Tiny Prints Personalized Father's Day Cards

Father's Day is Sunday, June 19th so if you haven't bought your Father's Day cards yet, then listen to this awesome deal from Tiny Prints!

Tiny Prints allows you to create individual personalized cards with photos, custom text and even embedded gift cards and they have cards for every father in your life from your dad, to your grandfather, father-in-law, brother and son.

In a matter of seconds, you can create personalized Father's Day Cards and have Tiny Prints mail them directly to you or the recipient.  If sent to you, shipping is FREE and if mailed to your recipient, shipping is just the cost of a stamp.

From now until June 6th, Tiny Prints is running a special promotion offering customized Father's Day cards as low as $.99. Just use the code GC99 at checkout.  Go here to start your personalized card!

 

Tuesday Blog Hop

Today I'm blog hopping with Six in the Nest.  If you are looking for some new blogs to follow, why not hop along!

miscellany monday on tuesday

 

~one~

saturday we spent a few hours at the beach and sunday after church we hung out at the inlaws' pool.  lots of fun and sun!

 

~two~

coal fired pizza is good!

 

~three~

when you are closing your car door, make sure your feet are inside the car.  ;)  we stopped at the store on the way back from the beach on sat. and i had a couple packages that i placed at my feet in the passenger seat.  i was trying to lift my foot so i didn't smash the bags and was closing the door at the same time.  oops!  i slammed my first two toes in the door.  luckily they just curved with the door and were just a little sore.

 

~four~

i haven't had a migraine in at least two weeks {knock on wood}.  i've been having a cup of coffee almost every morning and i'm wondering if that has helped.

~five~

this week i'll be focusing on re-organizing several small spaces around the house.  i want to try and pick one room each day and work on an area in that room.  i'll try and post as i work on them.

 

Arnicare Pain Relief Review & Giveaway

Boiron, who you may or may not be familiar with, makes a wide variety of homeopathic medicines.  So what is homeopathy?

According to Boiron's website, homeopathic medicines are therapeutically active micro-doses of mineral, botanical and biological substances.

Homeopathic medicines are safe, do not have side affects, and can be taken in conjunction with other medicines.

In the past year our family has begun to use several Boiron products and today I am going to tell you about Arnicare, an everyday pain relief gel. 

Arnicare temporarily relieves pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion, and falls, and also reduces pain, swelling, and discoloration from bruises.  It's a non-sticky and non-greasy gel that is quickly absorbed into the skin.  It's also unscented and paraben-free!  

My Thoughts:  Even though I have not had any injuries or stiffness recently, I still wanted to give my thoughts.  Arnicare gel comes out of the bottle quite easily and is simple to rub on.  It only takes a thin layer to cover and spreads nicely.  It is not sticky or greasy, and just to give you an idea, it almost has the feel of hand sanitizer, but a little thicker.  It also dries almost instantly and has no smell.

Find Out More:  You can find out more about all of Boiron's products on their website and you can purchase Arnicare Gel online, by mail, or in a store near you.  You can also check them out on Facebook.

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So here's how to enter to win a bottle of Arnicare Gel!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.  

1. Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win.

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect 

3. Like Our Homeschool Reviews

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

One random winner will be selected using Random.org on Monday, June 13, 2011. (U.S. Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).

Disclosure: This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!  We will be going to church and then over to hubby's parent's house for lots of food, fun, and swimming.  Our daughter will be spending the night so we will have a nice evening to ourselves.  I'll be taking a short blogging break and will post again on Tuesday!  See you then!

 

The Schoolhouse Planners

Have you checked out the 2011-12 Schoolhouse Planners yet?  As many of you approach a new school year, you may be in need of a little help!  Click the link to check these great planners out!

 

And the You Can Count On Monsters Winners Are...

Comment #15: Sarah - I follow you on GFC

Comment #23: Kayla - Ohh my goodness I WANT THIS BOOK!! I follow you threw GFC already

Comment #31: Jill - I liked your Facebook page as well.

I used Random.org to pick the winners and I have already notified them via email.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the You Can Count on Monsters Giveaway via Our Homeschool Reviews and thanks again to You Can Count on Monsters for allowing me to offer this great book!

 

Weekly Wrap-Up #22

I didn't have a chance to write last week because we left on Friday for our trip.  I scheduled out the rest of our school work so the last day of school was last Thursday, the day before we left!!  It all worked out and we finished up, even with math!

So my report this week is that we are finished with 2nd grade and we have had a nice, relaxing week!

My daughter's focus for the next few weeks will be on character training.  We will be working more on obeying the first time, answering only with a respectful response, and helping more with chores around the house. 

My focus for the next few weeks will be to spend more quality time with her and to just have fun!  :)

So how was your week?  Thanks for Joining Our Homeschool Reviews and for more Weekly Wrap-Up, this week I am linked up with Kris over at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers.

 

New Books!!

Guess what I received in the mail today??  BOOKS!  Not just any books though, our first big shipment of school books for 3rd grade!!

After getting the package, we ripped it open and looked at each book.  My daughter was happy to see some more One Small Square books and she thinks she will especially like Capyboppy! 

We will be using Heart of Dakota's Bigger Hearts for His Glory and will be covering American History. 

I am enjoying our break but now I'm excited to get everything in and get started in a few weeks!

Lego Link Up

This is my Lego garden.  Some people have weed and feed, plants they're watering, and plants that are supposed to be huge but pea-sized. Sorry Ms. Holly, but you have a dead flower!

Lego Shower

This week I'm linked up with My Blessing From Above: Lego Creation Thursday.

I've also submitted the top Lego creation to Lego Quest.  They are currently on Quest #41, which is to make a Garden.

Thrifty Thursday

Happy Thrifty Thursday!  Below are the deals for today.  If you find something I've missed, please leave a comment below!  I would love to hear from you!

My Giveaways

You Can Count on Monsters: ends 5/27

Beanstalk Express: The SnackTime Survival Kit: ends 6/3
Prefense Hand Sanitizer (No Alcohol): ends 6/10

 

Homeschool FREEBIE of the Day

FREE copy of Practical Things with Simple Tools and Nature How-To.

 

FREE Museum Admission to Military Families

Blue Star Museums is offering FREE admission for all active duty military personnel and their families. It runs from Memorial Day 5/30 through Labor Day 9/5.  Find participating museums HERE.

FREE Shipping and 15% Off at Children's Place

The Children’s Place has FREE shipping (no min) through 5/30 and you can use the coupon code EBATES5C to get an additional 15% off.

Restaurant.com: 80% Off

Save 80% at Restaurant.com using code FLAG at checkout.  This makes a $25 gift card only $2 and $10 gift card only $.60.  Ends 5/31.

 

FREE Stride Gum

Get a FREE pack of Stride Gum at Speedway. You will need to be a Speedy Rewards member but that is also FREE. Expires 6/30.

 

Groupon

If you've never tried it, Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50-90% off—with popular businesses. They then send the deals to thousands of subscribers in their free daily email. I use it quite a bit and have gotten some really good deals.  Join now!

Boston Market 50% Off Coupon

Go HERE to print a 50% off Boston Market coupon!  Valid 5/30 ONLY.

 

FREE ZonePerfect Bar

Like ZonePerfect on Facebook and request a FREE Sweet & Salty ZonePerfect Bar.

Sams Club Membership

Sam's Club is offering 10-week memberships for only $10 when you sign up in the store through 6/5.

FREE Dave & Busters $10 Gift Card

Dave & Busters is giving away a $10 FREE Game Play Card in honor of National Play Day.  Expires 5/31.

Swagbucks = FREE Gift Cards! 

Swagbucks allows web users to earn virtual currency by doing the things they do every day, like searching the web and shopping at their favorite retailers.  You can redeem your currency for fun prizes, like amazon gift cards.  I use Swagbucks (instead of Google, Yahoo, etc) for all my searching and you can too!  Join now! 

 

FREE Sample Roundup
For anything I missed, you can get your FREE sample roundup from Deal Seeking Mom!

 

 

Prefense Review and Giveaway

Most of us are now use to carrying around some sort of hand sanitizer throughout the day.  I know our family uses ours multiple times a day...after grocery shopping, dance class, piano practice, eating out...the list goes on and on. 

But one major problem with hand sanitizers is that they have alcohol, which can be dangerous if ingested.  That is why I was intrigued to learn more about a new hand sanitizer called Prefense.  And it is ALCOHOL-FREE! 

Not only that, but just one application offers protection for up to 24 hours or 10 hand washings!  So I know you are wondering how in the world it would work. 

According to their website, Prefense’ active ingredient, AMOSILQ, is a silica complex that dries into an invisible, protective film that stands guard against pathogens you encounter throughout the day.  If a transfer of germs occurs while AMOSILQ is on defense, it actively slices the cell wall of pathogens you confront for up to 24 hours, whether wet or dry.

My Thoughts:  Prefense goes on as a foam and dries within seconds.  Since it does not contain alcohol it does not have that alcohol-smell.  It has a light fragrance and actually feels smooth on my hands. 

Find Out More:  You can find out more about Prefense on their website.  A 1.5oz bottle, which is what I received, costs $6.99 and contains 120 sprays.  An 8oz bottle, which is what you can win below, costs $16.99 and contains 640 sprays.  You can also find out more about Prefense on their Facebook and Twitter.

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So here's how to enter to win an 8oz bottle of Prefense!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.  

1.  Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win.

2. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect 

3. Like Our Homeschool Reviews

**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

One random winner will be selected using Random.org on Friday, June 10, 2011. (U.S. Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you (either an email address in your comment or on your profile).

Disclosure: This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.

 

Wordless Wednesday: Choosing a Wand

We arrived back on Monday from our trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Here our daughter is choosing the perfect wand.  Just for the record, she didn't pick the one pictured.  We were there for quite a while.  ;)  For more Harry Potter pictures you can go here.  

Oh, and you can check out my current giveaways here.  Both are great for kids!

Homeschool Items For Sale

Everything below is for sale.  Prices include Media Mail shipping and I will take payment through Paypal.  Email me at ourhomeschoolreviews@gmail.com if you are interested.  If you are local, I'll let you know what the price is without shipping and we can meet.  Thanks!

RightStart Math Level C: Lesson Book and Worksheet Book - $50
Both for sale and in good used condition.  No writing in either.  Four pages in the lesson book were torn out by accident so they are loose but can fit nicely in their proper place.  http://activitiesforlearning.com/rightstartand153mathematicslevelclessons.aspx
http://activitiesforlearning.com/rightstartand153mathematicslevelcworksheets.aspx

Writing Strands Level 2 - $10
Good used condition.  No writing. 
http://www.writing-strands.com/writing-strands-2.asp

6 Pence Players Story CDs - $13
Both for sale, still in wrapping, and unused.  Princess Reform School and The Fairytale Collection from The 6 Pence Players. Here is the link to the CDs http://6penceplayers.com/index.htm

Leap Frog DVDs - $25
* Leap Frog Talking Words Factory (2003).
* Leap Frog Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory (2005)
* Leap Frog Math Circus (2004).
We LOVED these DVDs! I have the dates above because these are the original movies, not the newer ones. They are used but still in great condition!

Boca Beth Spanish CDs and DVDs - $40
The following Boca Beth items are included:
My First Songs In Spanish CD
Sing Along with Boca Beth CD
More Boca Beth CD
I like Animals DVD
My House DVD
Coloring and Activity Book (a few pages colored)
I am also including The Completed Book of Spanish Grades 1-3.  Many pages have been used and torn out.  I'm just throwing this in for free because there are over 100 pages still there and I would rather not throw it out.
You can find out more on each item at http://www.bocabeth.com/

Science for Christian Schools 1: Hardcover Textbook, Spiral Bound Teacher's Manual, and Student Notebook Packet - $10
Bob Jones University 1989.  This is pretty old and worn and there are notes written throughout the teacher's manual.  I bought it used in the condition it is in. 

What Your First Grader Needs To Know - $8
Good used condition.  No writing.
http://www.amazon.com/What-Your-First-Grader-Needs/dp/0385319878/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306251044&sr=8-1

 

Current Giveaways!

Don't forget to enter these two great giveaways ending soon.  I'll also be adding more throughout the week, so stay tuned!

You Can Count On Monsters: ends 5/27 (3 winners)

Beanstalk Express Snacktime Survival Clock ($49.95 value): ends 6/3

 

Back from the World of Harry Potter!

 

Pearson: Reading Street Review

My daughter loves LOVES to read, so when I had the chance to receive and review a reading product for her grade level, I was very interested.  

I received in the mail two volumes of Scott Foresman Reading Street for 2nd grade.  My first impression of these books after taking them out of the package was that they are the typical reading books children receive in public school.  I have to say that I was secretly dreading having her read them.  Why would she be interested?  These were nothing like any curriculum we have had in the past.

So I took them out and we started to read through them together.  Each volume is broken down into three units, with five stories in each unit.  Before each story, there are six high frequency words to review.  You are also told the genre of the story and the definition of that particular genre.  

After the story there are a few questions to answer, pictures to help with oral narration, and a page about the author and illustrator.  Next, there is a paired selection to read that has something in common with the main story.  

Lastly there are two pages on writing and grammar. 

My Thoughts:  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by my daughter's enjoyment with these books.  She asks to read the stories and she enjoys telling me about them.  Most times she wants to re-read the story aloud to me.  

One of my favorite features is the use of pictures to assist the children with oral narration.  Although my daughter does not have a problem retelling a story, it is not on her list of top ten things to do.  The pictures that are included at the end of each story gave her the help she needed to tell it back.  I thought it was a great tool!  

I want to add that even though she has enjoyed the stories and has read the entire first volume, the price is a bit steep for us to continue to purchase these.  But they may be just right for your family, so read below to find out more.

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like the motive of Reading Street and like the stories. Some are true, some have to be fake, and some could really happen. Two of my favorite stories are Rosa and Blanca, and Anansi Goes Fishing. I also like Tara and Tiree, Fearless Friends, which is about two dogs who rescue their owner from broken ice. I like READING STREET!

Find Out More:  You can find out more on the Pearson website.  Both Volume 2.1 and 2.2 sell for $43.47 each.  

My Crewmates are also reviewing Pearson Reading Street 2nd Grade and others, so you can check out what they think HERE.

Disclosure: This product was given to Our Homeschool Reviews for free for review purposes, and I do not have to return the product to the vendor. I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.