Homeschool Conference Season Take 1! TIPS included!

This year has flown by!  I can't believe we are down to the last 2 weeks of school!  In September that seemed so far away and now it is here!  We accomplished TONS - and a blog post is to come on all of that information.  Right now I want to share my thoughts about my first conference!

I went to CHAP this year with 2 good friends.  This was a big adventure for me because I'm not a big fan of leaving my children for more than a few hours.  (I do let the bigs go to Grandmom's for the weekend but my little hasn't left overnight yet.)  Thankfully I have a WONDERFUL husband that is AWESOME with the kids including our youngest.  So I felt safe leaving just a bit sad. 

We left the night before the convention because it was almost 3 hours away from home.  I think next year I will consider location a little more because it was a lot to come in late at night on Thursday and get up early to start a LONG day. 

We had some traffic/getting lost issues both days mostly because there was a huge accident that caused a road with a bridge to be shut down.  Of course our SIRI and the GPS didn't take that into consideration so lots of circling until we found our way.  So we did miss the first few sessions.

CHAP puts on a big production.  100s of vendors was quite overwhelming.  I was honestly not a fan of the Farm Show building it was HUGE - like football field huge - possibly 2 of them.  It was also a little gross with animal smells.  We had to park far too and with all those books you buy that was a pain.  There was a book check which I did the 2nd day but you do have to pay for that.

This years classes weren't all that interesting to me.  A lot of learning disability talks which doesn't apply to me at all.  I still liked the handful I sat in on and did learn a lot from Sandi Queen on learning styles. 

So what did I do?  I SHOPPED!! There was so many bright and shiny curriculum places to look and browse and SPEND!!  HA!  I managed to get a bunch of stuff on my list which is awesome. 

All in all it was a great experience once I got over the used book sale part.  I love bargains but that place was not worth the stress AT ALL!  People were beyond rude and would not move on - just stood there doing NOTHING but being in the way. 

TIPS:

• Wear comfortable clothing/shoes
• Have a list of what you need - because you will buy WAY more if not
• Check prices before you go - some are great at convention and some are awful!
• Take breaks to sit and eat or get a drink
• Plan time to shop because you might find something you have never seen before
• Look for the Kid Entrepreneurs  and try to support them - we got an awesome pillow from one young lady that was handmade - probably my favorite purchase!

So I'm heading to another convention this weekend that is a little closer and a little smaller.  I'm going to compare the two and see which suits me better for next year.  This one has several workshops I can't wait to hear so I'm super excited!

Re-Sale Group RANT!

I belong to a number of resale groups on facebook.  One for local junk people want to get rid of.  Another I run myself for local kid's only stuff.  My favorite are the homeschooling types that sell off used curriculum.  The thing that burns me up is that the people on there put their prices at what it cost for new!  Why would I buy something used when I can get it new?  You might have animals, smoking or anything else stinking up your used stuff so why not make the price competitive!


Guidelines for RESALE groups:

• 30% off new prices if in new condition.  NEW not almost new!
• 50% off for like new condition or gently used
• 75% off if there is any defect.  You've used up some of it or it is incomplete 

• Don't buy if overpriced - it just drives the prices HIGHER! 
• Check your prices! Be sure you are getting a deal!

• Price to sell!
• Take pictures, answer questions and generally be around to respond.
• Be willing to make a deal for shipping or cost if someone buys a lot.

These are just some general guidelines because you actually want to get rid of this stuff.  Remember you are not going to get your full price but you can re-coop some of your initial cost.  Keep in mind you have used this product/stuff a bit before selling so you should consider depreciation value.  Think about your car - if you buy new off the lot and want to resell the next day.  You are going to take a loss.  Same idea only you have probably used the for sale items for a lot longer.

Credit:  Photo from Flickr.

SCOOBY-DOO! MASK OF THE BLUE FALCON Now Available!

Be sure to check out SCOOBY-DOO! MASK OF THE BLUE FALCON on Blu-ray combo pack.  Join Scooby and Shaggy on a fantastic adventure!

About:

Get set for superhero hi-jinks and adventure in Scooby-Doo! Mask of the Blue Falcon as Scooby-Doo! and the gang go head-to-head with a super villain they thought only existed on TV! Scooby-Doo! and his pals make big plans to attend a popular comic book convention. No one however, is more excited than Scooby-Doo! and Shaggy because they get to be part of a big premiere of a brand-new movie that’s based on their favorite superhero, Blue Falcon. Fiction becomes reality however when the hideous Mr. Hyde, a monstrous super villain from the classic Blue Falcon television series comes to life and terrorizes everyone at the convention.

 SCOOBY-DOO! MASK OF THE BLUE FALCON is available at your local retailer and online at Amazon!

Thank you to WHV for providing a product for review.  As always all opinions are strictly the opinons of A Rup Life and individual results may vary!  

TOM and JERRY: PINT-SIZED PALS now on DVD!

Another great DVD from WHV!  My kids are loving all these classic cartoons!  I have to admit my husband and I chuckle at some of the on screen antics too.  Funny how much we remember from our Saturday morning viewing.  

About:

Meet Nibbles, Tuffy, Quacker and Tyke, some of Tom and Jerry’s cutest companions on Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s (WBHE) release of Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals, set for release March 5, 2013. This must-own collection showcases 30 hilarious shorts featuring some of the tussling twosome’s most popular pals in a set of hilarious adventures the whole family can enjoy together. The cartoon selection in this collection is comprised of several legendary classics, including an Academy Award®-winning title and a number of contemporary shorts.

That mischievous duo is at it again and their never-ending rivalry is fueled by some of animation’s most adorable characters in Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals. Spike the bulldog is at his most intimidating when he’s with his precious pup, Tyke. Several adventures featured on this set, including Hic-cup Pup, Pup on a Picnic, That’s My Pup and others, feature the lovable Tyke and his over-protective dad, as they become entangled in Tom and Jerry’s endless pursuit.

Nibbles, the perpetually hungry little mouse, re-emerges in several cartoons including Mice Follies, where Nibbles and Jerry turn the kitchen into an ice-skating rink, and again in The Two Mouseketeers, which won an Academy Award® for Best Short Subject: Cartoons. Tuffy, another precious and precocious little orphaned mouse, is Jerry’s pal throughout a set of Hanna-Barbera-directed classics, including Little School Mouse which is featured on this set.

Another favorite little pal is Quacker, the sweet baby duckling who mistakes Tom for his mother in That’s My Mommy. Quacker appears in several cartoons, including Happy Go Ducky, in which Tom’s Easter egg surprise yields more than he bargained for when it hatches and Quacker emerges. In Southbound Duckling, Quacker is determined to fly south for the winter and in Just Ducky, Jerry teaches Quacker how to swim.

Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals presents viewers with these and several other hilarious and endearing adventures.

Tom and Jerry: Pint-Sized Pals

Disc One	Disc Two
1. Love That Pup	1. Babysitting Blues
2. The Dog House	2. Game Set Match
3. That’s My Pup	3. Happy Go Ducky
4. Hic-cup Pup	4. That’s My Mommy
5. Pup on a Picnic	5. Little Quacker
6. Puppy Tale	6. Southbound Duckling
7. Barbecue Brawl	7. Just Ducky
8. Endless Bummer	8. Cat Show Catastrophe
9. Little School Mouse	9. Kitty Foiled
10. Robin Hoodwinked	10. Ho Ho Horrors
11. Jungle Love	11. The Two Mouseketeers
12. Royal Cat Nap	12. Touché, Pussy Cat!
13. The Vanishing Duck	13. Mice Follies
14. Cat Nebula	14. The Egg and Jerry
15. Adventures in Penguin Sitting	15. Tot Watchers

The Credits

About Warner Bros. Animation

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) is one of the leading producers of animation in the entertainment industry, with an innovative and talent-rich roster boasting some of the most accomplished writers, producers and artists working today. The studio is on the cutting edge of animation technology and has both CG and traditionally animated projects in current production and development. For TV, WBA produces series such as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, The Looney Tunes Show, MAD, Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated and Young Justice: Invasion, as well as the forthcoming Beware The Batman and Teen Titans Go! for Cartoon Network. WBA also produces series and additional original content — including animated shorts — for Cartoon Network’s multiplatform branded DC Nation programming block. In addition to TV programming, WBA produces theatrically released CG cartoon shorts featuring iconic Looney Tunes characters, rendered in stereoscopic 3D. WBA also creates the highly successful series of DC Universe Original Animated Movies for DVD. Producing for multiple platforms including TV, digital and home entertainment both domestically and internationally, WBA is highly respected for its creative and technical excellence, as well as for maintaining the Studio’s rich cartoon heritage. It is also the home of the iconic animated characters from the DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, MGM and Looney Tunes libraries. One of the most-honored animation studios in history, WBA has been honored with six Academy Awards®, 35 Emmy® Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, an Environmental Media Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, the HUMANITAS Prize, two Prism Awards and 20 Annie Awards (honoring excellence in animation).

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees, as well as directly to consumers through WBShop.com.

TOM and JERRY:  PINT-SIZED PALS is available at your local retailer and online at Amazon!  

 Thank you to WHV for providing a product to test.  As always all opinions on A Rup Life are my own and individual results may vary! 

Healthy Recipes for Kids - from Peggy Kotsopoulos, Host of Peggy K’s Kitchen Cures on Veria Living

Low-Fat Mac & Cheese Muffins for Kids

 

 

Peggy Kotsopoulos’ Low-Fat Mac & Cheese Muffins for Kids

Yield:  6 servings of Low-Fat Mac & Cheese Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups brown rice elbow pasta;
¾ cup Greek yogurt;
¾ cup pureed cauliflower (see Tip);
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil;
2 tablespoon ground chia seeds;
1 red pepper, diced;
1 zucchini, grated;
2 tablespoons almond milk;
½ cup aged white cheddar cheese, finely grated

Make the Mac & Cheese Muffins:

Servings: 6

Cook Time: 30 min 00 sec

Ready In: 20 min 00 sec

1. Pre-heat oven to 375F. 
2. Boil water and cook pasta as directed. 
3. Once pasta is cooked and drained, add back to pot, then add greek yogurt, and extra virgin olive oil.  Mix well. 
4. Add gound chia and milk.  
5. Mix well, and then stir in cauliflower puree, grated zucchini and red pepper and chedder cheese (reserving a little for topping).  
6. Grease muffin tin with coconut oil and spoon in mixture.
7. Sprinkle top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20min 
8. Remove from oven and let cool
9. Remove from muffin tins and enjoy! 

 

Sunflower Seed and Strawberry Jam Sandwich for Picky Eaters

 

 

Peggy Kotsopoulos’ Sunflower Seed & Strawberry Jam Sandwich for Picky Eaters

Yield:  1 Sunflower Seed & Strawberry Jam Sandwich “SB&J” 

Ingredients:

Strawberry Jam:
1 ¼ cup sliced fresh strawberries;
½ teaspoon vanilla extract;
1 teaspoon coconut sugar (optional);
1 heaping teaspoon ground chia seeds;

2 slice sprouted grain bread;
Sunflower seed butter
Banana slices

Make the home made Jam:

1. Puree berries in a food processor with the vanilla and optional coconut sugar. 
2. Pour into bowl and stir in remaining whole berries and chia until well combined. 
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight. 
4. While you’re sleeping the chia will begin to gelatinize, turning your fresh berries into even MORE of an antioxidant-rich goodness.

Make the sandwich:

1. Spread one slice of bread with sunflower seed butter and top with banana slices. 
2. Spread the other slice of bread with jam and close of the sandwich.

Recipes courtesy of   Peggy Kotsopoulos, Host of Peggy K’s Kitchen Cures on Veria Living.

Easy Beauty Recipes from Julieanna Hever!

Do-it-Yourself Beauty Recipes:

Breakfast Moisturizing Face Mask: Mash 1/2 banana well with a fork, combine about 1/4 - 1/2 cup rolled oats, and drizzle about 1 TB almond milk to the mixture to create a paste. Apply to face using a circular motion as a scrub and then leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse and remove with a warm washcloth and follow up with the Soothing Facial Moisturizer: drizzle 3-4 drops lavender essential oil into approximately 1 TB coconut oil, mix, and apply to face.

Hair Growth-Stimulating Treatment: Brew a cup of green tea. Add 1 TB mustard powder and 1 TB cayenne pepper, the contents of 1-2 vitamin E capsules, and 1 TB jojoba oil to the tea and mix well. In the shower, apply mixture to the scalp and rub in gently, using the pads of your fingers for a few minutes. Allow to sit while washing your body. Rinse and follow up with natural, chemical-free shampoo and conditioner. Perform treatment weekly until you notice hair growth.

What Would Julieanna Do? airs weekdays from 7:00 to 7:30 pm ET/PT on Veria Living.

Hosted by Julieanna Hever, What Would Julieanna Do? is a lifestyle-oriented talk show focusing on everyday topics as "getting your kids to eat better" and "treating menopause" to "rekindling the spark in your marriage" and "getting back in shape for your high school reunion."

Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T., also known as “The Plant-Based Dietitian,” is an author and advocate of the benefits of following a whole food, plant-based diet. As host of What Would Julieanna Do?, Julieanna regularly features recipes like the Breakfast Moisturizing Face Mask, the Hair Growth-Stimulating Treatment and many other similar, helpful, do-it-yourself recipes on her show.

In the U.S., the Veria Living network is primarily available to Cablevision/Optimum (Channel 164), DISH Network (Channel 218) and Verizon FiOS (Channel 162) subscribers, on GCI (Channel 142 in SD and Channel 738 in HD), on RCN systems in several markets around the country, and on WOCK-CD Channel 13.3 in Chicago (Comcast Channel 389).

My new White Board! DIY!

We have a fairly small home.  Add two parents and 3 kids every bit of space is valuable.  Since we don't have room for a dedicated classroom (someday!)  I have to make the most of the space we have.  My kitchen now houses a large bookshelf that stores a good bit of homeschool materials.  Pretty much all my teacher manuals and paper.  The kid's have clear bins with their books on a countertop for easy access.  My kitchen table, couch in the living room and kid's desk in their room are where the homeschool magic happens!

Typically in the afternoon the baby takes a nap and the big boys each hop on a couch with a tv tray.  Then I do History and Science with them.  This involves a lot of me reading from their text while they take notes or do notebooking activities.  (We use Mystery of History and Apologia Science in case you were wondering.)  What I've found is that it is hard for them to know what are the important key words for each subject - and most are super hard to spell.  Fast forward a little and I was doing the parents portion of Institute for Excellence in Writing with a group of homeschool mommy friends.  On the DVD Andrew Pudewa says if you don't have a white board your failing your kids.  While that is a harsh statement and I don't 100% agree ~ I did see his point.  There is something to be said for having things on the board.  My own public school education had many many things on the board.

Well that got my brain rolling.  How could I put up a board?  Well - first off it was recommended to go to the hardware store and buy a piece of cheap masonite board.  It is dry eraseable and PERFECT!  Only $10 for a large piece at my local Lowe's.  So I looked around the kitchen and living room and quickly realized the living room would be the place to have it.  I didn't want a permanent white board up in there though.  We had just re-done the living room and it is a nice tranquil inviting place now.  A white board would be OUT of place.  So I looked at my DVD shelf and started thinking about how I could hang up a board.

This is when my husband's expertise comes in.  He suggested brackets - and he did the drilling.

 

These are the brackets we used. He anchored them on the top of the DVD shelf where no one can see.  

Then he drilled a hole in the masonite board. There was some measuring involved but I left that to him!

  

This is now a board we can remove quite easily and put behind the couch or in another room. The hooks will stay up but way less noticeable. 

Now if I'm being honest I have yet to take it down but we do use it almost every homeschool day so it is what it is.  I'm totally pleased with the quality of the Masonite board too.   You can spray a little cleaner on it and it wipes 100% clean.  

Leave me a comment if this post has helped you! 

Hunger Games only $5 for Trilogy on Kindle!

Don't miss out on this great offer for The Hunger Games on Kindle.  All three books for only $5.  I personally bought this set yesterday because I had been waiting for a great deal and I think this is the lowest it will get!

Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck on DVD

My kids are crazy about Loony Toons.  Daffy Duck is their absolute favorite.  To say they were excited about Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck is an understatement!  Daffy's antics had them laughing.  This DVD has over four hours of entertainment!

About:
From the outer reaches of space, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings consumers a zany, intergalactic Looney Tunes treat with the release of Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck. Available on DVD for the first time February 12, 2013, Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck stars that hilarious duck, Daffy as the heroic Captain Duck Edgar Dumas Aloysius Dodgers and Porky Pig as his trusted companion, as they blast off into outer space to protect the Earth from menacing Martian invaders. This release will feature 13 madcap episodes from the series’ first season, for a total of over four hours of hilarious Looney Tunes content. Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck will retail for $19.97 SRP.

Based on the original Looney Tunes theatrical cartoon short, Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century, Duck Dodgers is the Daytime Emmy® Award-winning animated, sci-fi series that originally aired on Kids’ WB and centers on Daffy Duck, as the hero Duck Dodgers who is charged with protecting Earth from its biggest enemy, Martians. Duck Dodgers is always ready to swoop in and save the day, the planet and the galaxy – with a little luck and a lot of help, that is. He may be an intellectual featherweight but his duckbilled laser gun counts as heavy artillery. Joining him are some all-time favorite Looney Tunes characters, which make appearances in several of the series’ episodes.

Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck features an out-of-this-world theme song, which is arranged by the Grammy-Award winning The Flaming Lips and is sung by the legendary Tom Jones. 

“Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck presents viewers with a mix of clever writing, hilarious pop culture references and beautiful animation. It’s a must-own title for any Looney Tunes fan,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation and Partner Brands Marketing. She added, “The episodes featured on this release will delight viewers of all ages. Kids will be excited to see some of their favorite Looney Tunes characters in space-themed adventures and adults will appreciate the witty jokes and classic sci-fi references the series offers.”

DVD Bonus Features:

Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century – The classic Merrie Melodies theatrical short directed by animation legend Chuck Jones featuring Daffy, Porky and Marvin the Martian.

Featured Episodes:

Disc 1:

1. The Trial of Duck Dodgers / Big Bug Mamas

2. The Fowl Friend / The Fast and the Feathery

3. Duck Deception / The Spy Who Didn’t Love Me

4. Duck Codgers / Where’s Baby Smarty Pants?

5. I’m Gonna Get You, Fat Sucka / Detained Duck

6. K-9 Kaddy / Pig of Action

7. Shiver Me Dodgers

Disc 2:

8. The Wrath of Canasta / They Stole Dodgers Brain

9. The Green Loontern

10. Quarterback Quack / To Love a Duck

11. Hooray for Hollywood Planet

12. The Queen Is Wild / Back to the Academy

13. Enemy Yours / Duck Departure

You can find Duck Dodgers: Dark Side of the Duck Season 1  at your local retailer or online at Amazon.

Thank you to WHV Direct for providing a Sample for review purposes.  As always my opinion is my own.

Hats Off to Dr. Seuss on Blu-Ray!

Love us some Dr. Seuss in this house!!  They have a new Blu-Ray Collection out featuring five great titles! Hats Off To Dr. Seuss Collector's Edition was available February 19th. 

About:

A must-own collection featuring five of the author’s most beloved animated classics, which are available together on Blu-ray™ and DVD in deluxe editions for the first time. Set for release on February 19, 2013, this compilation will include such all-time-favorite TV specials as The Lorax, Green Eggs and Ham and Other Stories, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Cat in the Hat and Horton Hears a Who! along with loads of original enhanced content. All five specials are re-mastered for brilliant picture and sound quality. 

My Thoughts:

My kid's thoroughly enjoy these titles.  These original stories are timeless.  Lots of extra features make this a jam packed collection! 

 

You can find your copy at your local retailers or order online at Amazon.   

Thank you to WHV Direct for providing a copy of this DVD for review.  As always my opinion is my own and individual results may vary. 

Anne of Green Gables all 11 books on Kindle only 99c!

Don't miss this great deal on Anne of Green Gables - all 11 books only 99c!

Click here to go to Amazon to buy!

Did you know that many classic books are available on Kindle for FREE?

Treasure Island

Alice in Wonderland

Secret Garden


If you don't have a Kindle (or a tablet/phone with the Kindle app - which is FREE this way)  I highly suggest you look into one.  We personally have a Samsung Galaxy 2 tablet which is great because you can use the kindle app, search the web, facebook and even play games or watch movies.  I mostly use it for reading though. 

Valentine's Day Craft!

I know this is late - but better late than never.  I've really been trying to incorporate more arts and crafts into our homeschool.  Holidays and History seem to be the best fits for this but still finding the time while getting in our regular school day is more challenging.  I found this wonderful  craft at Fabulessly Frugal.  The best part was I had EVERYTHING on hand.  I bet you could even do other holidays by changing the shape.  Be sure to stop by and see her step by step instructions!

  All you need is mason jars, tissue paper, glue, water and a paint brush!

 

I think they came out great!  I'll be curious to see if they last in storage for next year.  (That would make them even BETTER!) 

Since Valentine's Day has actually passed I'll share a few more photos of our Homeschool Valentine's Party. 

Our menu was: 
Chips and hummus
chocolate covered pretzels (the kids made those)
veggies & dip
assorted candy
chocolate cupcakes

Target had adorable serving platters and bowls so I picked up a few of those. I also had a craft for the kids but for some reason I don't have a picture of those. I just purchased them on oriental trading though because I ran out of time to design something and our age range was large so I needed crafts that everyone could do.

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of February. Next month is Easter and St. Patty's Day so I'm not sure what crafts to do yet! I'll keep ya posted!

SWAGBUCKS Birthday Blowout!

Don't miss out of Swagbucks Birthday Bash! They are giving away lots of swagbucks today! If you don't already use Swagbucks you are MISSING OUT! I've earned over $200 in Amazon gift cards just last year without very much work. It is simple just use them to search like you would use google and you'll be on your way to earning. Just 450 points earns you a $5 amazon gift card. 

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

The Winner of the ProgressOH soup prize has been emailed!!  Check your inbox:

And the winner is...

results powered by Random.org

Entry #2Tammy B.

 

 

Be sure to respond to the email so your prize can be shipped! 

Valentine's Day Gift Idea - JEWELRY

Valentine's Day is around the corner - and if you haven't a clue what you want maybe some of these will inspire you.

All ship from AMAZON in two days when you have a prime membership (which I think pays for itself if you order like I do!)

Only $26!

This is on sale - normally $294.99 now it is only $36.99!! What a great deal and it is STUNNING! If your looking to spend just a little more:

  I personally love gold. This is only $99.99 (originally $280.00)

 So guys you could do all your shopping from home and have it delivered!

ProgressOh! Soup & Prizes! #WIN

January is really over.  Did you make a resolution to get fit, get healthy or just plain lose weight? Well I know I did!! I'm not doing as good as I'd like but I'm not giving up.   Progresso soups help me achieve my calorie goal with their light soups that are 100 calories per serving.  I have to say the Light Chicken Pot Pie and Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese are pretty tasty too!

Additional information:

 Progresso is giving you the chance to win the ultimate ProgressOh! Make-Oh-ver experience in Hollywood*! Three lucky grand prize winners will get to take the ultimate trip full of ProgresOh! experiences – from a head-to-toe makeover to sightseeing in LA!
Here's what you could win:

• Round-trip airfare for you and a guest to Los Angeles, California
• 4 day/ 3 night hotel accommodations
• A head-to-toe makeover, including hair, makeup and a blue dress to get you ready for your own ProgressOh! moment in Hollywood
• Two tickets to this season's live finale of The Biggest Loser
• $2,000 spending money

Here's how to enter:

• Visit Facebook.com/Progresso
• Complete an official entry form
• Share a photo
• Tell us why you love Progresso soup
• Tell us why you deserve a ProgressOh! makeover

Don't forget to tag your content #ProgressOh!
Three grand prize winners will each get the ultimate ProgressOh! Make-Oh-ver from Progresso®! #ProgressOh!



ProgressOh! is kind enough to give me a gift pack to give away to one of my  readers!!

Included is:



Your ProgressOh! Gift pack will contain:

•	2 cans of Progresso® soup
	◊ Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese
	◊ Light Chicken Pot Pie Style
•	Cosmetic Bag
•	Compact Mirror and Brush

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter.  Winner will be drawn on Feb 20 and notified by email.  Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure: The information, products and ProgressOh! gift packs were provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark." 

Groundhog's Day Feb 2!! Great printables available!!

 If you are looking for a some fun activities for Groundhog's Day - let me recommend  Enchanted Homeschooling Mom!  While it is a paid site - it is one of the best values I've seen.  Jill the owner makes some amazing printables and curriculum.  Her new Reading in 1st series is awesome!! When we get there for Jace I'll be printing those up and laminating!  Super cute!

 Now back to Groundhog's day - there is a Unit Study for grades 1-4.  I printed off some for my 5th grader to do because I know he will be interested. 

Now for the fine print - I know this is a paid site but at $15 for a lifetime membership it is a steal!  I've already printed up journal prompts, pumpkin field trip and spelling test lego sheets.  Jill is always working on adding more.  I really urge you to check it out!

Click here to go to Enchanted Homeschooling Mom!

 

Xbox Live membership only $34.99 for 12 months!

Don't miss this great deal on Xbox Live from Amazon! Only $34.99 for 12 months! That is a 42% savings! It ships free with super saver shipping too!

The Children's Homer: The Adventures of Odysseus and The Tale of Troy

Well, I decided to order this book to add to our homeschool History lesson on Homer.  We had already read about the Trojan War so I thought they would find it interesting.  The oldest said, " Ehhh."  He was not thrilled but he did sit still and listen.  He was also able to answer questions so I know he didn't mind it.  My middle thought it was really cool. The thing is I enjoyed it!  I sorta knew what was going to happen even though I had never really read anything Homer in my high school.  (I didn't even read the required readings let alone branch out - all I read back then were romance novels lol!)  It took awhile to get through this book even though it was a short book.  The problem were all the Greek names.  They killed us!  I was reading it aloud and it was a bit difficult to have some of the countries and people's names roll off the tongue.  What I think the kid's really liked was how we had already read the Percy Jackson books 1 & 2 so this story had all the same places in it.  It was fun to relate and discuss the two for sure.  

Anyways if you kid's like adventure I say give it a try.  If anything it will prepare them for the harder stuff when they get into the high school years. 

So homeschoolers what is your current read aloud together book?

Tiny Toon Adventures Crazy Crew Rescues DVD review!

Now available on DVD TinyToon Adventures Crazy Crew Rescues!!  I have to admit I'm a bit of a Tiny Toons fan!  I used to love watching it when I was um... well not that young but younger!  Ha!  The boys have been having a blast watching this new DVD.  It has so many pop culture references that I crack up still.  Not to mention I still know the theme song by heart!

About:

They’re tiny, they’re toony, they’re all a little loony! Get set for another outrageous, fun-filled semester at Acme Looniversity with Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s upcoming DVD release of TinyToon Adventures Crazy Crew Rescues! available in stores January 8, 2013. The new generation of Looney Tunes characters await viewers in this exciting new collection that features 17 hilarious episodes of the popular animated series on two discs. Tiny Toon Adventures Crazy Crew Rescues! will retail for $19.97 SRP.

From Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, Tiny Toon Adventures is the entertaining, animated series that spawned a whole new generation of madcap Looney Tunes characters including Buster Bunny, Babs Bunny, Plucky Duck, Hamton J. Pig, among others. The characters reside in Acme Acres and are enrolled at Acme Looniversity, where they are schooled under the wise (guy) guidance of veteran toon legends such as Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam, Elmer Fudd and others in hopes of graduating with a "Diploma of Lunacy."

Those wacky kids at Acme Looniversity are at it again! There’s never a dull moment at this prestigeous learning institution with all the zany antics the Tiny Toon Adventures gang has in store. In Hog-Wild Hamton, Plucky Duck throws a rollicking party when Hamton’s parents go out of town but the bash soon gets out of control. Elmyra’s doll Babette comes to life and Plucky Duck competes with Babs Bunny to get the most photos in the class year book on Toon Physics. In Acme Cable TV, Babs and Buster Bunny turn into couch potatoes after a bout with the Taiwan flu forces them to stay home with nothing to do but watch Acme Cable TV all day. Plucky Duck stars in a hilarious parody of Thor Heyerdahl’s expedition on Kon-Tiki in Kon Ducki. Sepulveda Boulevard features a clever spoof of the classic film Sunset Blvd. starring Elmyra as a washed-up cartoon star hoping to make her comeback.  These and several other entertaining episodes are featured on the set.

“Tiny Toon Adventures is a clever, witty and beautifully animated series that has entertained fans for decades,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. She added, “These cartoons have successfully captured the essense of classic Looney Tunes with their memorable characters and clever storylines but have added a twist with great new characters and storylines. They offer something for viewers of every age. Tiny Toon Adventures fans have eagerly awaited the release of additional volumes of the series and we’re delighted to bring them this new release. If you’re a fan of exceptional animation, this is a must-have title for your home enterainment library.”

Featured Episodes:

1. Pledge Day

2. Going Places

3. Elephant Issues

4. Hog-Wild Hamton

5. Playtime Toons

6. Toon Physics

7. Acme Cable TV

8. Buster and Babs go Hawaiian

9. Henny Youngman Day

10. Love Disconnection

11. Kon Ducki

12. Sepulveda Boulevard

13. Take Elmyra Please

14. Thirteensomething

15. New Class Day

16. Fox Trot

17. What Makes Toons Tick

You can purchase your copy at your local retailer or order it online at Amazon! 

Thank you to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc. for providing a copy for review purposes.  As always my opinions are strictly my own!

Tough Guys and Drama Queens - Book Review

I recently had the opportuntiy to read and review Tough Guys and Drama Queens:  How Not To Get Blindsided By Your Child's Teen Years by Mark Gregston.  I thought this book would be a great resource for the upcoming teen years.  The beginning of the book goes over many many different scenarios of what could happen to your kid.  It doesn't actually give any practical advice until chapter 10.  The thing is after reading 90 pages I was depressed because there were no practical solutions to the actual problems discussed.  There were good tips in the ending chapters but the overall flow of the book just didn't work for me.  I would have liked each chapter to work through the issue and give guidance and suggestion.  Gregston has a true love for teens and that shined through the whole book. 

Tough Guys and Drama Queens is available at your local bookstore and online at Amazon. 

Thank you to BookSneeze.com for providing a copy for review purposes.  

Getting there!

Yesterday I accomplished a good bit of organization.  I'm so thrilled to be able to find stuff.  I'm reading this new book called Be That Girl and it really reflects how I want this new year to be.  (Review to come next week on Astheygrowup.com!) The Author says a lot of about organizing.

 

This is my little space of shelving.  I also have a 3 drawer plastic bin under my kitchen table (the one end of my table is devoted to computer/printer/desk)  - no worries my table is HUGE!  I have 2 additional shelves with a closing door on the unit pictured.  In it is arts and crafts to make and my review work.  

Those boxes I made were inspired by a pinterest post I found.   Here is the tutorial I used.  So easy ~ no sewing just cutting and glueing!  I plan on making some more for my bedroom to store all my yarn.  

Next us I made printables for the boys.  I had a book I was hand writing in every night to tell them what they needed to do each day.  This was time consuming and then well I got lazy and just gave them verbal list.  Something like, "Do math, spelling, grammar and read your Bible."  Well I think they need something a little more concrete.  So I went to my word doc and just uploaded a weekly calendar (it was from their templetes and said homework sheet.)  Then I changed the titles around a little to say our subjects and added a note section for Sat/sun.  Easy Peasy!  I'm going to have them highlight what they accomplish and turn it into me on Fridays after they are done their work.  This way I can reevaluate and change for the following week. 

I'm personally thrilled with these accomplishments!  Now if only I could take the Christmas Tree down.... lol. 

January Homeschool check In!

Monday is back to school for us.  We had a two week Holiday break which was nice but everyone is ready to start back to work.  My middle woke up and did crafts unprompted.  To get ready I had to clean our entire homeschool space (just a few shelves in the kitchen)  - the holidays had me just shoving stuff on the shelves rather than filing like should.  I also need to do some planning for this half of the year which includes printing.  Hopefully I get my brother printer hooked up and going once and for all because I had the cost of ink on my jet printer and the laser is so much cheaper.  I've ordered books at the library and have to order a few from Amazon as well.  (We are going to read this book: The Children's Homer)

So Goals for January 2013:

• Print/Plan for the remainder of the school year.
• Blog more on this site about our experiences (I am still regularly over at Astheygrowup.com)
• Menu plan and stick to it!! (and share with you all!)

Goals for the boys school:

• Get ahead in Science/History in Jan/Feb
• Finish Math (Teaching Textbooks) and purchase the next editions
• Art Project 

Are you re-adjusting for 2013? Any Resolutions? 

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales now available on DVD!

Who better to Celebrate the Holidays with than Scooby-Doo!  In the new DVD Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Holiday Chills and Thrills is filled with winter and holiday fun!  My kids really enjoy Scooby-Doo and liked this new DVD.  

 

 

 

About:

It’s holiday high-jinks and merry-making escapades with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Inc. gang when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills, the all-new, must-have animated collection available October 16, 2012. This compilation is comprised of 13 action-packed classic Scooby-Doo! adventures that promise to get viewers into the spirit of the season and includes a brand-new 22-minute Scooby-Doo! holiday movie titled Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays. Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills will retail for $19.98 SRP.

 

Jinkies! It may be the holiday season but there are several mysteries that need solving! Scooby-Doo and the gang however, still manage to have plenty of fun in Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills. It’s non-stop chills and thrills as the gang sets out to solve 13 suspenseful mysteries on this holiday-inspired compilation.

 

In the all-new Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays, Scooby and gang face a chilly and frightful holiday season when they try to solve the mystery of a sinister snowman, which has come alive in a downtown area and appears intent on destroying an old and revered toy store. The gang sets out to help kids in a children’s home as they put on a Christmas pageant in The Nutcracker Scoob. In There’s No Creature Like Snow Creature, Scooby and the Mystery Inc. team travel all the way to a Tibetan mountain resort that’s being terrorized by a mysterious snow creature. In Toy Scary Boo, Scooby and his friends encounter living toys that have taken over a store. These and many other exciting mysteries await Scooby-Doo fans in this not-to-be-missed collection!

 

“We’re excited to unveil a brand-new, 22-minute Scooby-Doo! mystery in this wonderful holiday-inspired collection,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing and Partner Brands. She added, “Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills is a great title to add to your holiday DVD collection. It features a unique blend of holiday and winter themed Scooby-Doo! episodes from classic Scooby-Doo! TV series together on one DVD. Now kids and grown-ups can celebrate that special time of the year with one of their all-time favorite cartoon characters.”

 

Scooby-Doo!, the hit franchise follows the adventures of Daphne, Fred, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby-Doo as they travel in their van “The Mystery Machine” and solve cases typically involving ghosts, monsters or other supernatural forces. High-jinks always ensue, with their investigations resulting in entertaining chase scenes mixed with catchy musical numbers and comedic antics. The original television program went on to become one of the most successful animated television programs in history and spawned several spin-off series, specials, consumer products and live action films.

 

Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Holiday Chills and Thrills Featured Mysteries:

 

Disc 1:

• Scooby-Doo! Haunted Holidays 
• A Scooby-Doo! Christmas
• Tenderbigfoot
• Snow Job Too Small
• The Nutcracker Scoob, Part I
• The Nutcracker Scoob, Part II
• A Scary Night With a Snow Beast Fright

 

Disc 2:

• Scooby-Doo Meets Laurel & Hardy AKA The Ghost of Bigfoot
• There’s No Creature Like Snow Creature
• Rocky Mountain Yiiiii
• That’s Snow Ghost
• Whatta Shocking Ghost
• Toy Scary Boo

Thank you to WHV for providing a product for review.  As always my opinion is my own (or my kids!)