cut. The dress goes all the way up to her neck line. With the long sleeves she will stay warm in the chilly October air we usually have here in the Midwest on Halloween. Note- To complete her look we added the black leggings and boots that we already had. Both of these were not included with the costume.

Personally I really love the look of the Warrior Huntress costume since it reminds me of one of my favorite movies, but my daughter has no idea how closely it resembles the main character's look since she hasn't ever seen them. Our daughter is super excited for Halloween 2015, so she can sport her new costume. This Mommy right here is so happy my girl loves the look, and that we found an excellent choice that is modest for girl her age. When a tween and their Mom actually agree on a clothing choice even if it is a costume... it's worth a happy dance right?! =)

If you are on the hunt for a unique or classic costume this Halloween make sure to check out all the fun costume New Arrivals! 

I would love to hear what your kids will be dressing up as this Halloween! Make sure to leave me a comment below. 

Then Vs Now Safety ~ Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

All of us parents take the safety of our children very seriously. A few months ago, I had a conversation with my Mom about safe sleeping for babies. She told me that when I was born the doctors TOLD her to lay me on my stomach to sleep at the hospital, so that is what she did back then. We all know now that "Back Is Best" when putting a little one to sleep, but back then they weren't aware of this. 

9 DIY Fall Decor Projects

I love to decorate for fall! This year instead of spending hours in the stores looking for just the right decorations, I am going to DIY a few projects to give my house a fantastic fall look! I found 9 DIY Fall Decor Projects that I can't wait to try and share with you! 

Is There An affordable All-In-One Cloth Diaper? ~ Nicki's Diapers Bamboo All-In-One #ClothDiaper Review

My husband was on the fence when I first brought up the idea of cloth diapering our third baby while pregnant. I won him over with the money we would save, and then started researching what would work for us. While I had a variety of cloth diaper styles to begin with the one type my husband really preferred to use were all-in-ones. Those can be pricey, and I hadn't added many to our stash. I am so excited to share with you an All-In-One cloth diaper that is not only affordable, but available in so many adorable prints too!
I received the product below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

 Nicki's Diapers ~ Bamboo AIO One Size
Woven Night Print

Nicki's Diapers caught my eye recently, and after just a few minutes on their website, I was smacking my head that I hadn't noticed their brand sooner. These diapers are not rebranded and are made exclusively for Nicki's Diapers. They offer a Bamboo All-In-One cloth diaper in both one size and newborn. This AIO fits most little ones from 8-35+ lbs. {They also carry pockets, covers, prefolds and other accessories each at a great price for a family's budget.} 

Captive In Theaters on September 18th #FollowYourPurpose

*I received product in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. sponsored post.

She was a struggling addict trying to get her life together for her daughter, and he was a desperate man on the run after committing murder. Their lives collide, and suddenly they were looking for what gives their life a purpose. Captive, formerly published as Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith, is a book giving us the untold story of the 2005 Atlanta hostage hero from her point of view, and Captive, a motion picture based on this book, will be in theaters on September 18th! 

Honestly, I only have vague memories of this hostage event from 2005, so I dove into the book, Captive with an open mind. I was not able to put it down, and read nearly the entire book in one night. Her life before this experience was tragic and really sad to say the least. She spirals down a dark and selfish path caught up in addiction after the death of her young husband. Then she seems to wake up with a need to survive at all costs for her daughter during this hostage experience. While reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren both her and her captor really begin trying to look for their life's purpose. Now that I have finished reading Captive, I am so excited that they are releasing the movie based on this story soon, and cannot wait to see Captive in theaters this September. (Can we say date night?!) 

The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden Review

Most all of us know the story of the Garden of Eden from the Bible, and have heard about the great flood, plagues of Egypt, and the miracle birth of Jesus. Still trying to understand, especially for children, the overall message of these stories, and God's plan is lost in the details. I received a book geared towards children, The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden, that shows how everything is linked and really does explain the biggest story.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

The Biggest Story written by Kevin DeYoung- a best-selling author, senior pastor, and father of six -takes the stories of the Bible, and turns them into a fun journey connecting the dots from the garden of Eden all the way through the death of Christ then to the new heaven and new earth. Below is a few sentences pulled from the first chapter.

Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad Giveaway #Ready2POP

Welcome to the Ready to POP!

 [a Labor Day inspired Giveaway Hop] 

Hosted by Viva Veltoro and Lindsey Blogs!

This year Coupons and Lesson Plans has joined with a great group of bloggers to celebrate Labor Day in a totally fun way – by offering fabulous giveaways for Mamas and Babies who have done some of the hardest labor out there! Each blogger in this Hop has a fabulous Mama or Baby prize for you to enter to win – so be sure to hop around to them all after you’ve entered to win the amazing Grand Prize worth over $690! This Ready to POP! giveaway is sponsored by Ah Goo Baby! You can enter for your chance to Win a Plush Pad! (ARV $35)

I will receive product in exchange for promoting this giveaway. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

The Vampire Diaries and The Originals New Seasons Released This September

*I received product in exchange for promoting. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

A few years ago, my sister told me about a show that she thought I would like The Vampire Diaries. After catching a few episodes I was hooked. Then the spin off show began, and I have been a fan of The Originals since the very first episode! So excited to share with all of you this fun giveaway for either The Vampire Diaries The Complete Sixth Season or The Originals The Complete Second Season!!! (CHOSEN AT RANDOM By Sponsor)

Doozers Pod Squad Now On DVD ~ NCircle Entertainiment

*I received this product in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

How many of you remember Fraggle Rock? Well now the characters from that hit show are back! Created by the Jim Henson Company, Doozers focuses on a team of best friends- Spike Molly Bolt, Daisy Wheel and Flex- who live in Doozer Creek, a fantastical, modern and eco-friendly community.  Dubbed the “Pod Squad,” these four pals embark on some fun adventures that encourage preschoolers to play, design and think outside the box.  {Doozers is now available on DVD for purchase at Target and all other retail outlets beginning in September.}

Doozers- Meet The Pod Squad! DVD

Join the Pod Squad over at their home Doozer Creek where these cute green friends embark on a few fabulous adventures. The Pod Squad: Molly Bolt, Flex, Spike, and Daisy Wheel love to design create and innovate. They are a squad of doers, and put their ideas into action! 

Back Drops For School Pictures and More ~ DropPlace Review

Photographers have been using back drops for years to give their pictures a professional and polished flair. Now bloggers with all different focuses from food to family are beginning to use them more frequently, but what about homeschooling parents and groups? They could really benefit from being able to take their own pictures right at home for the school year too. I recently found a place that not only has a wide variety to choose from, but they are priced so that a family can easily afford them too!

Too Cool For Drool Giveaway Hop Featuring Nicki's Diapers

Baby fever is in the air for my family! My sister, Becky, from The Mommy Island is expecting, and she is giving our family the best gift this fall- a little girl. I can't wait to meet my niece to love, cuddle, and spoil her. To celebrate this fun occasion, I have joined with The Mommy Island, The Kids Did It, and some amazing bloggers to offer you a great selection of giveaways geared towards babies- preschoolers in the Too Cool For Drool Giveaway Hop. Here on Coupons and Lesson Plans you may enter to win a Nicki's Diapers One Size Bamboo All In One Cloth Diaper!

Mom On The Go Prize Pack Giveaway #LearnWithOrkin

*sponsored post. see disclosure.

As our kids are starting back to school us Moms are busier than usual. We are on the go whether it's to a sporting event, dance lesson, or just trying to make it through the morning rush. The days are crammed full of all sorts of busy activities, and this is a great time to offer a giveaway for busy Moms!

Are You Driving One Of The Deadliest Vehicles On The Road?

*sponsored post. I received compensation to share this resource. see disclosure. 

Last year after our son was born, we realized that a new family vehicle was a necessity. There just was not enough room for our seven year old's booster seat, my tween daughter, and the baby's car seat in the back row of my car. We decided a roomier SUV would be a better option for us, so the hunt for a new ride began. After looking over tons of options in our price range which would be the safest choice became a deciding factor. Browsing through auto recalls and dangerous reviews had me ready to give up because I wanted to make the best choice for our children's safety!

What's The Secret To Success In Math? ~ Saxon Math 7/6 Homeschool Complete Kit

Math. This has been a subject that I have struggled to find a curriculum that will fit with my daughter's learning style. I have jumped from one curriculum to another each year. Our girl needs review in her lessons, so she will have time to absorb the information. Most texts we have tried would be testing over a new concept immediately without hardly any review at all from one lesson to the next. This just didn't work for us, and she was feeling defeated and giving up. I looked into a source that had worked for me when I was homeschooled, and guess what? We found just want she needed to succeed in math!

*I received the products below for reviewing purposes, but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. see disclosure.

Awesome Apple Snacks

Apples are a great snack for kids and adults! We always have some in our home since my kids love them. Apples are known to lower cholesterol, and even help strengthen and whiten teeth. They are a filling snack thanks to all of the fiber in an apple. Not to mention they are really tasty! I found some really awesome ways you can turn an apple into an unforgettable snack that any kid, or kid at heart, will adore!

Stay Informed This School Year With MobileArq

*sponsored post. see disclosure. 

The Back to School season is in full swing! You have new teachers, parents, and committees that you will be involved with over this new school year. Staying on top of what's going on in the classroom, and having an open line of communication with your children's teachers is important to all of us. I recently found a new app that enables you to have those directories right in your hand- MobileArq!

Travel The World With Your Kids ~ Little Passports World Edition Review

Teaching your kids geography can be a fun experience! As part of my Back To School Guide this year, I wanted to share with you a really cool monthly subscription kit that takes your kids on a learning adventure around the globe while having fun!

*I received this product for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. see disclosure.

Tea Collection's Back To School Sweepstakes ~ 3 Winners

*This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small compensation. see disclosure. 

What is one thing that all of us parents are doing to prepare for the new school year? Looking for adorable clothes to send our kids back to school in style! Finding budget to outfit our three kids for the fall can sometimes be a struggle, but a $300 gift card would certainly come in handy! Would you like to enter for a chance to win some fashionable clothing for your kids from Tea Collection and much more too? 

Enter to Win Tea Collection's Back to School Sweepstakes with over $700 in Gift Cards and prizes up for grabs!!! Take a look at all the amazing sponsors that are participating in this fun Back To School event and what is included in the prize pack below.