My space....

We live in a very small house...I know I've said it many many times before.  We've been looking for something that is a multipurpose use space for my crafting.  We were thinking of an  L Shaped Desk  to use as that multipurpose space.  I can also use it as a study area for school.   Take a look at the L Shaped Desks, they are gorgeous!!  I can see this one set up for me as a crafting space....

Oh yes and of course studying.

Any suggestions??

TOS Crew Review~~Kid Scoop The Reluctant Reader Solution

We have 2 children that do not like to read one bit!  So when this came up for review I was game!!  Anything to get them interested in reading.

Kid Scoop is offered in three parts:

FIRST - FREE

People can go to the website Kidscoop.com to sign up to receive daily "Make Reading Fun" tip for 30 days.

SECOND and THIRD

The purchase price is $97 which includes: Reluctant Reader Solution a downloadable ebook.  The link to download will be emailed to you after purchase.  This ebook is a number of mini unit studies all in one zip file (which takes up less space on your computer)  You can see a picture of some sample pages below.

Second part included in the purchase price is an online newspaper for kids.  This is a monthly subscription.  You will receive an email with a link to access your monthly newspaper.

MY THOUGHTS:

PRAISE THE LORD for this product.  My 2 reluctant readers have now started to enjoy reading!  Our oldest daughter who is 16 just did not care to read one bit...unless it was on the computer.  The first day we started using these she did the typical teenager thing and sighed with a roll of the eyes.  But I said just please humor me!!  She actually loved the worksheets.  She would go through and pick out the great recipes that were in some of them.  She also enjoyed writing some of the silly stories they asked her to write.

Our son is the other in the family that does not like reading.  But when he found out all the cool things about baseball he could know just by reading he was THRILLED!!  His favorite was the "Play Newspaper Baseball" worksheet.  In order to get a home run he had to write a number of stories.  So not only was he starting to enjoy reading he was writing as well!  I am SO overjoyed with the progress of his reading and writing.

Best of all there is very little preparation on my part.  I gave them the list to choose from and they picked out what they wanted to do.  Another neat thing was each day I received an email with a topic and fun thing to do.  They then grab the newspaper and circle whatever they were asked to find.  This was their favorite thing to do.  Now if I were to ask them before Kid Scoop to grab the newspaper and look for something I would of been met with sighs and complaints.  Thank you Kid Scoop!!

To see what my other crew members have said go on over HERE and visit them.

As a part of TOS CREW I received this product free for review in exchange for my honest review.

Download N Go~~Winter Wonders

The description below was taken from Download N Go website:

Do your children ever wonder about winter?

Have you heard any of these questions as days grow colder and winter sets in?

"Mom, where do the animals go in the winter?"

"Dad, how do those icicles get on the house like that?"

"Grandma, where did hot chocolate come from?"

Day 1: What is Winter?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Winter
Day 3: People and Places of Winter
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Winter
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Winter

No longer is the coldest season just a winter wonderland—use Winter Wonders and warm up to an educational exploration!

An acrostic, a booklet of frostbite signs, a great Iditarod flipbook, a wheel of winter animals, creative instructions for hot chocolate, bird feeders, winter fun, and more will all end up in a memorable lapbook by the end of the week.

Since we are in the middle of winter here this was a perfect fit for our family.  Since we have always lived in an area where there is alot of snow we really enjoy it....as long as we have no where to go!

We started off with an experiment on the difference between the temperature in our home and then outside of our home.  I had the kids get bundled up, and go outside.  I shut the door and said, "Stay out there until I call you back in."  You should of seen their faces...LOL!   Then I had them come back inside and compair being out side to being inside.

Of course....all work and no play would be NO fun!!

We made our own snow!! Not that we need anymore of it.  This was a very fun experiment.  We also started a weather journal, we kept track of weather for the rest of the week.  That was quite interesting for the kids.  I'm thinking about keeping this up for the remainder of the year.  But you know the best thing is Download N Go does all the review work for you.  I did not have to come up with a form for them to use.

We watched a video on dog sled teams.  This was especially touching for me since we had an Alaskan malamute dog when I was a kid who was killed tragically.  I really miss that dog!!  We also watched a few shows on the television on dog sled teams that just happened to be on one night.  SO interesting.  I wish I could remember what and where they were so I could share them with you.

We took a walk outdoors looking for animal tracks, we did not have to go far before finding deer tracks.  We even were able to track where our cat has gone.  The kids had fun doing that.

Here is a sneak peak at some...and I mean some of the pages you will get with this study.

Download N Go is such a great way to study a certain topic.  AND all the work is done for you!!

See what other review team members are saying....HERE!

TOS Crew Review~~See N Read

What it is...description taken from See N Read's website.

See-N-Read® is a practical reading intervention tool....designed to help readers seamlessly see, focus, and remember what they read. It reduces word- and line-skipping and pattern glare.

See: See-N-Read® helps readers to concentrate on and track the text being read while smoothly transitioning between the words that come before or after, thus helping readers to increase their fluency (the capacity to read text accurately and quickly) and comprehension.

Focus: See-N-Read’s clear reading window is surrounded by a non-glare tinted transparent finish that helps readers to focus on manageable “chunks” of information in each line of text.

Remember: See-N-Read® provides readers with a clear reference point that helps control smooth eye movements across the text on a page. Smooth eye movement from left to right and smooth transitions from line to line ("sweeping") enhance retention of information.

See-N-Read’s flexible material makes it easy for readers, young and old, to hold and use it as they read.

What I thought...

All of our children struggle with reading.  Whether it's because they simply do not want to sit long enough to do it.  Or because they have a learning block that causes them to not be able to....we have it all.  See N Read is one of those tools that is such a simple concept yet SO effective.  I received 3 of these to try out here as a part of TOS Review Crew.  I gave each one of our children one to use.  They all decided it was a perfect tool for their Bibles.  Not only could they use it as a guide as they read a passage, they could use it to underline something they wanted to remember.  Each of my children had nothing but good things to say about them.  Katrina (16) has learning blocks said "it makes the words just jump off the page...so easy to read!  Hannah (13) has auditory processing disorder said "It has helped me read.  I do not loose my place anymore."  Andrew (11) just did not like to read said, "I can read now and remember what I read."  I had to explain to him why this was the case!!  The reading tools are very light weight and can be kept right inside their Bibles.  AWESOME!!  I honestly could of used these when I was a paralegal reading through tons of documents and legal briefs. 

Product Specifics...

Order HERE.

Book size (5 1/2) $2.99

Document size (8 1/2) $3.49

Combo of both $3.99

We loved these and will continue to use these for years.  Thank you See N Read for sending these to us for review.  We got these in exchange for my honest review...no money was given...all opinions are my own!!

To see what other crew members have said about these visit the crew blog.

Product Review~~The Official Butter Bell

I have seen these around bloggy land for so long now.  I've always wanted to try them.  I really wasn't sure they would work very well.  I was sent one for myself to try out!!  CHRISTmas came early for this girl.  There were so many to choose from.  I decided to go with just the Retro Color & Matte Finish Butter Bell Crocks - Ivory Matte Finish

Put in one stick of butter into top part of the crock.

Pour 1/3 of a cup of cold water into the crock.

Put the top on and your done.  This gives you perfect spreadable butter.  There is nothing i hate more than to have a piece of bread break apart because of hard to spread butter.  This has definatly become part of our kitchen now.

There are SO many of these to choose from.  They also have other products not just Butter Bells.  Go on over and check out all they have to offer.  I'm thinking about getting one of the Tea Steepers!

**This product was sent to me by L.Tremain free of charge in exchange for my honest review.**

TOS Review~~ALEKS

What is it:

Researched base online math program.

Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces

uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn't know in a course.  You can see a quick introduction video HERE.

How it works:

You sign up and create an account for your children.  You can also create a master account where you can monitor each child and the work they have done.  Your child or children can then sign in and take a tour.  They then have to take an assessment test (usually 20-30 questions). 

Then your child can then go to Learning Mode where they will begin learning new concepts.  Learning Mode offers practice problems and step by step learning of new concepts.  You can see in the picture below the pie chart...it is broken into different sections.  When you move the cursor over a part of the pie new assignments will show up.  Dark parts of the pie are mastered topics.

My Thoughts:

This program was mainly used by our 11 year old son.  He loves math and is very willing to try new things.  Our daughters have learning disabilities and do not do well with new things.  He really enjoyed being able to "learn math on his own."  He really enjoyed the games.

One thing I found difficult was the steps to creating an account.  I probably took the long way around and made more steps for myself.  But I was contacted by ALEKS customer service and they helped me!  That was a huge plus in my book.  Although we liked it we probably would not go with it because of the price.

Cost:

$19.95 per student per month OR

$99.95 every 6 months OR

$179.95 every 12 months

If you are buying for more than one child they do offer a family discount.

There is a one month free trial.

Overall we really liked this.  I just think we are more "old fashioned" type of homeschoolers.  We like books.  So if cost isn't an issue for you I really suggest you check this out.

Go HERE and see what my other crew members are saying.

 I’m an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew. I received a one month subscription to ALEKS for free in exchange for my honest review.

TOS Review~~Master Rulers

I had many pictures to post but somehow they got deleted!  So all the pictures here are from the website.

What is it?

Master Innovations began with the simple goal to have each child in a classroom own a Master Ruler. The Master Ruler has been a great success, and very probably you have heard of it. After many years of Research & Development they now also bring us The Master Clock, The Master Fractions, The Master Angle and the Marvels of Measurement Poster.

As a TOS Homeschool Crew we received...The Master Ruler (one of each, metric and standard), Master Ruler Workbook and The Marvels of Measures chart.

What we thought:

When I first saw these rulers from Master Innovations,  I though....how confusing.  It looked like there was so much going on.  The more I looked through the materials the more I started to like them.  With rulers in hand our children went to work.  Since this is the season we have SO many lady bugs around they found one and made sure the chart we were sent was accurate!  Yes it was!

We have 2 daughters that have learning disabilities.  It takes them some time to learn new concepts.  These rulers worked very well for them!!  The rulers are like many rulers in one.  With each of the different layers they were able to see all of the connections.  They were even very aware that they had learned fractions at the same time!  It all connected for them....it was like a light bulb going off.  I LOVE when I see that.

Purchasing information:

Master Ruler Starter Set: $41.25

Includes: 1 Standard Master Ruler

1 Metric Master Ruler

1 Teacher's Master Ruler

1 Master Ruler Workbook (reproducible)

We really like using these and plan to continue with them.  To see what other homeschoolers had to say about them go HERE.

TOS Crew Review~~Bright Ideas Press~~Young Scholar's Guide to Composers

During our years of homeschooling I had heard many things about Bright Ideas Press.  But until now had never used any of their products.  We were able to pick one of 6 products.  It was a tough decision.  But our children love music and we decided on A Young Scholar's Guide to Composers.

Here is the description from the website:

"This course provides a close-up look at famous composers, their music, and their times, with special attention to character traits and Christian testimony (or lack thereof). Even the musically challenged will enjoy this course! It’s perfect for grades 4-8 but is easily adaptable for younger and older students. Minimal teacher prep will return maximum enjoyment!"

Product information:

CD-Rom Book

Price: $29.95

Paperback book (298 pages) $34.95

My thoughts:

We LOVE this study.  It is a complete 32 week study.  We were able to choose either the CD ROM or the book.  We opted for the book.   It has everything from coloring pages to quizzes, with everything in between.  When they said in the description "a close-up look" they really meant it!!  Like any of our unit studies we often get side tracked!  Which is just what we did here.  We only got through 2 of the composers, Handel and Bach. 

Towards the back of the book there are "Listening Suggestions".  You type in the link given and watch different videos.  There are questions below the links for you to ask.  It gave my children something specific to listen for.  Our kids love picking out different things from musical pieces.

In the back of the book there is even a book list.  Our library LOVES it when they see me come in with long lists of books I need.  :-)  We will defiantly be continuing on with this study.  We have learned so much from just the ones we have done.  I can't wait to learn more....I mean teach my kids more.

We were THRILLED to see the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra mentioned in this book in their list of extras.  We have had the pleasure of seeing them perform on many occasions.  We really want to go see them again.  Perhaps it can be a field trip when we complete this study.

I highly recommend this curriculum!  Not just because they mentioned the RPO but because of the wonderful study it is!!

To see other TOS Crew reviews go HERE.

**As a member of the TOS Crew I was given this product in exchange for my honest review.  I received no other compensation.**

Review~~Molly's Money Saving Digest October

I just had the pleasure of hearing Molly speak at the TOS Expo!!  How inspiring she was!  I'll talk more about that during next month's review of Molly's Money Saving Digest.  She gave us a little glimpse on what it will be about!  An area that I am SO lacking in!

Ok now back to this months digest.  This one was a favorite...I think I've said that each month! LOL!  They are all great!  This one started off with a topic dear to my heart....SOUP!!  Soup really brings back a lot of wonderful memories.  My grandparents made soup all the time.  There is nothing like a large bowl of soup to warm the body and the soul.  Not only that but it is a nice way to stretch the food dollar.  This week we have had soup each day because we just did not have the money to grocery shop...I know gasp!  But never fear we have not gone hungry.  There is nothing better to get your creative juices flowing in the kitchen than having to dig deep in the pantry or freezer to create meals.

Here is a sneak peak of some of the pages you will receive in this month's issue.  I tell you Molly's Money Saving Digest gets better each month!!  I mean for $4.95 you get a TON of money saving tips and ideas.  As well as fun projects you and your children can do.  Many of them would make wonderful Christmas gifts!!

Next week I am going to be cooking my way through the digest making the wonderful recipes she has shared!!  I can not wait to make the Three Sister's Chowder!  There is a link to the Hillbilly Housewife's website where she gives you the recipe for the Cream of anything soup.  I made this and used it in today's supper...let me tell you the only thing missing in this is a blood pressure raise with all the sodium in the canned cream soups!!  It was SO good and super easy to make!  Best of all it was made with ingredients I already had here!

You can even visit the Econobusters blog for more information on saving money.  I've had to cut a lot this week and learn how to make do with what we have.  Go on over to the The Old Schoolhouse store and purchase this ebook.

Molly also offers a Molly Membership for $3.95 per month.  You get not only the digest of the month you get extra member only downloads and money saving links.

To keep everything in an organized binder go on over to The Old Schoolhouse store and download these FREE...yes I said FREE binder covers.

This digest was given to me in exchange for my honest review!  Thank you Molly for showing me cutting costs in our budget doesn't mean going without!!

TOS Crew Review~~The Peleg Chronicles Book 1

We were so excited when we saw this book.  We have a lot of books that interest our daughters.  But not many that our son enjoys reading.  When he first saw this book he wanted to instantly dive into.   His birthday is coming and we will be getting book 2 for him.  YEAH!!  Finally he enjoys reading!!  Thank you SO much Matthew Christian Harding! 

About the book: Description found from Matthew's website.

Foundlings, book one of The Peleg Chronicles is Historical Fiction that takes place in the time period of Peleg, soon after the tower of Babel dispersion. In its pages we meet dragons, giants, false priests, the death hunt, an under-city of the Dwarven Brotherhood, and many memorable characters. The story begins with Lord McDougal and his faithful shield-bearer, Fergus Leatherhead, departing their lands with giants at their backs, while before them lie in wait denizens of the bog-land and forest. Ever ready to protect and serve others, they gather in tow an assortment of displaced adventurers and find themselves embroiled in a mysterious search for the foundlings: orphaned Thiery with his companion Horatio the white wolf, and Suzie who has been deceitfully retained by the thieves Elvodug and Flemup. Others also seek the foundlings, and their purposes are most sinister - Dragon Priests who practice cozen sacrifices, and their leader Count Rosencross who is torn by his God given conscience and his pursuit of personal glory. Onward toward the city of Hradcanny they travel, meeting with treachery, beast attacks, camaraderie and psalms of praise with an eye toward the gospel. Though their battles are at times fierce and the outcomes uncertain, the author maintains the integrity of these noble characters, who through weakness are made strong by Him in whom they trust. Foundlings weaves together the Biblical principles of chivalry, truth, courage, duty, faith and love within the framework of Genesis, and a bold adherence to its historicity. It's an exciting page turner that leaves you wanting more, but more importantly it leaves the reader with Godly heroes to think on and emulate, and a young earth creationist view of history that conforms to the Word of God.

No Magic

No Evolution

No Humanism

Like I said before, we loved this book.  It's very difficult to find books that hold the interest of my son that we approve of.  Of course he loved all the characters, action and adventure.  This book has opened up a whole new world for our son.  Our daughters enjoyed it some, but I think it is more in tune for boys.  That is just my opinion! 

This book can be found at many book stores.  Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as Zoe and Sozo Publishing. for around $11.00.  It is well worth that.  To tell you the truth I can't wait to read the next one!!

I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.  To see other Crew member's reviews go on over to the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

TOS Crew Review~~Spelling City Premium Membership

We have used Spelling City before.  When we were contacted to try their Premium Membership as a part of the TOS Crew we were excited! 

For a family (up to 5 students), the fee is only $24.99. You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, check, or purchase order.

 

Spelling City is an online resource that has:

•Over 42,000 spelling words and customizable sentences

•A REAL person who says each word and sentence

•Free home pages for teachers and parents to save lists

•Teacher training videos to show teachers and parents how to use SpellingCity.com

•Customizable sentences for words with multiple meanings (e.g., a scale for weighing, to scale a mountain, the scale on a map)

•Free printable handwriting worksheets for handwriting practice with your saved lists

•Free teaching resources with lists and lesson plans for teaching high frequency words, compound words, sound-alike words (their, there, they're), contractions, possessives, and more. There are also lists for learning state capitals.

•Twelve games to play online or to print: Spelling, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Alphabetical Order

•A free forum and newsletters with more vocabulary and spelling resources

With each spelling list, students can choose one of three options:

•Test Me repeats each spelling word with a live voice and uses it in a sentence.

•Teach Me spells and displays the word in ways that stimulate memory for visual and verbal learners.

•Play a Game uses your spelling list in educational games that teach spelling, word meaning, vocabulary, and alphabetical order.

After taking an online spelling test, students can print out a report, retake the entire test, or get tested only on the spelling words they got wrong the first time.

With Premium Membership, you get:

1. Automatic test grading and student grade book

2. Complete activity tracking of all student activities

3. Access to SpeedySpeller and LetterFall, our Premium Games

4. Telephone support

Our thoughts:

We really like Spelling City.  I used it for their spelling tests.  I like that I can enter the words from our kids text books and they can take the test.  Something about being on the computer taking a test makes the kids love their spelling tests. 

Each of my kids used this at their own pace.  I would usually have them go through the routines regarding their spelling lists, write their words 3 times each, write their words in a sentence ect ect.  They dreaded spelling...frankly so did I.  I had to pour over their work they had just done. 

Now my kids look forward to Spelling!  Most importantly they are learning their spelling words.  Now instead of conversations like this:

Mom: "K have you done your spelling assignment?"

K: *sighhhhhhh* "No"

Mom: "You have to do it or no TV time."

K: "Fine! I'll do it then but I hate spelling!"

I now have conversations like this:

K: "Mom is it time for spelling?"

Mom: "Not yet."

K: "Aww Mom I want to do my spelling."

Mom: "How can I argue with that?!"

Spelling City is a wonderful tool that will excite your children about working on their spelling skills.  Remember they are just that...skills.  It takes time to spell words correctly.

**I received this item from Spelling City as part of the TOS Crew for the purpose of review. In exchange for my honest review of this product.   Thank you to TOS and Spelling City for the use of this product. If you'd like to read further reviews on this product, please go HERE.

CSN Store Review and a Recipe!

I was contacted by CSN Stores a while back to do a review.  I've done them in the past and was very excited to pick something again.  It is always like Christmas all over again for me.  This time I decided I would like some really good bake ware.  Cookie sheets, cake pan, 2 round cake pans and a brownie pan.

It has been way too hot to actually use these pans.  But I decided one morning I really needed to make something with them so I could post about the pans.

The pans I got were Farberware pans.  I wanted really good durable pans.  I usually just go with the cheap kind that usually rust after the first use.

I made brownies, cookies and a cake with the pans...but for some reason I forgot to take pictures of them...LOL!

The cookies i made were peanut butter cake mix cookies.  The cake I made was:

Fresh Apple Cake

2 c. flour

1/2 c. raisins

4 apples, chopped

2 c. sugar

1/2 c. oil

2 eggs, unbeaten

1/2 c. nuts

1&1/2 t. soda

1 t. salt

1 t. vanilla

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. nutmeg

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, mix raisins into the flour before adding all the other ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon by hand. When the batter is mixed until smooth, spoon into a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Bake 45 minutes to an hour. Good served with whipped topping.

I LOVE CSN stores!  I highly recommend them for ALL your shopping needs.  They have over 200 online stores full of all kinds of products.  Go on over and check them out.  Even their customer service department is the best.  I had a question about my shipment and they answered it right away.

My Birthday Blessings

My husband has spoiled me this year with birthday blessings!!  We usually do not have the money for gifts but last year we decided to save up through the year for gifts.  Our birthdays are exactly 1 week apart.  Hubby's is the 19th and mine is the 26th.  Until this year we always went out to supper to celebrate.  So now for what he got me....

A pressure cooker!  I've been wanting one of these for a long time.  This is the Nesco 3 in 1.  It is not only a pressure cooker, but it is a slow cooker and steamer!  WOW!  I can get rid of my slow cooker and replace it with this....maybe having 2 would be great!

NEXT....

He also got me 6 of the Homestead Blessings DVD!!  OH my how I've wanted these for so long.  I'm watching The Art of Canning as I write this post. 

The other ones he got me are:

The Art of Gardening

The Art of Herbs

The Art of Breadmaking

The Art of Soapmaking

The Art of Candlemaking

Everyone I know will be getting things I make this year for Christmas!!  I love the handwritten note that was enclosed by the West lady who packaged the DVD's.  Such a personal touch!

Review--Molly's Money Saving Digest--July

We are at that point in the summer when the "I'm Bored's" visit our home.  No matter how hard we try they do not want to leave!!  Well look no further the July's issue of Molly's Money Saving Digest is just what you need.

Here is how it is described on The Old Schoolhouse Store's website:

Molly’s Money-Saving Digest’s July feature is . . .

Summer Fun From A to Z

Does summer fun evade you? Or has your family slipped into seasonal habits that need some refreshing? Are you ready for a little excitement this July?

The alphabet takes on a whole new meaning when every letter provides another exciting summertime activity! This month’s special feature can help you learn . . .

•How to make the coolest bracelets ever!

•A new use for a clothesline—they are good for far more than drying a few towels.

•All about the wonders of the Fourth of July—from art to fireworks.

•Great new uses for lots of things, from Frisbees to hula hoops!

•How to find unique places to visit—from national parks to lighthouses and more.

•And you will love what Molly came up with for the last few letters of the alphabet!

Slow down this summer and really consider the many wonderful components that make up Molly’s Money-Saving Digest. Check them out . . .

•Molly’s Minute always shares a few words from her heart. This month her goal is to help every family get out in their bare feet and enjoy the simple pleasures of summer!

•Begin With the Basics covers a basic skill to help with your everyday household tasks. Plenty of picnicking help is packed into this edition of Molly’s Money-Saving Digest!

•On Sale This Month helps you get ready for the bargains so you can shop more frugally. July is the time for everything hot to go on sale and more dollars to stay in your wallet!

•Special Dates This Month keeps you on track for holidays, but it covers little-known special dates as well. No one should miss “Cheer Up the Lonely Day”!

•Tips and Tools for Organization offers ideas to be more frugal with your time and space. Molly provides several forms to help you have a “summer of discovery!”

•Feather Your Nest Frugally whether fancy, fanciful, fashionable, or just family-friendly, home décor has never looked better. Molly keeps you thinking green!

•In the Kitchen With Molly guides you through cooking with the too-often shrinking family dollar in mind. This month in the midst of the heat, she gets you out of the kitchen faster! Molly gives you a week of menus focusing on oven-less recipes. Complete with recipes and grocery shopping list!

•Kids’ Corner brings you amazing things for your children each month! July brings great science experiments that will help you beat the summer heat—and have fun!

•Something Old, Something New helps you repurpose items for your home. With all of the park trips and picnics of summer, Molly brings you a day pack for your children made from an incredibly lightweight, waterproof material that will truly astound you! Seriously, you will never look at simple bags for children the same way again!

•July’s Feature: Summer Fun From A-Z provides an AmaZing list of activities, ideas, and tips for filling this summer with plenty of fun for the entire family!

•This Is My Story shares a bit of the life of a fellow Molly’s Money-Saving Digest reader. This month introduces a family listening to God’s call to be debt free, through medical problems and tough times—even today. Learn about living an abundant lifestyle!

•From My Mailbox—Molly passes along what readers have shared as they fill her inbox. This month, July turns the tables as she asks her readers to tell her what they want to see in future Digests. What is she looking for? Find out. And help her find answers!

So many captivating components—all designed to help you live more frugally, enjoy your family, and stretch your family dollar! And Molly wraps it all up with her always-encouraging In Closing remarks, followed by the mind-boggling Directory of Links.

Summer is filled with opportune moments—don’t miss a single occasion for fun! With Molly’s tips, lists of activities, delectable recipes, frugal decorating, science experiments, and so much more—the entire family will enjoy summer fun!

With Summer Fun From A to Z, this summer will be AmaZing—to the letter!

Molly makes it easier to be frugal! And it’s fun!

For just $4.95, buy the July Molly’s Money-Saving Digest now.

TOS Review--Travel Kits

E-Book: Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others

Published by The Old Schoolhouse

Cost: $12.45

This is the next review for The Old Schoolhouse Crew!  Here is what their website says about this ebook:

Does your family spend a lot of time in the car?

Are you fumbling for fun until you actually reach your destination?

Discover the joy of using travel kits!

The Old Schoolhouse® presents an incredible tool you can use to entertain your own family and bless others! We are excited to present the E-Book . . .

Travel Kits: A Simple Way to Bless Others

Instead of gritting your teeth and deciding you’re just going to survive that long trip to Grandma’s house next week or that hour-long, monthly visit to the orthodontist’s office, the author challenges you to demonstrate a little love, ingenuity, and organization by making a travel kit—a simple way to bless others! She has an understanding of making travel kits for a variety of friends and family for many occasions—and she is ready to share her expertise with you!

We were very excited to receive this ebook!!  We knew when we got this exactly what we were going to do.  We had some missionary friends coming to stay with us.  They have 4 children 10 and under.  There are so many ways you can bless a family using the ideas mentioned in this ebook.

I had planned on taking pictures but just never got to it...you'll have to use your imagination here! :-)

I got all my supplies at the local dollar store.  What I got:

3 sand pails

coloring books

crayons

2 travel games (for the older 2)

farm animals (for the younger)

fruit snacks

juice box with a plastic holder...so there is no spilling

I placed all the items in the assigned pail.  Right as they were getting ready to leave we handed the children their buckets.  They were SO excited.  Now they were ready for the 15 hour trip back home.

This ebook is a great addition to your ebook library.  We all know people who travel..some of you even do alot of traveling yourself.  As a parent I know we would love for someone to bless our children with one of these if we were traveling.

I highly recommend this book to everyone! Not only homeschoolers...we all travel or know those who do.  Or you could get a group of people from your church and put these together for visiting missionaries....pick a Saturday and assemble as a group.  That way they are done for the missionaries when they visit. 

I received this ebook from The Old Schoolhouse to review for free. 

CSN Review

CSN stores contacted me to do a review for them.  If you haven't heard of them they have over 200 + online stores.  They have everything from dinnerware to sofas, dogbeds, furniture and everything in between!!

The best part is that I get to choose something to review!!  Since my birthday is on Monday it comes at a perfect time!!  Happy Birthday to ME!! :-)  Whatever shall I choose???  Perhaps some new dinnerware, or a new kitchen appliance!  Oh the joy of online shopping!  Stay tuned for more information!!

CSN Stores are great for people like us who do not like to go out shopping.  You can shop right from the comfort of your own home!!

Product Review--Crystal Light Pure Fitness

When I had the opportunity to recieve samples of the Crystal Light new drink I was thrilled.  I love Crystal Light.  When the products arrived I immediatly loved the container.  It looked like an old fashioned barrel!!  If you are a regular reader you know how much I love old fashioned things. 

Here is a little description that was on an insert I recieved:

"Add Crystal Light Pure Fitness to your water and you get both a naturally sweetened and a low-calorie drink that's deliciously flavored.  So you can turn good ole water into a refreshing beverage with only 15 calories per serving."

The Kiwi Strawberry was my favorite.  I mixed this up and poured it over ice and added some fresh strawberries.  Sitting outside sipping this was great!!  Especially since it has been so hot here.

There are 15 calories per serving...compared to the 5 calories in the regular Crystal Light.  This is so refreshing and much better for you than other beverages.

The other samples I received I had to wrestle away from my children...LOL!  They absolutely loved this.  We don't buy Kool-Aid here because our children are hyper enough...ha ha.  I made the kids frozen drinks with the lemon lime flavor...by putting ice in the blender and blending until a slushy consistency.

I tried to find this in stores around here but have not had any luck.  I recieved these samples from Vocalpoint.  If you haven't heard of them go on over to the website and have a look around.  It's a great way to get some great free samples!!