Book, history, Review

Italian Ballerina ~ Book Review

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron gives a rare look into the Nazi occupation of Rome and the fake Syndrome K of WW2 . Based on actual historical events it leaves you wanting to go back in history to reread events you may have missed. She gives the reader a wonderful story of the beauty even in the war from the London ballet stage and the allies storming the beaches of Salerno to the one moment that forever changed a soldier and a little girls life and those that got swept into life changing moments alongside them . The book bridges the beauty in how God can use each of us in a mighty way and create family where there is none.
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As the story unfolds I couldn’t help but think of the holocaust museum in Washington DC and the moment where I stood in the hallway and countless photographs were hung of those who were missing or killed in the war. Families that stepped from this world to eternity . It made me wonder and think about how their pictures ended up there . I’m sure there is a story in all of it and this book reminded me of that . However, they did, I’m so thankful they did so that they could be remembered❤️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

American Girl Doll, homeschooling

Tea in Paris

Grace Thomas Tea Party complete with macarons the girls made and ofcourse our passport to Paris and travel luggage for their dolls filled with strawberry pretzels.. yumm! Tea Party day is my fav❤️

Book, reading, Review

Currently Reading

Here’s what I am currently reading so be watching for reviews.. I already posted the Lady Unrivaled..so good!

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What are you reading? I gather most of my must read books from others recommendation so I would love to hear what you are loving right now. Post in comments❤️

American Girl Doll, california, Disneyland, family adventures, Review

American Girl Doll Store ~Los Angeles ~Review

American girl just released their Disney Doll Collection and it was perfect timing with our trip to Disneyland. We knew we needed to plan a detour here to not only visit the flagship store but also to treat our little to some Disney Magic for her doll . She loved it all!

After checking out the whole store, she was able to narrow down her choices and pick a beautiful new Cinderella dress for her doll to wear for Disneyland ✨It was so much fun! Have you seen these sets? They are so beautiful and come with so many unique accessories. They are $55 each set and considering the quality and the accessories I feel like it’s a great deal . The dolls are $125 each but again such a great value for what you are getting!

Our little has been on her own agenda with wanting to visit all the @americangirlbrand stores when we travel and so Los Angeles ofcourse was on her list! The Los Angeles store is located in Westfield Century City and is absolutely beautiful! .The mall is in the heart of Los Angeles so grab coffee before driving there as traffic is almost always crazy. This past year we also visited the Nashville and Washington DC stores.


There are two floors ..the main floor is where the salon and shopping is . And the salon has ear piercing and hairstyles for both the girl and their doll. There is also pet pampering too!!

Check out our reel ⬇️

The second floor is the cafe where you can have brunch, lunch or our favorite Teatime❤️

Have you visited the American Girl Doll store in Los Angeles? What did you think? We would love to hear your thoughts on it so comment below ⬇️

Disneyland, family adventures, Gathered thoughts

Teacups at Disneyland

“Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
“I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone: “so I ca’n’t take more.”
“You mean you ca’n’t take less,” said the Hatter: “It’s very easy to take more than nothing.”
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One of the best rides…ever!

Family activity, gardening, homemaking, homesteading, library

Just in time for Spring… A Seed Library

Have you ever seen a Seed Library? We were so excited to see this when we popped into a library . What a wonderful treat!!
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We were able to pick several seeds to plant and it helped to minimize our cost in buying seeds.
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Plus it gave the littles an opportunity to pick things that we would not normally buy like a quinoa plant and a few others.
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We are so happy to see this back in some of the libraries this spring! Have you seen one at your local library?

Gathered thoughts, history

Women’s History Month

Check out this Amazing display for Women’s History Month at a library branch📚. The dress is so detailed with women of all backgrounds ❤️As a history lover , I was surprised there were a few names I didn’t recognize . Let the research begin! I’m excited to research them and see how they played a part in history and learn something new.

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Well done to the librarian dressmaker that made history come alive in this beautiful display 👏🏻 We need more displays like this!

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Anyone on the dress you don’t recognize or that you were excited to see?

Check out the our reel below ⬇️

family adventures, Georgia, history, travel

Atlanta Historic Swan Mansion sets stage for Hunger Games movie set

Any Hunger Games fans? Did you know that you could visit the actual mansion President Snow lives in ? The 13,000 sq ft Swan House was built in 1928 and is located in Atlanta Ga in the Buckhead neighborhood and it does not disappoint!
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This beautiful home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also the setting of President Snows house in the Hunger Games Franchise. The Capitol Ball was filmed here as well as scenes of President Snows office which took place in the green room . Oh and guess what! It’s full of history so honestly it’s a win win.

A little history ➡️ The Swan House was designed by architect Phillip Shutze for Edward and Emily Inman. It’s called the Swan House because of Emily’s love of the beautiful birds, and because there is a swan motif that runs throughout the home. Another cool tidbit is it still includes much of the Inman’s original furniture. The house was completed in December of 1928.
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While you’re visiting the Swan House, you can also check out another filming site of the Hunger Games: The Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The interior and elevators served as the tributes’ quarters in the film. The futuristic-looking hotel was designed in 1985 by John Portman.

Book, Review

New Release ⭐️ Teen Author

So excited for this book ! Katelynn has done a terrific job in writing this .. oh and did I mention she is a Teen Author! So proud of her for pursuing her talent and dream❤️
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Head to her website
https://katelynnbalcom.com/
To sign up for all the info on picking up her book.

disney, travel

Beauty & the Beast

“True that he’s no Prince Charming, but there’s something in him that I simply didn’t see.”
~ Belle