Passport2Purity Getaway Kit Review

It's the summer before Junior High.  Yes, we homeschool, but starting in August Funny Bunny will be in a co-op with other 7th graders and she will move up to Youth at church with 7th-12th graders.  I want her to be prepared and equipped for whatever situations she may face.

I had been researching the best resource to use when I came across Passport2Purity by Family Life. Passport2Purity equips parents with a step-by-step God centered program that ensures a life-changing weekend with your preteen.

Now my daughter is very resistant to "growing up".  She wants to stay young forever and still loves to "play" with her dolls.  I'm very thankful for that!  I recognize, however, that she is living in a very different world than I grew up in.  Regardless of her resistance to hearing about how her body is changing, boys, dating, and peer pressure, she needs to know about it. We had already discussed a few things, but there were still some very important topics I had avoided until now.

Passport2Purity covers it all and takes the pressure off the parents.

The Getaway Kit includes:

* 1 Tour Guide for the parent
* 1 Travel Journal for the preteen including 25 follow-up devotions
* 8 CDs containing 5 sessions, scripture memory songs and downloadable MP3s

The Sessions are as follows:

* Session 1: Beginning the Journey - Challenges, Traps, and Choices
* Session 2: Running with the Herd - Friendships and Peer Pressure
* Session 3: Ready for an Upgrade? - Changes to Him, Changes to Her
* Session 4: Destination: Le Pure - Setting Boundaries
* Session 5: Crossing the Date Line - Seeing Dating Differently

A Friday night to Saturday night is recommended to complete the program, but due to our schedule, I planned our trip out a little differently.  I booked one night at a nearby hotel and our trip lasted from a Wednesday afternoon to Thursday afternoon.  We listened to the CDs together, she worked on her journal, we talked, completed the projects, and we shopped, ate dinner out, and spent a late night watching a movie and painting nails.

Below you can see Funny Bunny is coloring in her journal while we listen to the CDs.  Notice the chocolate bar and Vitamin Water.  Two of her favorite things! The morning concluded with breakfast and a Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino. :)

We had a fun time, but there was definitely some resistance, especially during Session 3.  Once that was behind us though, it was smooth sailing.  We had a lot of great conversation and it is a time that we will always remember.

To learn more about Passport2Purity, watch the video below.

Find out More:  You can find out more about Passport2Purity online at Family Life.  The Passport2Purity Getaway Kit is $39.99 but I'm excited to share that my readers are able to get 25% off with the code PASSPORT through 8/31/15.

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

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©2010-2015 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/

Leadership Garden Legacy Review

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.

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

The 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.


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/

Hearts for Hearts Girls Pool Party!

I am so excited that I finally get to tell you about a fun Hearts for Hearts Girls party we had with some of our friends!!

Hearts For Hearts Girls is a charitable doll line that seeks to empower girls to become agents of change in their communities, their countries, and around the world.  The line features eight dolls inspired by real girls from real places all over the world.  Each authentically dressed and lifelike doll has her own story to share and is working to change her community in ways unique to her home country.  

Funny Bunny was so surprised when she came home and saw that we received two Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls {one for her and one to raffle off to a friend}.

We also received Hearts For Hearts Girls bracelets, party recipes and activities, and coupons to give out.

Funny Bunny had a hard time deciding which doll to keep for herself, but ultimately she choose Dell from USA.

Dell lives in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky.  She enjoys the sunshine, cooking, and music.  She also likes to help others.

The other doll that she received was Zelia from Brazil.  Zelia lives on a coffee farm in Sao Paulo.

In school she learned that the rainforests are disappearing and she would love to save rainforest animals one day.



We planned a pool party with some friends, talked about the dolls, passed out the bracelets and passports, and raffled off Zelia. The family who received her was very excited!

The best part is that these dolls teach young girls about the concept of giving back.  A portion of each doll sale is donated to World Vision, a non-profit organization that helps children from that doll's country.  

Thoughts of a 9-Year Old:  I like the Hearts4Hearts Girls dolls a lot. The ones I got were Dell and Zelia, and I chose to keep Dell!  I think they're great because they help out others by using their own skills and talents.  I like that because it encourages others that they can do just that.  The next doll I'm hoping to get is Consuelo. These dolls are wonderful!  

Find Out More:  You can find out more online where you can learn about each doll at Hearts For Hearts Girls.  You can also play games and activities and read stories from real girls from around the world.  

There are 8 dolls which include Dell (USA), Lauryce (USA), Lilian (Belarus), Rahel (Ethiopia), Nahji (India), Tipi (Laos), and Consuelo (Mexico), and Zelia (Brazil).  Each doll stands 14 inches high and has a poseable, smooth vinyl body, and high-quality rooted hair.  Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls sell for approximately $27.99 and can be purchased online or at local retailers like Target. 

Disclaimer:  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.

Child Training Bible Review and Giveaway!

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7

Have you heard of the Child Training Bible yet?  When I read about it I just had to check it out.  I have been looking for something like this for a long time.

The concept is simple!  Use Scripture in training your children for the Lord.

But is it really that simple?  Here's the scenario:  Your child does something wrong and you want to quote a verse from the Bible, but you can't remember it.  You then look through the pages of notes that you have written on little pieces of paper all shoved near the back of your Bible, to find the right verse, which takes some time.  You finally find it and look it up, and now your child is on to something else, and you have lost that moment for training.

This problem is solved with the Child Training Bible!  Mindy, a homeschooling mom of four, along with her husband, Nathan, have created the Child Training Bible, which consists of a Child Training Bible Key, three Scripture Tabbing Charts, and a set of instructions.

All you have to have is a Bible {preferably 9x6}, a set of post it flags and highlighters, both in 7 colors, a pencil, and double sided tape.

Using your double sided tape, place the laminated Child Training Bible Key on the right side of the first page of your Bible.

The Bible Key includes 20 key areas {Anger, Defiance, Laziness, etc} with a complete section dedicated to the Gospel.  These key areas correspond to color-coded tabs and highlighted text throughout the Bible.

The three Scripture Tabbing Charts assist with tabbing the pages and highlighting the text.

And on the back of the charts, Mindy and Nathan have included ways to help you discuss the problem areas with your children.

There are questions to ask, referring once again to scripture, and they have included sample prayers you can pray together. 

My Thoughts:  I was excited to get started on putting my Child Training Bible together once I received everything in the mail!  I happened to have an extra children's Bible on hand, and it was not 9x6 {but I made it work anyway}!  It took me about 2 to 3 hours to put it all together.

Now when Funny Bunny has a problem with, let's say, disobedience, I can easily flip to several verses in the Bible that specifically address it, and I have ideas for discussion. 

 

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at the Child Training Bible website.  The Chart Set sells for only $9 and includes a Child Training Bible Key, three Scripture Tabbing Charts, and a set of instructions.  Group rates are also available for orders of 10 or more.

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win one (1) Child Training Bible Chart Set {Child Training Bible Key, three Scripture Tabbing Charts, and a set of instructions)!!  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 on Facebook

4. Like Child Training Bible on Facebook 

5. Follow OurHSReviews on Twitter

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

Contest ends on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 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. 

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

The Victoria Chart Company Review & Giveaway

I love charts!  I like nice lists with check marks next to each item.  It makes me feel like I have accomplished something when I can check it off.

Kids love to feel a sense of accomplishment too!  They feel proud when they complete a task and make mom or dad happy.

The Victoria Chart Company's charts are easy-to-use and fun for children.  Their reward charts are age-specific and cover life stage developments in young children’s lives.  Most importantly, their reward charts can be customized to the individual need of your child. 

The Victoria Chart Company has charts for families, schools, and organizations.  Some of the charts for families include:

My Big Star Chart for ages 1+

My Growing Up Chart for ages 4+ 

My Credit Chart for ages 7+.  This is the chart we received.  We have it posted on the fridge so Funny Bunny can easily see what she has to do for the day.

There is also a Good Night Sleep Chart, Vacation Journal for kids, and a Meal Planner for mom.

My Thoughts: After receiving our chart I mounted it on our fridge for easy access.  Most of the activities the chart lists are everyday chores that will probably be easy for most children to accomplish and check off.  Some listed will be a little harder to achieve and there are two spaces to list your own chores.  I listed that Funny Bunny feed our dog, Maisy, and that she tidy her bathroom.  Because I would expect her to check almost every item each day, she made the Bronze and Silver Rewards fun.  Once she gets 12 check marks she can play with the electronic device of her choice.  And after completing the whole chart for 7 days, she gets to wash the car {she loves washing the car so it really is a reward for her}!  She seems to be enjoying checking off each completed activity. 

The chart is sturdy and comes with a dry-erase marker and sticky mounting pads.  I had no problems at all wiping the marks off with a paper towel.  The sticky pads seem to be working well but I do wish it also came with magnetic strips. 

Thoughts of a 9-Year Old:  My chore chart motivated me to work harder. It is dry-erase so I can use it the following week., too. I'd never done twelve or thirteen of those things [all in one day] before without the chore chart. It makes work fun as long as I get to check off the answers! ;)

Find Out More:  You can find out more online at The Victoria Chart Company.  Charts range from $5.99 to $18.99 and you can also purchase extra reward stickers.  If you like them on Facebook, you can get a 15% off coupon code.

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GIVEAWAY!!

So, here's how to enter to win a chart of your choice from The Victoria Chart Company!!  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 on Facebook

4. Like The Victoria Chart Company on Facebook  

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

Contest ends on Monday, June 18, 2012 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. 

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

We Choose Virtues Review

Isn't that a great name?  We continually work on virtues in our home, and have for many years.  We talk about right from wrong and look up Bible verses that correspond.  It can be very hard work!  For us, Funny Bunny has known the rules and the right things to do for many years, she just has a hard time consistently following some of them.  Some are easy for her, but then others are quite challenging.

We Choose Virtues was created by Heather McMillan, out of her love for children and her desire to see them reach their personal potential.  As a preschool teacher and a children’s pastor, it concerned her how often she came across children whose lack of self control, honesty and perseverance was almost debilitating.  How could they succeed in life without the skills that come from good character?

We Choose Virtues offers a great assortment of products and we were lucky enough to get one of their brand new products called Virtue Clue Cards. 

Included in a plastic carrying pouch with a velcro button closure, are 13 brightly decorated cards.  These cards are the perfect size to fit in a purse and take with you wherever you go.  They feature The Virtue Kids, their names, the Virtue catchphrase and antonyms, and on the back a "You can do it" challenge.

The virtues included are:  Attentive, Content, Gentle, Obedient, Diligent, Forgiving, Honest, Kind, Helpful, Patient, Perseverant, and Self-Controlled.

In addition to the cards, we also received the Family Character Assessment and Kids Memory Verses, Bible Heroes, and Truths, which are both FREE on their website...so make sure you go and check those out!!

We also received the Kids of VirtueVille Coloring Book and Teacher's Handbook, which are both available on their site for purchase as downloads. 

The Handbook is especially helpful in implementing the We Choose Virtues products, and includes 4 Simple Steps for Teaching Virtues and 9 Inspiring Tools for Teaching Virtues.

Although we only received the Virtue Clue Cards, We Choose Virtues has complete kits for the classroom, family, homeschool, and church.  The products we received, as well as many others, are geared toward early elementary, but they do have products for teens as well.

If you are having trouble picking the right product for your family, the Product Comparison Chart is helpful!

My Thoughts:  I think these cards are a great tool to use for young children.  They are colorful and bright, the children featured on each card are cute, and they sayings are catchy.  Since only one virtue is featured per card, it is easy to work on one card a week or month.  Funny Bunny will be turning 9 in May, so I wasn't sure what she was going to think when I showed them to her.  I was pleasantly surprised.  She enjoyed trying to guess each child's name before turning it over to see what it was.  I think she is at the age where she thinks they are kinda silly, but in a fun way.  We will be using them...working on the "Obedient" card first!  ;)

Thoughts of an 8-Year Old:  I like Virtue Cards because they are silly.  They also rhyme - Perseverant, Penny Jenny.  Fun pictures come with each card, like Penny Jenny.  The card pictures give clues of the name, like Penny Jenny holds a penny!  Right now we're working on Obedient.  Oboe Joe knows I can do it!

Find Out More:  You can find out more at We Choose Virtues and on their Facebook page.  The Virtue Clue Cards we received are only $5.99 (down from $7.95).  Now through the end of February, the 100 Days of Virtue Poster and Stickers will be included FREE with any Homeschool Kit purchase.  The following coupon codes are also available {only one at a time can be used}:  VIRTUE15 for 15 % off your total purchase and SHIPFREE for free worldwide shipping.

My Crewmates are also reviewing We Choose Virtues, 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 products to the vendor.  I have received no compensation from it and all opinions and experiences within this review are my own.