Online Schooling

I've got a question for you homeschooling moms. Are you the ONLY one providing education resources to your child/children or do you use some sort of online schooling as well?

I have been doing everything myself (with the help of curriculum and computer software, of course). However, my oldest will be going into the 6th grade this coming school year and MATH is wiping this momma out. 

*Yes, even with the teacher's manual.

I've been looking into several sources for online schooling....

Online School Solutions being one of them.

I clicked on my home state and found out that there is a privately licensed online school, The Keystone School.

It looks like they offer a couple of tuition packages for Middle School (the one I will need) and High School.

You can choose a full year or half year courses.

Full year being 36 months and Half Year being 18 months

You can also choose the individual course plans.

Since we have no issues (at the moment) with any other subject then I think we will be able to go the "individual course" route. *MATH*

What do you think?

Do you have any experience with an online school program?

I like the idea of using online schooling as a supplement to what we are already doing. Actually, it may come in even more handy during high school years. Let's face it, Momma's brain isn't what it used to be.

The tuition amount seems fair and payment plans are available.

Like I said, we have been doing fine on our own but I do believe the further we go the harder it will get. I guess I need a good backup plan. (Kind of like insurance?) lol

I don't want to mess my kiddos education up, ya know?

HA!

U Scream for Ice Cream

We all scream for ice cream!!!

1.) Ice Cream cone treats by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

2.) Ice Cream Cupcakes by Joy the Baker

3.) Rainbow Pudding Pops from Random Thoughts of a Supermom

4.) 4th of July ice cream floats from Prudent Baby


*

Lil' Firecracker ~Trendy for the 4th~

4th of July firecracker hair clip by Sugar Bee

ruffled flag shirt tutorial from A little of this, A little of that

Captain America tee from Love Stitched

The Sprinkler Suit by Create and Delegate

Trendy Momma

Pearl Rosette necklace by Get Craftin

Bring a treat! (or two)

Apple Pie cupcakes by MommyTopics

4th of July smores on a stick from whimsical creations

lifesaver firecrackers by An Altered State of Mind

Get your craft on!

Smelly Cereal ~Kelloggs recall~

Smelloggs?

Kellogg's Cereals recalled . . .

Over 1.7 million cases of cereal have been recalled. The cause? A strange odor that appears to be caused by the plastic packaging. Some have also stated that there was a waxy coating (taste) on some of the cereal.

FDA mentions that there is little risk for injury/illness due to the smell however the risk of an upset stomach is possible if cereal is digested.

Cereals affected: Kellogg's Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Honey Smacks and Apple Jacks.

If you have any of these "Smelly" cereals and want more info on the recall visit www.kelloggs.com or call (888)801-4163.

Trendy for under $25

Both of my picks this week come from Gymboree (Their Big Red Balloon Sale).

Stock up on summer trends for next year!

For the girls :

Cornflower Belt Cuffed capri pants $9.99

Horse tank $4.99

Total: $14.98

Feel like splurging? Pick up the faux-suede fringe sandals too!

That brings the total to $27.97

  (I'm sure you can dig under the couch cushions for that!)

For the Boys:

Palm Patchwork shirt $8.99

Khaki Cargo shorts $10.00

Total: $18.99

Trendy yet THRIFTY!

Shop those clearance racks.

It's like giving a condom to a First Grader ...Oh, Wait

Linda, 

Ya don't blog...

Ya don't tweet...

Ya don't vlog...

I know. I know. I've been a bad girl. 

Actually, I've been a drained girl. We have been in Vacation Bible School all week. 

I'm teaching (14) five year olds.

Enough said?

I'm sitting here trying to catch up on all the news and current events, right?
Oh you know the kind....

Psychic Octopus predicting the World Cup results
Oprah rigging votes in her talkshow contest
Condoms for Kindergarteners 

HUH?

Come again.

The Governor of Massachusetts objects to the policy allowing elementary *YES ELEMENTARY* students the right to receive FREE condoms.

 He's also objecting to the part of the policy that PROHIBITS parents from finding out.
(If their child receives condom/sexual counseling).

:GULP:

Gov. Deval Patrick says:

"I don't want first-graders having access to condoms, but I don't want first-graders to be sexually active. And, frankly, I don't think the superintendent does, either. And I think parents should be involved, and I say that as a parent."

You don't want first graders to be sexually active? This saddens me to no end.
Why should this statement even come out of someones mouth?
WOW!
WOW!
WOW!

(Yes, I know we live in a different world now. BUT STILL!)

My lil guy turned 7 in March and he will enter the 2nd grade this year. SEX? on his mind?
uhhhhhhhhhhh NO!
Me thinking sex is on his mind at this age?
NOPE!

My oldest is 11 and will be in the 6th grade this year.
Sex on her mind? NOPE
I also have no thoughts of sex being on her mind.

My children are just that....CHILDREN.
I'm not saying that they are angels. NO WAY!
But
They are child-like.
They are not innocent but they are INNOCENT *You know what I mean.
I want them to stay this way until they are like 25.
Or until they actually ya know WANT TO GROW UP.
If they want to run up and down the road acting like a dinosaur.
LET THEM!
I don't care if the 3rd grader next door thinks it's "immature".
I really don't.

Would they still be this innocent and child like if they were in a public school setting?
I don't know.
I really don't.

I would like to think so but....

~end of rant~
**ok, not really**

Headlines and stories like the one above scare the (you know what outta me).
Is this how it is in school now days?

Do they really need provisions/revisions to school rules regarding the distribution of condoms in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?
WHY ON EARTH would something like this even be in the handbook?

And this governor wants to keep the parent completely out of the loop?
Are you kidding me?

This is scary.

I'll quote what one of the commenters on that piece said:

Elementary school kids cannot even go to a field trip WITHOUT parents' approval; yet they CAN get contraception WITHOUT the parents' knowledge?? They can't even get cold medicine, but they can get condoms WITHOUT parents' approval.

What are your thoughts?
This parenting thing is tough, huh?

Trendy for UNDER $25

I've been shopping the sales racks again. What did I find? Oh what did I find?

Style for under $25 *The whole outfit including shoes 

Gap Polka Dot tiered dress $12.99

+

Flower H-Band sandals (Fuschia) from Payless $10.99

Total: $23.98



Old Navy Plaid Cargo Shorts $7.99
+
Athletic Polo from Childrens Place $7.25
+
American Eagle canvas slip-on from Payless Shoes $9.99

Total: $25.23 (over by 23 cents but we couldn't pass up those shoes!)



What deals did you find this week?

NEW Sid the Science Kid "No School Singalong"

Sid the Science Kid's "No School Singalong" special debuts tomorrow, June 21st on PBS KIDS.

Don't worry...If you miss it tomorrow then it will re-broadcast on June 25th.

Sid wonders what he could possibly do on his day off from school. But when all his friends come over for a play date, they quickly put their science minds together and decide to put on a show in the backyard! They each take turns rocking out as they sing their favorite science songs for a very appreciative audience of Mom, Dad and Zeke! 

Want a sneak peek?

Check out the trailer below.

"Mom, I'm bored!!!" Fun ways to keep 'em entertained

The Craft Junkie shares this Magic Bubble recipe. 

Check out the size of that bubble!

 Here are some creative bubble wands from Clean.  
(because round bubbles are so 5 years ago :snicker:)

Crafts by Amanda shares this ladybug hat tutorial with us.
(Hey! we still have to look trendy when we are dripping with sweat, right?)

Don't worry Boys. There is a frog hat tutorial for you too!

Marshmallow shooters are still fun.

The Idea Room shows us how to make our own.

Still BORED?

Make these fingerprint pendants.

*tutorial by A girl and a glue gun*

Mom, you actually get something out of this one!

~WIN WIN~

Have fun crafting!

UH-OH....Recall Alerts (SpaghettiO's and Target)

Uh-Oh! SpaghettiO's.....have been recalled by Campbells. Three of the popular SpaghettiO's varieties have been recalled due to the meatballs being UNDER processed.

• "SpaghettiOs" with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans;
• "SpaghettiOs" A to Z with Meatballs in 14.75-ounce cans; and
• "SpaghettiOs" Fun Shapes with Meatballs (Cars) in 14.75-ounce cans.

Check for plant code EST4K on any one of these items with the USE BY DATES June 2010 to December 2010. (The code will be found on the bottom of the can.)

If you happen to have one of these cans, Do not eat them. Take it back to the store for an exchange or refund immediately. 

For more information on this recall visit CampbellsSoup.com.

**

Target is recalling Boys and Girls belts that were sold exclusively at their stores from December 2008-December 2009.
Boys’ Cherokee belts with the numbers 202/08/0018, 202/08/0019 or 202/08/0020 embossed on the belt and girls’ Circo belts with the numbers 202/05/0071, 202/05/0072, 202/05/0073 or 202/05/0074

This info can be found on the inside label of the belt.

These belts contain excessive amounts of lead. If you have one, take it to any Target store for a full refund.

For more information on this recall visit Target.com.

**

Regal Lager Inc. recalled the CYBEX 2.GO Carrier. The shoulder strap slider buckles on the CYBEX 2.GO may break, creating a fall hazard.



This recall involves the CYBEX 2.GO Carrier produced in July of 2009.

Sold at: Department and juvenile product stores nationwide between August 2009 and April 2010 for $99.

If you have one of these carriers, You are asked to stop using immediately and contact Regal Lager.

Phone:(866) 678-8940 or website www.regallager.com/recalls

**

Kiwi Industries recalls infant rompers and onesies sold nationwide from March 2010 to May 2010.
Snaps on the rompers and onesies can detach and pose as a choking hazzard.

The onesies and rompers were sold in eight colors and prints: eggplant with kiwi green binding, floral print with eggplant binding, kiwi green with eggplant binding, pacific blue with kiwi green binding, crisscross print and kiwi green with pacific blue binding. The onesies were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 12 to 18 months. The rompers were sold in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 18 to 24 months. “Kiwi industries” is printed on a tag sewn inside the garment’s collar.

 If your purchased any of these items, Contact Kiwi Industries at  (877) 509-4891 or visit kiwiindustries.com.

**

Bella Sara's NEW Moonfairies card collection

Bella Sara presents . . .

Moonfairies

Who would have thought these magical horses from Bella Sara would have become so popular?

Ok, maybe I was the only one.

I simply looked at them as "another card series to collect" but they are So Much More!

To learn more about the Moonfairies visit the Bella Sara press room.

The new Moonfairies series adventures are an addition to the inspiring online world created by Hidden City Entertainment, Inc. In addition to the new Moonfairies series, Bella Sara Adventures is an award-winning game-play component that allows girls to meet magical horses, characters and friends as they discover new lands, solve mysteries and customize their avatar and their world to match their personalities.

Bella Sara cards and collectibles are available at fine stores including Target, Wal-Mart, Toys-R-Us and BellaSara.com. 

~Giveaway~

Would you like to win a pack of NEW Moonfairies cards? Follow me on Twitter. I will be giving away a pack tomorrow night (Friday, June 18th).

All you have to do is TWEET : I want Bella Sara Moonfairies cards! from now until tomorrow night around 10:00 CST.

Be sure to reply to ME @lindatweetsalot

HiddenCityEntertainment on behalf of Bella Sara sent us a pack of Bella Sara cards and a nightgown for this feature post. No other compensation was received.

CREATive gifts for dad *Trendy, of course

How adorable! Charlotte's Fancy shows us how to make this iDad Father's Day Card. This would be perfect for my hubby as he loves his iPad.

Yum! Check out this Father's Day happymeal from the one and only Bakerella.

LOOK! A mini toolbox from AlphaMom

*

More "crafty" father's day ideas . . .


Father's Day tie napkin from Miss Crafty Pants

Google father's day card from seven thirty three

Love photo collage from This is Reverb

Celebrate Dad!

We would love to hear your gift ideas. Did you make something? Share your blog link in the comments section and we will update the blog with your talent.

Made to Match Gymboree's *NEW* Floral Reef line

Diggin' the NEW line, Floral Reef from Gymboree....

What about you?

Looking for a way to make these outfits POP?

Here are some accessories filled with plenty of UMPH!

M2MG Floral Reef *BOUTIQUE STYLE* hair bow from thebowvine

M2MG Summer Posy crochet clip from My Little Pixies

(m2mg) Floral Reef bottlecap necklace from LilGirlGemz

Looking for more M2M accessories? Try searching "M2MG" on ebay and etsy.

Bust a move, Break a sweat, Hit the gym....Pound for Pound Challenge

~CLOSED~

Congrats goes out to . . .



I asked my twitter pals to choose a number and hminnesota was the first to respond with lucky #43!



So, you may want to say a great big THANK YOU to hminnesota, quettel78.

Best of luck w/ your exercise routine!
 
*
*
If you guys have been coming here long enough then you know  . . .  I admit a lot of things.

*It's all about keeping it real, ya know?

Today I admit - - - I am lazy.

also - - - I am out of shape.

and - - - I could spare to lose a few pounds.

Oh and - - - I am not the healthiest eater.

Uh, I think that covers everything FOR TODAY.

Do you watch The Biggest Loser? I'm often amazed by their transformations. 

A-M-A-Z-E-D

To see where they started and how they ended is just WOAH!

Admit Admit Admit . . .

Oh alright, I'll admit that I watch the beginning and end.

The middle? Ya know, where they exercise and eat healthy and want to die?

I don't watch that.

:GASP:

Ok, there was this one time I watched but I was eating a cupcake and felt guilty so I changed the channel.

WHY don't I watch?

I'm lazy.

I'm also impatient.

Ya see, I want to lose the weight and be healthy YET I don't want to do the work.

:Sigh:

I'm slowly but surely trying to implement some lifestyle changes though.

My hubby? Oh, he's been on the right track for awhile.

He's such a show off.

Listen up!

Kroger, General Mills, NBC's hit TV Show “The Biggest Loser” and many other sponsors are teaming up to donate $1,080,000 to Feeding America this year.

AHEM and you can help!
Nope, they're not asking you for money
All you have to do is visit  www.pfpchallenge.com/Kroger and make a pledge to lose weight.
What better time to lose weight than summer....think BIKINI.

Through June 30, 2010, for every pound you pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 14¢ to Feeding America® — enough to deliver one pound of groceries to a local food bank. 

Would you like to shed some pounds and help FEED AMERICA?

Here's a little somethin' somethin' to help start you off.

***

Giveaway

***

I am giving away one $30 Kroger Card to help you buy some YUMMY yet HEALTHY foods.

All you have to do is leave me a comment below.

I want to know how you plan to lose the weight.

(besides eating healthy)

Let me know about your exercise routine.

 **This is a required entry.

After you have told me about your exercise routine, You may enter this giveaway as often as you would like.

This giveaway will end tomorrow @ 10:00 AM CST

24 hr giveaway

Kroger Family of Stores gift card, information, and giveaway were all provided by the Kroger Family of Stores and General Mills through MyBlogSpark

Ebay "Custom" Boutique finds

Custom Boys Pirate appliqued short set  by Smitten Designs

This set is adorable and starting bid is just .99 cents (check out the pics hehe)!

These clippies match the Skipping Rope line from Oilily and I PUFFY HEART them : )

My heart just skipped a beat looking at this beauty . . .

Custom flower patchwork twirly skirt and top from Lyndsayleila

:Sigh:

Why won't my money tree GROW?

Check out all of these amazing designers and more by searching Custom Boutique or by clicking the "Custom Handmade" link within Clothing and Accessories.

The kicks...

A little tidbit of info about Not-So TRENDY MOMMY (that's me) :

I dig shoes.

NO

I really DIG the shoes!

I buy the shoes and plan the outfit AROUND the shoes.

Yep Yep

Another tibit of info :

I always choose STYLE over COMFORT.

:Sigh:

I know....I know...

Check out these rather TRENDY kicks for the kiddos.
*
I'd be willing to break all rules and let the kids jump in a few mud puddles for these cute rain boots...

Bo Plaid rainboots by Coco BonBons

Ah, who am I kidding? We are rule breakers.

Oh ME. OH MY.

lime polka dot sandals from Kid Express on Zappos.com

Camel Rev Sneakers from Uneaks.com

(The design changes daily according to the pr of socks worn.) NEAT-O!

We actually own a pair of shoes from Uneaks and they ROCK! You can see our past feature here. 

Last but not least....

Graffiti shoes

ONE OF A KIND Graffiti shoes

Yep, you can make them.

Tutorial by Lil Blue Boo (love these!!)

*

What the hizzy? Capri Sun, mold? huh

Ya know, this one time I found a whole stick of spearamint gum in my burrito.

I about BLEW a gasket. Ok, I did blow a gasket. 

I freaked. I think I may have even cried. 

Cried because....I was hungry! DUH And we were already a good ways away from the taco bell.

GRRRR!

Another time, I found a hair on the same plate as my salad.

CHECK, please!

But I can honestly say that I have NEVER found anything that resembled this in my Capri Sun. .  .  .

Capri Sun as in those yummy (yes, I said YUMMY but ONLY YUMMY when mold or JUNK is not floating around) little fruit juices. Are there real fruits in there? I'm not sure but I do know that there is sugar and I love sugar!

Anyhoo, I may have not found anything like the above but someone else did.

Yeah, Can you imagine?

uhhh EWWW!

Who's the lucky MOLD/MONSTER/OOGLY BOOGLY/WHATHEHECKISIT owner now?

Melissa Wiegand Brown found this WHATCHAMACALLIT in her capri sun pouch.

Now before you go all "NOT ANOTHER ONE!" on us let me explain that Melissa stated here that she was NOT looking to sue Kraft. She was simply wanting them to recall these particular capri sun products (the icky ones). I'm guessing Kraft doesn't think this is THAT serious because they declined the recall attempt.


Kraft did respond with this on their facebook page :

“We recently received word from a consumer about an issue with a Capri Sun pouch. We understand that some of you are concerned. Now that we’ve tested the material, we’ve confirmed it was mold. While unpleasant, it is not a safety issue. If this had been a safety issue, Kraft Foods certainly would have taken the necessary steps, including issuing a recall.

As a general food safety tip, please remember that because Capri Sun beverages don’t have preservatives, a leaky pouch can cause the beverage to spoil and discarding it is the right action to take.”

 

What are your thoughts (besides EWW!)?

Thirsty?

P to the S: The Capri Sun Mold/ Whateveryoucallit is pretty popular. He's even got his own facebook page.


P to the P to the S: If you do a search for "mold in juice" you will see that this sort of thing is pretty common in the juices without preservatives. Here's one of the articles found via a blog reader (Thanks Callie!) Look What I found in my Apple Juice

Pettiskirts and Tutus OH MY!

Ahhhhhh....

Poofy

Fluffy

Frilly

&

Fun!

What girl (small or GROWN) doesn't love a nice big TUTU?

glamour girl tutu by hannah's tutus 
 
OH.MY.WORD! Does it get any cuter than this?

 custom made birdy birthday tutu by Hannah's tutus

*the bird....ahhh!

They are so much fun!

And now....Pettiskirts

(These aren't your great great granny's pettiskirts either.) 

black pettiskirt by Belle Ame

But check THIS out  . . .

Belle Ame's Petti-Dress

Ok, now pick your jaw up from the floor.

C-UUUU-TE!

How do you wear your tutu/pettiskirt?

I dig t-shirts NOW....back then NOT SO MUCH

Ya know, I used to say "I'm not a walking billboard." & "I never wear t-shirts unless it's to sleep in."

Yep, I used to be one of those types.

These days....I dig t-shirts. I really dig funny t-shirts.

*My fellow Losties will get this one.

(Click the pic for more info)

T-shirts are just so much cooler now.

I've stumbled upon a few sites devoted only to t-shirts so obviously it's cool.

I mean, I don't wanna be NOT COOL.

:Snicker:

Are you a t-shirt lover? 

Maybe a soccer mom?

Would you wear a soccer t-shirt to support your kiddos team?

What about one of those "SOCCER MOM" t-shirts? I've seen several ladies sporting them.

T-shirts can be simple or t-shirts can be extravagant. I've seen some t-shirts selling for $80-$90 bucks!

uhhh yeah

To me, t-shirts used to be a way to advertise stuff. I guess that was the turn-off for me. I mean, I see nothing wrong with sporting a brand such as fifa t-shirts or your company. I DON'T!

However, that is just not for me.

I dig the "NOT SEEN EVERYWHERE" tees.

KWIM?

I suppose I'm rambling again. 

Where do you shop for t-shirts?

HIP and COOL and TRENDY t-shirts

Leave a link below.

**