Did all of you guys like our L'Oreal Eversleek Giveaway we hosted a few weeks ago?! It was our July Beauty Pick of the Month and everyone wanted to get a piece of the newest products hitting stores by L'Oreal and their spokesperson, Jennifer Lopez. I tried it and absolutely LOVE the Eversleek products.

With that said, L'Oreal loved the fact that we featured their products so they asked us to attend the 2011 American Idol Concert Tour. It hit Houston a few weeks ago, and while I couldn't personally be there, I sent the next best thing.... my contributor Gloria Burke. She's been covering local events for me, here lately, and I imagine when Summer comes to an end you'll be seeing more and more from this woman of all trades (Seriously. The woman is talented in so many different areas.) So, check it out, she had a GREAT time at the concert and letting you in on how much she enjoyed it.

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I still remember the words that came out of my husband's mouth that day as we walked around the Barnes & Noble Bookstore, "Honey, I'll buy you whatever book you find, except there's one rule.. Stay away from the self help books."

I had a tendency to go towards "study" books that can improve myself (you know I've been vying for that #1 Wife Title for years now) or I'd lean towards inspirational Christian books that tell the real raw story of someone's past and how God turned it all around for them. I mean, I love hearing Beth Moore tell her testimony and it encourages me, as I walk through life with trial and tribulations, that He never leaves my side, no matter what. So, when Litfuse asked if I wanted to review a new book, by Patricia Maura about hope, faith, and determination, well you KNOW I was all over it!

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Yesterday, I had a friend over and as we walked into my room, I turned to my nightstand and I said, "Do you like to read? Have you read The Help?" She left that night and says to me, "I know this sounds kind of dumb, but I'm really anxious to wake up tomorrow and start reading this book!"

If you guys remember, I was one of the FIRST people to see The Help Movie at the Disney Dreamworks Event back in June. While, my official review, has not been posted yet (look for it very soon), I will say this....... The Help Movie is a must see. Today, I'm bringing you guys a really fun giveaway to get you excited to see an Oscar-Worthy film debuting August 10th!

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Here, lately, I've hit a bit of a "meal slump" and I don't know how to get out of it. Have you ever been there? I mean, I love cooking for my family, but I'm getting bored with WHAT I'm cooking and I can't think of other dishes to try. I've scoured my cookbooks. I've researched online. I've asked friends. I've even tried having the kids choose, but nothing is reaching out and saying, "Pick me! Pick Me!"

So, to get out of my "meal slump" I've picked four Mexican inspired dishes to cook for the BackToSchool HEB/Conagra Meal Maker Challenge (you can totally go vote for me if you want, I'd SO appreciate it) and I've ALSO chosen five cinnamon inspired dishes to share with you today, thanks to Land O'Lakes and their new Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread. Oh, and did I mention a sweet giveaway?

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As I mentioned earlier, in the Mars Needs Moms Giveaway, we have been spending LOTS of family time together. From movies, to outings, and back home to play boardgames, we're trying to enjoy every last bit of Summer. I mean, if stores are going to start unrolling school supplies in July, we've got to do SOMETHING to end the Summer with a bang, right?

One of our favorite things to do, as a family, is play boardgames. I'm SOOO happy we're out of the Chutes and Ladders stage. I'm not sure I could take another disgruntled 4yrold every time he had to slide down a chute. Insanity I tell you. We've discovered a new game that's we love to play, Rollick! It's a hysterical game of clues and collaboration.

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Our family have been rockin' the movies lately. At the theaters or at home on our projector, we have really been enjoying family movie time together. This Summer, I think, we've watched MORE movies than we do all year! Blame it on the heat or blame it on "my job", one things for sure, my kids feel like little tiny movie critics.

With that said, back at Spring Break we reviewed Mars Needs Moms and gave your our take on how the movie really embraced the Mother/Child relationship, but totally missed the mark when they made Moms look all frumpy.. That little detail didn't completely affect our opinion that this movie will make both parents and children come together and rethink the family dynamic at home. Disney entertains with scenes that made me cry, as a Mother, but it also throws in lots of humor great for the whole family. Have you seen Mars Needs Moms? It debuts on DVD/Blu-ray August 9, 2011 and I have your chance to win it!

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I used to do this with my hands tied behind my back. This time? Not so much. I laid there on the ground, breathing heavily and uttered, "I can't do this." Then, I saw the most breathtaking sight.
Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.

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This post might be hard to write, mainly because it's something I have to work on.... REALLLY bad. My words.

This proves true when speaking to my friends, my kids, and, most importantly, my husband. Last weekend, I was in all kinds of anxiety ridden emotion. I know I've explained this before, but in case you don't know, I suffer from a tad bit of OCD of the brain. I like to be on time and I like to be organized. If I have those two things I'm a happy girl. If I don't have those two things? My brain can not function and the words out of my mouth slip out faster than I can control. I'm not talking cuss words. I'm not all tacky like that, but my sass and attitude change dramatically as a result of anxiety.

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Here lately, spoofs have been all the rage. I mean, you guys remember me posting the Winnie the Pooh spoof on Harry Potter right? It's funny! Call me crazy, but this kind of humor is hilarious to both kids and adults alike. Did you know that one of the first shows to perfect the "spoof" was Sesame Street? The classic we've come to love as children, have been creating spoofs since before I can remember, mixing education with entertainment.

Earlier this month, Warner Bros. Home Video and Sesame Workshop, thought it a great time to release the Best of Sesame Street Spoofs Volume 1 and 2 on a 2-disc set. Elmo, Big Bird and company put their spin on some of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, including True, Blood, Grey’s Anatomy, Gone with the Wind, and even the Old Spice guy. This collection of classic segments and recent spoofs is entertainment for the entire family.

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My children LOVE to cook. Wait. That's an understatement, cooking for them totally and utterly makes their day. I'm guilty of being "That Mom" who says, "But honey, it'll be faster if I do it. You can cook tomorrow." I know. I know, sounds horrible, but I'm slowly learning the importance of teaching my children how to cook and enjoying the moments that come with it.We're cooking short, easy, and healthy meals together and it's been quite the bonding experience.

If your child likes to cook, like mine do, they MAY be in the running to be the Next Mini Chef. Barilla just launched “The Next Mini Chef Contest” and is looking for children who can create delicious, healthy recipes made with Piccolini Rich in Fiber-White pasta for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship. Think your kid has a chance?

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Yesterday, I mentioned how you guys should REALLY take the next four weeks to enjoy every last drop of Summer and I mean that, but while we bask in the sun,  I ALSO know that Back-To-School is on the brain for many of you, myself included.

So, this year I want to help all of you out a bit on the meal front. Do you remember the Back-To-School Meal Maker Challenge I participated in last year with H-E-B and Conagra? Well, THIS year they've invited me back and I'm thrilled to bring you guys four weeks of recipes to help you prepare easy meals as you settle into the Back-To-School Routine. Join me along with Conagra, H-E-B, Celebrity Chef George Duran, and seven amazing bloggers as we create time-saving recipes for you to get ready for the 2011-2012 School Year. Oh! There's lots of giveaways involved too. Just sayin'.

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Welcome to another Music Monday, here at Momma Findings. I thought I'd change it up a bit with a new icon that represents how my music listening method has changed since I started this series. My very first Music Monday took place almost two years ago when I had a hot pink iPod. Now I own an iPhone and that's where all my favorites are stored and listen to. So, I thought it appropriate to reflect that with my Music Monday Banner.

Anyhow, I've had such a great few weeks. There are so many great things happening with my little family, including exciting ventures in blog land, our new Church home, and the start of a new school year just around the corner, but today? Today, I've discovered a Hip Christian Artist that I'm really diggin'. Hello! Where have I been that I haven't heard of Shonlock? What's in your ear buds this Music Monday? 

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The Summer is sizzling, here in Texas, and there's no sign of stopping all the fun we've been having as a family. SeaWorld, Picnics, Movies, Parties, Concerts (Look for our coverage on the American Idol Concert right here in Houston!).. You name it, we've done it. Seriously having the Best Summer Ever!

Last week, we took an unconventional direction and took on the high seas of Galveston Bay. Okay, so the seas weren't HIGH, but you can my drift. StarFleet Yachts invited my family to embark on a sightseeing cruise that launched from Kemah, onto Galveston Bay, and back around to Clear Lake. It was my kids VERY first time on a boat (and the Lynchburg Ferry doesn't count). Today, I've got the scoop on the Star Cruiser Yacht, the cruise festivities, and JUST what to expect out of this family-friendly adventure. 

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Everyone and their Momma's are getting ready for the new school year. I mean, just in the last week I've seen countless people mention how they are done with their Back-To-School Shopping and I'm thinking Dude. The Summer isn't over yet. We still have four weeks to go!

Are you having the Best Summer Ever? We are, at the Momma Findings household. Last week we spent the day on the bay with StarFleet Yachts and yesterday everyone played their little hearts out at iT'Z Family, Food, and Fun, but nothing beats spending time with family outside eating ice cream, while it melts all over your hands. Who doesn't love that?! I'm having so much fun that I want to share a bit of it with you! Thanks to my partnership with Nestle as a featured Blogger in their Best Summer Ever Promotion, I'm giving away one AWESOME Prize Pack with enough goodies for YOU to have the Best Summer Ever!

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At the beginning of the Summer, I asked you guys to take the Summer Reading Challenge with PBS Kids and iVillage. Do you remember that? Or has all the fun filled vacation memories filled up your head? Well, the challenge has, officially, ended this week, but that doesn't mean Summer Reading has to end, right? I mean, we have FOUR more weeks until school starts here so there is PLENTY of time for lazy Summer days in the air conditioning with a good book.

Or.... better yet? Invite some of your child's friends over and grab up fun age-appropriate workbooks to brush up writing, reading, and math skills for the coming school year. Speaking of "brushing", I've also found that it's the perfect time to schedule the kids Dentist appointments and talk to them about the important of good oral hygiene. Maybe even let them pick out their very own fun toothbrush for the coming year? I think so.

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If you know anything about me, you may know I have a "thing" for quirky Holidays. I mean, National Talk Like a Pirate Day is one of our favorites. Another Holiday, coming July 29th, is National Lasagna Day. Think about it. You have a REASON to eat as much yummy lasagna than EVER before. How cool is that?

So, why don't you jump on the bandwagon with me and think about making a lasagna for the whole family. I know. I know. Summer time is crazy hot and why would you want to spend four hours in the hot kitchen, heating up the WHOLE entire house? Yeah. I don't blame you. Good thing you don't have to. Back in January I discovered and new brand of frozen Italian meals that use quality ingredients. Michael Angelo's, who's factory is located in Austin, TX,  is gaining in popularity in my Southern town, so much so that Walmart is carrying a whole new line of Michael Angelo's meals to help you get dinner on the table fast.

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As we drove down the road, the kids sporadically kicking the back of my seat, my husband turns to me and says, "I need to talk to you about the 29th." Before he could finish, my OCD kicked in, and my brain immediately turns to my mental calendar. I grin from ear to ear, completely giddy that I can be so organized in my teeny tiny little brain. Then I turn to him and say, "Hmmm. No we're not busy the 29th, what's up?"

There's this party. It's a company party, kinda. It's a Birthday party for one the employees, not necessarily thrown by the company per se, but by a client. It's a party that, apparently, spouses are not invited to. Sound familiar?

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Last weekend, I took the whole family on a short cruise with Star Fleet Yachts. It took us out past the Kemah Boardwalk, onto Galveston Bay, and back around to Clear Lake. We had SUCH a good time. Stay tuned next week with more, but for now? Look at these two love birds.

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I love me some coffee. In fact, just yesterday I was tweeting with a local Twitster (that's social media slang for Twitter Friend) about who drank the most coffee during a 24 out period. I think I won. While I understand too much caffeine could be bad thing, I also realize that it could be worse. It's not like I'm addicted to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, right? 

All kidding aside, I love my Keurig brewer, as in I-will-never-be-able-to-go-without-kinda-love. The only other gadget I can say that about is my iPhone4. While I usually drink hot coffees and teas, I was JUST introduced to the NEW Brew Over Ice KCup varieties and WOW. I may or may not be in some SERIOUS trouble. These KCups are perfect for a cool down Summer Treat. 

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A few years ago we threw a Birthday Party for my son at our home in Memphis. I wanted something different, something that would stand out. We ended up hiring a local ice cream truck (who later debuted on CMT's Trick My Truck) to visit the party, give out ice cream to the kids, and my son got to be the "attendant" inside. It.Was.Awesome. Even the parents got in on the fun ordering their own treat.

Back then, I remember telling my husband, "Wouldn't it be REALLY cool if there was a snack truck? You know, like a truck that drives around the neighborhood selling healthy snacks like fruit, crackers, or veggies?" He thought I was insane, but I thought it was a good idea... and guess what? KIND Healthy Snacks thought this idea was well worth it too and that's why they launched the travels of their KIND Food Truck driving across the nation helping to spread kindness by travelling across the country to give out healthy snacks and encourage unexpected acts of kindness along the way.. Their next stop? San Antonio!

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My 4-yr-old asked me to play the Wii with him one night. We, often, play video games using our projector to make the screen bigger, makes for better gaming (according to my husband). Well, the other night, I kept missing my que in the game. I thought to myself C'mon I can't be THAT bad! Something has GOT to be wrong with the remote, right? Well, it wasn't the remote. It wasn't the settings on the projector. It was blurry vision.

I grew so frustrated at the game, at the kids, at my husband shouting, "I can't see!" Even as I put my glasses on, it was still quite a blur. I couldn't focus. Have you ever felt like that? No matter how hard you blink, your sight won't focus on what you're looking at? Maybe your focus is directed at the wrong target? You're seeing the background of what's important and missing what's standing right in front of you.... like an opportunity to simply spend time with your kids. Maybe you should put your love glasses on?

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As a teenager, I was all about the beauty products. I wanted the latest and greatest to keep my complexion glowing and my skin soft. I mean, I was a teenage girl struggling with vanity and what beauty really means. For me, back then, it meant snagging the cutest guy as my boyfriend. For me now? Well, it means being healthy, taking care of myself, and setting a good example for my 7-yr-old daughter. So, when she becomes a teenager, she'll know that beauty means a whole heck of a lot more than a boyfriend.

I won't go all "after school special" on you anymore than I already have, but instead tell you about my latest beauty find that I am completely nuts for. Like completely. Have you seen Neutrogena's Wave Sonic Power Cleansers? It's high tech beauty and I have become it's loyal consumer.

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Last night, as my husband carried my son to his bed, he sleepily opened his eyes and said, "Dad, can you find my Tigger? He HAS to sleep up here with me." Off to the living room he went to find my little guy his new best friend after watching the NEW Winnie the Pooh movie.

I hope you had the chance to read a little bit of Winnie the Pooh coverage. We've got some good stuff for you, including a look behind the movie, our take on Harry Potter Vs. Pooh, and our official Winnie the Pooh Movie review. Today, however, we're here to talk about the awesome award winning soundtrack and the new book, from Disney Press, A Hundred-Acre Wood Treasury. It goes hand and hand with the movie and, to tell you the truth? My little guy has asked me to read this to him every day for the last two weeks.

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"There's 104 days of summer vacation and school comes along just to end it! So the annual problem of our generation is finding a good way to spend it, like maybe.." That song is in my head and I actually caught myself singing it in the SHOWER! Yes, a grown 30-yr-old woman singing Phineas and Ferb songs in the bathroom.

All kidding aside, we're thrilled to hear that a NEW Disney Channel Original Movie Phineas and Ferb Across the 2nd Dimension. In the movie, Phineas and Ferb go on their biggest journey yet, into another dimension! Will you guys be watching? We're the ULTIMATE Phineas and Ferb family. I mean, it HAS been the #1 animated show among tweens for the past three years.

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I told my husband the other day, "Honey. These kids eat us out of house and home." Since Summer began, our grocery bill has sky rocketed. It seems like I can't keep enough snacks on hand and that's a problem when you've got three kids under the age of nine tired, hungry, and grouchy after playing in the hot sun.

While keeping snacks on hand is difficult, what I find even MORE difficult is finding healthy easy to serve snacks for kids. Do you find it hard too? So, we've discovered Crunch Pak products. These are fruit slices already packaged for easy traveling, easy lunch packing, and easy snacking. Here's the kicker... they come in fun Disney themed packages now!

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Yesterday, it was ALL about The Hundred Acre Wood here in my house. My 4-yr-old begged me to read him the A Hundred-Acre Wood Treasury book before we headed out to the theater for a special screening of the NEW Winnie the Pooh Movie. On the way there, we listened to the Winnie the Pooh Soundtrack to get the kids excited. To say I am a fan of the NEW Winnie the Pooh Movie is an understatement.

I must admit, I DID see it in LA at the Disney Dreamworks Event. While this NEVER sways my opinion on a product or movie, it HAS helped me love it even more. I got to see the creativity behind the animation, the passion behind the producers, and, most importantly, the talent behind the voices of each and every character we've come to love in The Hundred Acre Wood. Yesterday, however, it wasn't about me and what I thought. Yesterday, it was about what my children thought of this classic A.A Milne tale made, exclusively, for a new generation of children. My children. 

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I was joking with a PR rep I work with stating, "You know my iPhone is only used to make calls 10% of the time, right?" I'm serious. My iPhone gets more "Kid Time" then "Me Time". They have so many apps they enjoying playing and I love it because most are educational too.Why do you think the OtterBox is my best friend? Phone protection is key to a family like mine.

This week, I learned of an App Series that all kids will love. You know Arthur from PBS Kids, right? Well, nine of his books debut in an App series giving your child the book to read, games to play, and even fun extras such as Mom recording the narrator voice.

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Last Sunday, I woke to the sound of my husband talking to my 7-yr-old daughter. Knowing this was unusual (the girl NEVER wakes earlier then 10:00am during the Summertime), I looked at the clock and was SHOCKED to see it was 5:30am. Why in the world is she awake so early? Is she feeling ok?

Nope. She wasn't AWAKE early, the girl hadn't gone to BED from the day before. Angry, worried, and downright puzzled, I turned to look at my husband as he returned to bed. Through his tired eyes, he turns to me and asks, "Wanna know what she was doing? Take one guess." Before I could utter any words I shook my head and he states, "Watching Netflix."

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I've been married for over 10 years now. I'm 30. Yes, I got married really young, but when you know that person is right for you, well you don't let him or her get away, right? I met my husband through a very good friend of ours. In fact, this friend was my best friend starting in High School and STILL, to this day, remains dear to our family.

But this post isn't about my Best Friend. It's not about how my husband and I fell in love. Dude. It's not even about the struggles we faced the last 10 years (you know which ones I'm talking about). It's about those small little quirks that you notice in a person. You know. They chew with their mouth open. They can only drink tea out of a glass cup. Things like that.

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I've never EVER been able to draw, not even stick figures. This is a talent God just decided not to bless me with, until I met Bruce Smith, animator for Piglet, Kanga, and Roo in the NEW Winnie the Pooh Movie. He showed me how to do this. We're tight like that.

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We've done our fair share of traveling this Summer. In fact, after a crazy month in June we had to "shut it down" after looking at our finances. The trips were well planned. The gas to get there? Not so much.

Gas prices are high. I mean, like SO high, it takes close to $90 to fill my vehicle. I drive a Dodge Durango SUV so, it's understood, but our family budget has taken a really hard hit. The Summer is almost over and we want to take a few more day trips into the city or drive a few hours away to see family, but how do we save on gas when gas prices are SO high. Is there an end in sight? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, Andrea Woroch is here again to share five companies that can help us save at the pump and you ALL know you want to save on gas.

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July 15th deems to be a VERY busy day in theaters across the country. Two movies hit the big screen. You've got the magic wizardry of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and then you got the enormously-cute-adorable-you-just-want-to-hug-the-whole-hundred-acre-wood Winnie the Pooh Movie. I mean. Really? There's no comparison if you ask me.

All kidding aside, I know Harry Potter is hugely popular among families. I, however, have not read one single book (Don't stone me). I have ALSO only seen one of the movies. For personal reasons, I decided we would not be reading or watching Harry Potter until the kids were older. They are still so young and introducing them to dark sides, magic, and witchcraft well... I'm not ready for that until they can fully understand that, although depicted as fantasy, witchcraft IS real and, as a Christian Family, any practice of magic is certainly not Biblical.

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Welcome to another Beauty Pick of the Month here at Momma Findings. Can you BELIEVE it's already July? This Summer is just flying by and school will be here before you know it. I'm counting down the days, but mostly because my hair is taking a beating with this heat and humidity here in Houston.

With that said, I've got the best solution to fight the frizz if you're feeling a bit like me. L'Oreal has unveiled it's newest products to help gals like me have sleek smooth hair. The NEW Ever Sleek Sulfate-Free Smoothing System consists of Shampoo, Conditioner, and Frizz Serum and we've got the scoop on how it stood up to this Texas Summer Heat. Plus, we're letting you in on the one characteristic that EVERYONE seems to think I fake. What could it be?

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Yesterday, I slid my jeans on quite easily. I was, actually, pretty surprised because... well... I haven't been doing anything much differently, yet it seems my waistline has decided to become best friends again. So, how did I lose weight? How is it that I haven't been dieting, yet my pants fit better?

Well, it's been SO hot here in the Houston area that all I want to do is drink water. Soda's just aren't cutting it for me and I've been guzzling the water like there's no tomorrow. When I get tired of water, I throw in my new favorite Crystal Light Flavor, ENERGY Wild Strawberry. To my surprise, I've felt more hydrated, giving me the energy to do more exercise in the evenings. So, today I'm a bit encouraged and came up with 5 reasons to give up soda and take the Crystal Light Challenge.

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Man. I love me some Mondays. Every week, I post my pick for Music Monday and lately? I can't get enough of Shawn McDonald. I, first, heard him on KSBJ with his song Closer off his new album entitled.. you guessed it... Closer. It was one of our Music Monday picks a few weeks ago and the song is downright infectious. Even my 4-yr-old sings it in the car.

Today, I'm diving into some of his older stuff. I'm loving the song All I need.

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