Posts in Lifestyle
Bookmarked Thoughts: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

I’m trying something new: book reviews!

Watching my older daughter fall in love with reading has been such a wake-up call for me. This year, I’m making reading a priority, and I’m being super intentional about the books I choose. With everything going on in the world, I wanted stories that inspire, educate, and maybe even give me a little hope.

First up: The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon. If you haven’t heard of Sharon, let me just say…I’m a total fangirl. Her insights into politics, government, and history are not only eye-opening but also incredibly hopeful. And to be real, back in January, I needed that hope more than ever.

This book is a reminder that even the smallest actions can create big change. It’s exactly the kind of read I needed to kick off my year.

In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon (aka America’s Government Teacher) introduces us to the ordinary people who truly shaped America, individuals who never made it into textbooks but whose stories are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s about the everyday people who pursued justice, freedom, and change in ways both big and small.

Reading The Small and the Mighty feels like sitting down with a wise, witty friend who reminds you that history isn’t just about the famous names we memorized in school, it’s about the everyday heroes who quietly changed the world. Sharon McMahon, with her sharp research and gift for storytelling, introduces us to a cast of unsung champions: teachers, suffragists, formerly enslaved individuals, and dreamers who fought for justice, freedom, and hope. This book isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to action, a reminder that ordinary people (people like you and me) have always been the ones to shape our nation’s future. It’s inspiring, empowering, and, honestly, the kind of read that makes you want to be better. If you’re looking for a book that restores your faith in humanity, this is it.

You can purchase this book here and you can follow Sharon on Instagram here.

I highly recommend both!

Superhero Valentines: Free Printable Cards to Save the Day (and Your Sanity!)

Valentine’s Day is all about spreading love, but let’s be real—when you’re juggling school parties, class lists, and last-minute prep, it can feel more like a mission impossible than a celebration. I’ve definitely set myself up now, beacuse the girls expect that we do a “from scratch” valentine for their classes every year. My burder is your win…introducing our free Superhero Valentine’s Day printable, designed to make your life easier and your kiddo the coolest cupid in class.

These ended up being a huge hit with Evelyn’s class. When I came to pick her up from school that day, we saw several of the kiddos wearing their masks already!
I sized these printables so that the mask will fit perfectly around them and I secured the back of them with a piece of washi tape on the back.
I ordered these masks from Amazon here, and luckily for me, it arrived next day.

This week in Hazel’s class, they are learning about kindness and friendship. We know how much effort goes into making Valentine’s Day special for your kids, and we’re here to help you shine. These printables aren’t just cute; they’re a way to celebrate creativity, friendship, and the joy of giving. And let’s be honest—anything that makes your life a little easier deserves a superhero-sized thank you.

So it just seems fitting that I make this printable available to any one who wants it! Just sign up below (full disclosure, you’ll also be added to my newsletter list but who doesn’t want to get updates on new products and sales?!) and I’ll email you this downloadable printable for your own use! I recommend printing on thick cardstock, there is one per page.

Click here to download your free Superhero Valentine’s Day printables! And don’t forget to grab these adorable superhero masks from Amazon to complete the look. (Affiliate link included—thank you for supporting small businesses like ours!)"

Make sure you tag us in your pictures if you use our printable so we can share them!

Bookmark This: My 2025 Reading List (So Far)

My eldest daughter has blossomed into a voracious reader—she devours books faster than I can keep our library holds and bookstore visits stocked. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, though I’ll admit, it’s a world far removed from my own childhood experience. Back then, reading felt like a chore, tied to school assignments and deadlines. Honestly, it made me downright loathe books. But seeing her love for stories? It’s like rediscovering the magic of reading through her eyes.

Enter the whirlwind of the Bridgerton phenomenon, and suddenly, I found myself giving reading another shot. I dove into Colin and Penelope’s story—it wasn’t the easiest reentry into the world of books, but it was satisfying to compare the pages to the drama of the latest season with other friends who also read the book. From there, I stumbled upon the Practical Magic series, and those were so fun and enchanting. Each page felt like a mini getaway, a daily escape into a world that was both captivating and comforting.

Puppy, Tea, and a Book

Since 2024 turned me into a bit of a bookworm (who saw that coming?), I’ve decided to embrace the vibe and map out a reading list for 2025. Nothing too wild—just 12 books. It feels like a goal that’s ambitious but doable for me right now. And hey, if I manage to read more than 12? You better believe I’ll be patting myself on the back!

While I don’t have my entire year of reading planned out, I do think I have my first six books settled on.

6 Books on My 2025 Reading List

  1. All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard
    A heartwarming, feel-good romance perfect for cozy evenings and escaping into a love story.

  2. The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon
    A deep dive into the lives of often-overlooked figures who shaped pivotal moments in American history.

  3. Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives by Sami Sage and Emily Amick
    A timely exploration of actionable steps we can take to strengthen democracy and inspire change, both nationally and personally.

  4. To Sir Phillip, With Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story by Julia Quinn
    Bridgerton fans rejoice! Eloise’s story promises wit, charm, and all the romance we’ve come to love from this series.

  5. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
    A thought-provoking guide to embracing life’s uncertainties and letting go of what we can’t control—because sometimes, you just have to let them.

  6. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
    A must-read for small business owners, this book offers a fresh approach to managing finances and achieving sustainable growth.

In additional to these 6 books, I’ve also added Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility by Bob Goff. I was gifted this book and I think it may be exactly what I need. Obviously I won’t finish that book till the end of the year.

I’m feeling hopeful that I can tackle these six books by midyear—fingers crossed! But let’s be real, I’m already dreaming about what could fill the next chapter of my 2025 reading journey. If you’ve got any must-reads, hidden gems, or personal favorites, I’m all ears—send them my way!