Thrift Schooling

The following is a guest review on The New American Herbal from my husband, Noah. I own many books written about herbs and most of them are frustratingly vague or lacking clear  pictures. However, this book contains piles of useful information and hundreds of pictures. This book  covers recipes, growing tips, medicinal uses, culinary uses, preservation and historical information. The only complaint I could come up with is that some of the pictures are a little on the artsy side focusing more on aesthetics than a clear photo for identification use.  The sheer number of vivid pictures makes  up for it.   This book is like sitting down and chatting with an herbalist. It’s packed full of herbal knowledge.    It is written in such a way to be extremely informative and captivatingly interesting. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in herbs. You will not be disappointed.   More Info Author Bio Disclaimer: ...

The following is a guest review from my husband, Noah on the book Fluent Forever . Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner teaches you how to learn any language and never forget it. Written by a man who speaks six languages fluently, this book takes a new approach in language study. I look forward to trying these methods soon. I have taken language classes in the past with just a lot of translation and mindless repetition. This book is intriguing because it suggests a different route. One where you learn to think in the new language, not just translate into English. It mimics more closely the way we learn our native language and makes more sense than just repeating commonly used phrases.  This is sure to change the way I learn another language. I would definetly recommend this book for someone learning a new language, if for no other reason than to get a new perspective on language learning.  Disclaimer: I received this book for free from  Blogging for Book...

Recently, our family has been introduced to an exciting new resource,  New Liberty Videos . My husband and I were able to review one of their DVD's,   Mysteries of the Dead Sea Scrolls . This three-part DVD talks about not only the Dead Sea Scrolls but Hebrew Word Pictures and how the Word of God survived the Dark Ages as the Forbidden Book .  $19.95 If you have ever met anyone who has to traveled to Israel, most likely they have a soft spot in their heart for that place. When you walk throughout the Old City within the walls of Jerusalem, there is a tee-shirt tourists can buy that says, " I left my heart in Israel ." Funny and cute, yes, but usually true. For many Westerners, a part of you stays there, and hopes to someday go back. No, I'm not Jewish but yes I am a Christian. Much of my religious heritage lies in that small piece of land the size of only the state of New Jersey! So, when I received the opportunity to review this DVD, I was i...

It's a few months into our "school year" and about time to take a step back and see if what we are doing is working. For the most part, what I planned and scheduled for the year is working out, but some things do in fact need to be switched around! If you are anything like me, and realize that some of the curriculum you have been trying just is not a good fit, then you wonder how you can switch materials on a budget!  I buy most of my curriculum at the beginning of the year and try to plan for an entire year in advance, (we school from August through June with several breaks). If I am going to fork out extra cash midyear, then I better be sure that it is something that will work for my child! Before I get online and purchase everything and anything that has received a good review from someone else, (though VERY tempting at times) I try to see what I can change around, with what I have.  Sometimes, I forget about the resources I have on hand already collecting dust...

     Recently, my third grader has been able to work on his Spanish skills using the  Middlebury Interactive Languages  program available for children in grades K-12. This program offers courses in several different languages including Spanish, French, Chinese and German.We chose to work with the  Spanish Courses  geared towards students in grades 3-5 ($119.00). Below is a list of the courses they currently offer and for which grades. We live in an area with an extremely large Spanish speaking population, so it only makes sense to have my children learn the language, at least a little! I figure, this is the age where they can pick up languages easier so I want to be sure to take full advantage of this opportunity! My son took one semester of Spanish in first grade at a private school but we haven't really pursued it much more since then!  This program took what he knew to an entirely different level! For example, he know...

Sponsored by: Groovy Lab in a Box Hosted by:  The Squishable Baby Homeschoolers! Here's a giveaway I think you'll enjoy! A year subscription to a science curriculum that has experiments delivered throughout the year right to your doorstep! Groovy Lab in a Box is a monthly subscription STEM box with comprehensive hands-on activities in engineering, physics, chemistry and math.  Your child will be treated to a full year-long science curriculum - focused on developing experimentation, creativity, and problem solving skills - all while creating a love for science.  Groovy Lab in a Box is fun, engaging and complete science learning experience.  Look at how much we enjoyed our launch-it box... Experimentation is fun! and Learning About Elastics All of the monthly boxes are unique.  With one investigation a month, your child will get a full learning experience through Groovy Lab in a box's Beyond the Box which includes s...

We drove by this place over the summer and my kids immediately thought of the book in the Little House on the Prairie series, On the Banks of Plum Creek ! This totally reminded us of their "underground" house (well, sort of)!  Now, I am not going to share with you the name or location of this place because I am avidly against the New Age practices that this spa partakes in. But, I did want to share the image simply as an underground home visual, because honestly I had never seen a structure like this before! I so wanted to run over the top of the building when we drove by, haha! If you haven't read On the Banks of Plum Creek  yet I have to say it is one of my favorites in the series so far. Their experiences living in such a unique home in such a picturesque location near a creek, the grasshopper weather experience and long seasons with Pa away from home are inspirational and thought provoking! Such a great series to read aloud with your kids, one of our favorite t...

Are you ready to join the hundreds of thousands of mamas who no longer dread the hair brushing drama? Some of the same mamas that gave the Knot Genie an overwhelming 100% thumbs up on  Good Morning America ?  Then the Knot Genie Detangling Brush is for you!  The Knot Genie, Teeny Genie and Genie Supreme were created to not only to make brushing of even the most unruly hair effortless, but to create peace in your home at brush out time! The Knot Genie's unique bristles act like little "fingers" gently untangling knots and tangles. The Knot Genie doesn't have those little balls on the end of the bristles to trap knots, so they literally unravel! Choose from three sizes, the original Knot Genie, the Teeny Genie (perfect for small hands and small spaces like dance bags), and the handled Genie Supreme. You'll be amazed by the ease of brushing, as well as how Knot Genie virtually stops breakage and split ends. It works on all hair types, wet and dry. Y...

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift this year, why not create your own? Collage.com allows you to upload your photos with a simple one-click process that is easier than any other photo book creator site that I've seen thus far! The biggest headache for creating photo gifts usually is uploading the perfect photos!  Collage.com allows you to simply drag and drop your photos from your computer with a simple click. The easy-to-use uploading system allows you to not only pick pictures from your hard drive but there is a button that you can click that allows you to upload images from your Facebook, Flicker or Instagram accounts!  And, the feature that surprised me the most was the button that allows you to pick images from the Internet! There is a daily limit as to how many images you can download using this feature but I loved it, and used it! I ordered two photo books. A 20 page 11.5" x 8" hardcover and a 20 page 8" x 6" paperback. I was...

So, I just wanted to let you in on a little secret. Have you ever wondered if there was a place that you could sell your goods online for the homeschool, homesteading, homespun market?  Well, soon and VERY soon I will be sharing with you that place. Don't get me wrong, I love Etsy. I use Ebay. But sometimes, it's the community that you are after. The people that will fall in love with your product as much as you do!  So if I seem distant, it's because I am. Aside from teaching the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria this week and getting up early to witness the blood moon (thanks for nothing, clouds,) I am presently working on setting up shop on this new site where I will be selling my husband's blacksmithing items, maple syrup and homemade creations from my kids! So if you think I'm quiet, that's why!  Looking forward to sharing this NEW site with you! And, soon!

From the creators of The Adventure Bible, now comes an easy reader about Moses! This easy, I CAN READ Reader is a level 2 reader designed for developing readers. Moses Leads the People begins with Moses' experience with God at the burning bush. This moment reminded me that our God is an experiential God. A personal God. God met with Moses and gave him a mission. A mission that seemed impossible and unlikely but possible with God. When Moses was alone with God, He received encouragement, instruction and a glimpse into the will of God for God's people. The story then progresses into Moses' experience with Pharoah, the plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea.  This book came at a very timely manner to our homeschool since our pastor just preached on the crossing of the Red Sea this past Sunday! The story was still fresh in my children's little minds and they were able to enjoy this book in light of what they had just learned this past week! I love to have resources to...

The Legend of the Candy Cane: The Inspirational Story of Our Favorite Christmas Candy by Lori Walburg shares an inspiring tale of symbolism for the Candy Cane! This cute board book is a perfect fit for children of all ages, recommended for 4-8. With the holidays right around the corner, merchants all across the board continue to remind what this season has become in this nation. With holiday decorations displayed earlier and earlier each year, the big jolly man in the red suit continues to be the mascot of the holiday that in reality celebrates something so much greater! Amidst the noise, this book points your child to Jesus through the use of the candy cane.  The story is cute and inspiring. I adore the artwork in this book, not too simple but full of detail and engaging! The scene seems to be set in times past when candy stores were popular. The premise of the story is a man arrives in town and begins fixing up an old abandoned storefront. A curious girl named Lucy ...

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Thanks! TOP 5 OCTOBER ONLINE DEALS 1) Make a card online and have it sent to your destination of choice! I remember the first time I received a card like this, it was an unexpected blessing! Simply click MAKE A CARD to get started! 2)  ProSonic Cleansing Brush Set  with 4 Brush Head.  A Practical and useful Christmas Gift Idea!  3) Be prepared for the upcoming cooler months with the  Lifesmart 4-in-1 Air Commander  space heater.   4) Presently the Closeout Zone  Clearance   section has plenty of items under $10! I saw some fun As Seen On TV items that would make perfect Christmas gifts! 5) Perfect for the busy mom, get 15% off   Calendars and Planners  for a limited time only at 123Print!