Thrift Schooling

How do you successfully make money blogging? Still a question I would LOVE to find an answer to. Basically what I've concluded is this: Blogging needs to become a FULL TIME job or an intense second time job! Both of which I do not really have the time for as a homeschooling mom. There is enough on my plate as it is! BUT, with that said, if you enjoy being on social networking sites and being connected with like minded folks online as I do, then it could be an exciting hobby with some perks! Basically, I don't make a whole lot of money, but I do make some and I have received plenty of wonderful products that I have been able to review. I prefer not to say that I get "free stuff" for blogging because honestly, I do spend time reviewing and posting and in my opinion time is money ! Therefore, I consider the products pay for my work, as most bloggers do!  If I had the time to preform all the intense tasks of growing my blog in the areas of Facebook page likes, blog pag...

As a Purex Insider I have been able to review several different types of products geared towards moms. Now, I've had the opportunity to try something the whole family can enjoy! Even though our family isn't a big cereal-for-breakfast kind of family, we do enjoy it for a snack once in a while! I love most anything honey flavored and I'd have to say  Honey Bunches of Oats  is on the top of my list! So when I was chosen to review their newest flavor, "Tropical Blends," I was thrilled! When I received it in the mail I immediately opened  it up and informed the kids that it was "snack time!" The two predominant flavors are Crispy Mango and Crunchy Coconut. Does it get any more tropical than this? The way the box is designed is a tropical looking pattern with an orange palm tree on one half of the front cover promoting the mango and a green tropical flower pattern on the other half promoting the coconut. At first glance I thought maybe there were two separate...

The New Dry Idea Advanced Dry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant provides odor protection for up to 72 hours. The pulse activated wetness protection is formulated to keep you dry all day long! Dry Idea's motto is Never Let Them See You Sweat because we all know that there are those certain occasions we absolutely, positively want to be sure that our clothing are sweat free. * School Plays * Dance Recitals * Picture Day * Oral Report Day * Prom Night * Weddings Really, the list goes on. But usually it is when you are speaking in front of people, or having pictures taken that you want to be certain to stay dry! I'm used to using a solid type of deodorant so when I received Dry Idea's roll-on liquid deodorant I asked myself how can a liquid can keep me dry? Well it does! And it smells great too! This is the first time I've tried a roll-on type and I have seen no visible flaws or sweat stains on my clothing. Actually, I don't have to worry about that wh...

 Happy First Day of Spring! To celebrate our 100th Day of School the other week, we planted 100 plants! (Well, actually we got a little carried away and did a tad more than 100). We simply put soil in newspaper and once they grow to be small plants we will plant them outdoors. If they grow too fast, before the frost danger then they will have to hangout in the greenhouse for a bit. Needless to say, the signs of spring are here!  We also bought some chicks from Southern States! The kids are loving them! And the biggest news of all, our nanny goat just had twins! Lots to do here on our little homestead!

If you are looking a quality writing curriculum to incorporate into your homeschool,   Essentials in Writing is a perfect fit! I have had the opportunity to review their  First Grade  program and have been extremely impressed with the quality, content and high interest level that my son has for this program.   For $40 you receive a DVD with video lessons and printable PDF worksheets.  If you prefer not to print out the worksheets, you can order a workbook for $20 more.  This program is available for First Grade through Twelfth Grade Although this isn't labeled specifically as a "Christian Curriculum," I found it refreshing that these lessons were filled with biblical principles and concepts. I am constantly looking at different materials and curriculum ideas and sometimes I have to sift through certain things. I find myself  searching for the good and omitting the bad. We set some pretty high standards in our reading an...

Some students love math. Actually, my first grader looks forward to his math lessons and when asked what his favorite thing in his homeschool was, he replied, "taking math tests." What? I certainly cannot relate. I dreaded math in elementary school all the way through college! I guess for him, it just "clicks," it makes sense. Every child is different as I'm learning now that I'm homeschooling my kindergartner. The program I used last year with my older son was Abeka. Very structured. Worksheets. A lot of repetition. It worked great with him. Not so much with his younger brother. And that's one the reasons I'm so excited to have the chance to review different types of materials this year. I have a chance to see what is out there. Instead of becoming frustrated when what I think should work isn't working, I can simply change not only my curriculum but my method. I received the  Touch Math  curriculum for  Kindergarten  which includes the downl...

READS Parent/Child Reading Comprehension System   is a homework helper supplemental program designed by  EGM Educational Systems, LLC  to help parents encourage their to children become independent learners! A great additon to any reading program. When children are in the grades between 1 and 4, their reading and writing skills are developed and strengthened. Children are usually required to read, at home, for at least 20 minutes on their own. This program helps to make their reading time fun, engaging and successful. How many times has your child read a book and you asked them, "what was the book about" and the only response was a shrug of the shoulders. This program helps to eliminate this scenario and allows parents to help their children with reading comprehension skills!  $19.95 READS HOMEWORK HELPER INCLUDES  Parent's Manual Question Cards, on a ring Reward Chart Stickers Magic Finger Reading Guide Strip Speedy Speller, a Handbook fo...