Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Menu Plan Monday {on Tuesday...Again}


Well, I don't have any great meals planned for this week, but I am trying to be more diligent about selecting organic and/or healthier foods for our family.

Last week I picked up some organic produce and eggs from our local co-op but this week we were going to be out more than usual so I tried to shop the sales at Publix.  Here is what I was able to get:


So last week I told you about a free food grading system for your phone called Fooducate.  Of course I left my phone at home during this shopping trip but I scanned everything when I got back.  The cereal and cookies got a B- and the bars got a B.  The bread didn't show in their system, maybe it's new.

One item I mistakenly left out of the picture was Annie's Organic Homegrown Mac & Cheese.  It was a bit pricey but Funny Bunny loves mac & cheese so I thought I would try it since it's organic.  Well, it got a C+.  :(  Boo on that! The picture on my phone doesn't actually look like the organic box, so maybe that has something to do with it...and maybe it's because it's still mac & cheese.  ;)

My goal is to try to get a B+ and better for the majority of foods in the house. 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Are You A Recent Giveaway Winner?

Affresh Winner
Comment #146: Robyn-coolestmommy R said...Tweet

 

Purex Winner
Comment #278: Jackie said...Tweeted

 

Dial Kids Body & Hair Winner
Comment #138:Anonymous Allison said...Like dial on fb

 

If you weren't a winner this time, enter to win one of my other giveaways:

Captivated DVD
A Cry From Egypt
Soft Scrub

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

Thanks to everyone who participated in the these great giveaways via Our Homeschool Reviews!   

Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Giveaway!

Say goodbye to constant scrubbing and hello to 4-in-1 Toilet Care!  New Soft Scrub 4-in-1 Toilet Care provides long lasting cleaning and freshening thanks to its unique design and advanced formula. 

This new Softscrub product is attached to a hanger and is placed on the inside rim of your toilet.  When the toilet is flushed, it cleans the bowl and prevents buildup and freshens for up to 4 weeks.

I attached the Soft Scrub 4-in-1 to our guest toilet {I'll spare you the picture}.  ;)  It stays on well and is right in the stream of the water when it flushes.  It is noticable once the lid is open and I've had a few people ask what it is.  A friend of Funny Bunny's even asked, "Mrs. Christine, did you know you have something in your toilet?"  I think she was afraid to sit down.  Yes, it's ok.  :)

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Soft Scrub.  Also, enter to win their Brighter Bowl Sweepstakes.  

So, if you would like to try  Soft Scrub 4-in-1for yourself, enter my giveaway below!

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how one reader can win TWO coupons for any Soft Scrub Product!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

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

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3. Like Soft Scrub on Facebook

4. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

7. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #SoftScrub @OurHSReviews  http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2013/04/soft-scrub-4-in-1-giveaway.html #Giveaway ends 5/6

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

Contest ends on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email 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).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 



©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

A Cry From Egypt Giveaway!

In September of last year I reviewed a book by homeschooled graduate Hope Auer, called A Cry From Egypt.  It's a historical fiction for all ages, about an Israelite family in ancient Egypt before the Exodus.

My daughter loved this book!  Here is an excerpt of her review:

“I liked A Cry from Egypt because it’s exciting, fun, and I couldn’t wait to read what’s next (once I was assigned to read one chapter and I read three)!  It has friendship, love, and adventure and you don’t even notice you’re reading history.  It’s a great book for all ages!”

She has been patiently waiting for the next book in the Promised Land Series!

Well, even though we reviewed Hope's book back in September, it was officially released this week!  I am so happy for Hope and very excited to share the news!

Oh and check out A Cry From Egypt because Hope is offering FREEBIES and GIVEAWAYS to celebrate!

Find out More:  You can find out more online about the book and author at A Cry From Egypt.  Order your copy of A Cry From Egypt for just $12.50.  It's recommended for ages 8 and older. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how one reader can a signed copy of A Cry From Egypt!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

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

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3. Like Hopeful Stories on Facebook

4. Follow Hope on Twitter @hopefulstories

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Visit A Cry From Egypt and check out all the Freebies

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

Contest ends on Friday, May 3, 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email 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).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 



©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/ 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Fruit Salad {Yummy Yummy}


It's been years since Funny Bunny watched the Wiggles but I still can't say Fruit Salad without saying Yummy Yummy afterwards.  ;)

Well, this was our dinner last night and it was soooo good!  Everything was organic except for the olives. 


©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Captivated DVD Review and Giveaway!


Media Talk 101 is a nonprofit Christian ministry that offers Biblical help for a media saturated society.  They offer seminars, resources, and guidance from a biblical perspective, and this is where I heard about the movie Captivated.

Captivated is a Christian documentary about the impact of Social MediaI was immediately interested in this movie because I believe that media is a big problem our society faces.

Did you know that the average teen consumes 7.5 hours of media each day and the average person watches 4.7 hours of TV a day?

Not only that, but by the time the average child is 18 they will have witnessed 200,000 acts of violence and 16,000 murders on TV!!

Those are just a few of the very scary statistics! 

All you have to do is go out to lunch and count the number of children and adults using their phones, iPods, and game systems.  Texting, tweeting, messaging, and playing games.  Do people even talk face to face anymore?

It's an addiction!  

How do we end the cycle?  Can we end it?  Can we even go a few days without electronics...a few hours?

I would encourage you to watch the video trailer for Captivated and then tune it to watch a special online premier on April 25th, 26th, and 27th at 7pm EST.  Please share this with your friends and family!

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Media Talk 101.  Check out the steps you and your family can take in your life regarding media discernment.  The visit the Media 101 Online Store.  The Captivated DVD with Study Guide is just $19.95.

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how one reader can win the movie Captivated!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

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

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3. Like Media Talk 101 on Facebook

4. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook
**Remember to please leave a separate comment for each entry**

Contest ends on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email 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).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 



©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Menu Plan Monday {on Tuesday}


It's the end of April, and that means I have been on, off, and then back on my journey of eating better several times!  ;)  Sound familiar??!

Thankfully it has been unseasonably cool this spring, so I still have time to get into shape for "shorts weather."

My plan is simple....eat right and exercise!  Ok, easier said then done. 

Well, I did pick up some organic produce and eggs from our local co-op.  There should be some avocados as well, but they weren't on the truck so I'll be getting them next time.  I also bought some organic strawberries and apples at the store this week...so we are stocked up!

Tonight we are having a big salad for dinner!

My weakness though is packaged snacks!  I'm on a mission right now to find some healthy packaged snack ideas.  And to help me, I'm going to use what a friend recommended to me yesterday.  It's called Fooducate and is a FREE food grading system for your phone.  

Once downloaded, you just scan the UPC of a food and it will be graded.  You can change the settings to list specific items.  Mine will show whether a food is vegetarian, vegan, contains GMOs, and more. What's even better is that it suggests healthier alternatives!

So here are some of our meals for the week:

Vegetable and Bean Soup
Big Vegetable and Fruit Salad
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Homemade Pineapple Pizza

If you have any easy plant-based recipes I would love to hear them!  I've been pinning several on Pinterest so I'm looking forward to trying some new meals in the next few weeks!


©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 19, 2013

Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash Giveaway!


Dial® gives kids a choice of lively, freshly scented products specially formulated to keep young skin soft and healthy. So clean can be as good feeling as it is good fun. - See more at: http://www.dialsoap.com/line/dial-for-kids#sthash.hwqQYbK0.dpuf
Dial is excited to announce its entry into the kids' personal care segment with new Dial Kids Body & Hair Wash that offers age-appropriate variants developed to address the specific skin needs of children.   Dial for Kids gives kids a choice of lively, freshly scented products specially formulated to keep young skin soft and healthy. 

We received  Dial Kids Watery Melon that's great for kids ages 6+.   

Funny Bunny really likes the smell and has been using it each night in the shower since we received it.  

We both like that it can be used for both body and hair, making washing a breeze.

 

Dial Kids was developed with Pediatric Dermatologists for kids perfect skin.

*  Tear Free
*  Hypoallergenic
*  No artificial dyes or added parabens
*  Ph balanced

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at Dial SoapDial for Kids comes in three varieties:  Dial Kids Peachy Clean for ages 2+ and Dial Kids Watery Melon and Berry Cool for ages 6+. 

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how one reader can win TWO coupons for Dial for Kids Body & Hair Wash!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

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

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3. Like Dial on Facebook

4. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

7. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #Dial for Kids Body & Hair Wash @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2013/04/dial-kids-body-hair-wash-giveaway.html #Giveaway ends 4/26

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

Contest ends on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email 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).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 



©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/ 

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Leadership Garden Legacy Review

Leadership Garden Logo photo leadershipgardenlogo_zpsf3754c7a.jpg

I had the opportunity to review a UNIQUE set of books from Leadership Garden Legacy.  

U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden
U.N.I.Q.U.E.: Growing the Leader Within  

What is a Leadership Garden?  A Leadership Garden is a fun and engaging metaphor for growing leadership.  This is particularly important for parents, grandparents, and educators - the primary cultivators of leadership in a child's life.

UNIQUE Kids book photo leadership-uniquekidsbook_zps3822722c.jpg I read U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden aloud to Funny Bunny.  It is a story geared to 5-12 year olds, about a lost and scared sheep named Hugh, who wanders into the Leadership Farm.  A girl named Leda comforts him and shows him how to plant courage and find the leader inside him.

Each chapter concludes with questions in a section called, "Hugh Wants To Know".  The questions review what the chapter was about and also help with identifying thoughts, feelings, or behaviors the reader may be experiencing.

The author notes that love is at the heart of Leadership Gardens that use these six leader-friendly gardening practices:

*  Be nonjudgmental
*  Do not enable
*  Use empathy
*  Prune gossip
*  Eliminate blame
*  Eradicate victimization

UNIQUE Kids Activity book photo leadership-kids-activity-guide_zps54f3f800.jpgThe U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS Activity Guide and Journal is a PDF download that goes along with the book.

I printed out pages for Funny Bunny to complete as we read each chapter.

They are very simple exercises that children can complete on their own or with an adult's help.


Leadership Garden Guidebook photo leadership-adultleadership-guidebook_zpsf2bbaaad.jpg U.N.I.Q.U.E.: Growing the Leader Within is for ages 13 and up and is the book that was adapted into the children's version. 

It includes the same story of Hugh the lost sheep, but of course it goes into greater detail.

There are also more in-depth exercises at the end of each chapter and the Guidebook should be used along side it.

In ALL products you will take the U.N.I.Q.U.E. tour and visit the:

* Understanding Field to learn how to balance and blend your four leader behaviors (visualize, organize, harmonize, and energize) and the survival and thriving behavioral tendencies of each 

* Nurturing Meadow to learn the six leader-friendly gardening practices of being nonjudgmental, not enabling harmful behaviors, the power of empathy, and the importance of pruning gossip, eliminating blame, and eradicating victimization 

* Inventive Roost to formulate your unique purpose and aim 

* Quality Yard to learn the attributes necessary for thriving leadership 

* Unstoppable Pasture to remove the barriers to your goals and dreams and what it takes to commit to a thriving future 

* Expression Pen to learn the art of communication and give voice to your leadership greatness within

My Thoughts:  Funny Bunny and I enjoyed reading Growing My Leadership Garden together.  It is a cute story and contains some great information.  

Although she liked the story, she felt that many of the questions and scenarios were not applicable to her, which I would have to agree with.  Regardless of how she felt though, I can see how this book could be beneficial to others, especially those with a weaknesses in this area.

We also used the Activity Guide and Journal that goes along with the book.  Sometimes Funny Bunny would be happy to work on it and other times she just wanted to skip it.  I personally thought the U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS book and the questions at the end of each chapter were enough on their own to initiate dialog and understanding of the concepts.

Find Out More:  You can find out more online about Leadership Garden Legacy.  Both U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden and U.N.I.Q.U.E.: Growing the Leader Within are available in paperback for $18.95. The U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS Activity Guide and Journal PDF and the U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS Audio Book MP3 Download are just $8.95 each.

Leadership Garden Legacy is offering a “Spring Special Discount” of 20% on all their  Empowerment Tools. This is in addition to their already discounted Tool Kit bundles.  To receive the discount, enter the code: TOS-SS20D upon checkout.  This is a limited time offer and the code will expire on May 31, 2013.

My Crewmates are also reviewing Leadership Garden Legacy, so you can check out what they think HERE.




©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday: Bluebirds

We have bluebirds making a nest for their eggs in the house we put up a few weeks ago!!  They have been very busy and we are so excited to watch!




Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash Giveaway!!


Yes, I have another Purex Giveaway, and this time it's for Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash!  Funny Bunny and I give this scent two thumbs up!  It's by far my favorite!

Exotic fruits like pineapple and coconut combine with distant flowers to take your nose on a tropical vacation.

And as always, it is hypoallergenic and dye-free for sensitive skin, like ours.  Plus, like other Purex detergents, it's optimized to perform in high efficiency or traditional washing machines, and costs half the price of the leading brand {which I love}!!

So now onto the giveaway!

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how one reader can win TWO coupons for Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash!  For each comment, you will get one (1) entry.

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

2. Like Our Homeschool Reviews on Facebook

3. Like Purex on Facebook  

4. Follow my blog using Google Friend Connect

5. Follow me on Twitter @OurHSReviews

6. Post about this giveaway on your blog or Facebook

7. Tweet about this giveaway up to once a day:  I entered to #win #Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash @OurHSReviews http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2013/04/purex-natural-elements-tropical-splash.html #Giveaway ends 4/23

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

Contest ends on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 11:59 EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org.  This contest is open to U.S. residents who are 18 or older.  If I am unable to reach the winner by email 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).  The winner's name will be obtained and publicly announced.  The number of eligible entries determines the odds of winning.  No purchase is necessary to win and this contest is void where prohibited by law. 



©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Our Legoland Trip

We took a trip to Legoland yesterday since it was one of their many Homeschool Days.
We arrived right when they opened, and even though there were several large homeschool groups, it was not very crowded.  We were able to go on many of the rides 2-3 times, and a few times they told us we could just stay on.


Funny Bunny and Hubby really liked the Imagination Zone, where they both built and tested their own Lego cars.  Hubby won the first few races, but with some modifications, Funny Bunny was able to beat him! 
We loved all of the roller coasters, but I think our overall favorite was Coastersaurus, which is wooden. 


We also had time to explore the historic gardens established on the grounds of its Cypress Gardens predecessor more than 75 years ago.  The highlight of the Gardens is the Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939.  It was huge!!


I love that Legoland has discounted days set aside specifically for homeschoolers!  If you ever get a chance to go, it's well worth it!  And if you think you may visit more than once, purchasing an annual pass may be the way to go, especially if you are a Florida Resident. 




©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 12, 2013

Homeschool Mother's Journal 4-12-13


We are on the homeschooling home stretch!  We are already finished with a couple subject and the rest should be completed by the mid to end of May. 

Places we're going and people we're seeing...

This week Funny Bunny was in a Living Wax Museum and she portrayed Helen Keller.


And she also had to dress up and read her final presentation about Constantine for her Essentials class.


In my life this week…   

Well, it was really just a lot of costume gathering and running around. Oh, and I also have a bunch of reviews and giveaways to post...I just need to find the time!!

In our homeschool this week…      

We finished Unit 32: Napoleon Arrives on the Scene in Preparing Hearts for His Glory.   Oh my goodness, and I am just realizing we only have 3 more weeks of History!!  What a nice surprise!

Books Funny Bunny is reading independently...





©2010-2013 Our Homeschool Reviews. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/