HomeSkoolie T-Shirt Review and Giveaway

I am always looking for fun ways that we can let people know that we homeschool. Shirts are one of my favorite ways to do that. They not only let people know why my kids are not in school during the week, but they also can head off some of those annoying questions. I ran across Homeskoolie while browsing Twitter one day and let me tell you I am so glad I did!

One of the great things about smaller companies is the customer service details that are often missing in bigger companies. I was very excited when I received the package with the shirt, but was even more impressed when it came neatly wrapped in tissue paper with a bow. I know it sounds silly, but little touches like that can really give a great first impression! Even better was the product! I requested the Socialized youth small in bay as my review product. It is a gorgeous blue and I enjoy the fact that because of the color blue it is, it can be gender neutral. The cotton is 94% ring spun cotton and 6% organic cotton and feels Divine on your skin. The temperatures here in N.Texas get up over 100F regularly and so it is important that the shirts we wear be breathable.




I do have to point out that the sizes run a little large. I am fairly small, but am 5'4 and the youth small fit me perfectly. Also remember that youth and child sizes are different when considering ordering for a young child. Sizes are in a classic fit, women's fit and youth fit.

Clothing reviews are a bit out of the box for me, but I am so glad I did this one. I am really looking forward to see what other designs this company comes up with! In the mean time, I enjoyed wearing the shirt and look forward to seeing the looks it brings as those around me realize that my family is 100% guaranteed homeschooled and socialized! I am really looking forward to see what other designs this company comes up with!

Now for the fun part! Homeskoolie has offered me ONE(1) shirt to giveaway. Winner can choose any shirt on the website. In order to be entered for one(1) entry, you MUST visit the Homeskoolie website and tell me what you would choose if you won. None of the bonus entries will count if you do not complete this first entry. For one(1) entry you can Follow My Blog. For one(1) entry you can "Like" Molding Minds Homeschool on Facebook. For one(1) entry you can Share On Facebook or on on your favorite social media site (to share just cut and paste this blog into your status and let me know where you shared). For one(1) entry you can follow Molding Minds on Twitter. This is a total of FIVE(5) chances to win!

Please post a SEPARATE COMMENT for each entry and be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you at if you win! Multiple entries in a single comment will not count! Be sure to read the entry requirements thoroughly!

Winners will be chosen Monday, August 29th at 7PM central and will be notified via email. Winners will have 72 hours to respond.


US Residents Only. I was given one free shirt in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% mine. Please take a moment to read my disclosure policy.

Home School Enrichment Magazine Giveaway

Here at Home School Enrichment, we believe homeschooling is the best lifestyle a Christian family can have. And, we want you to experience that joy and fulfillment throughout your entire homeschool journey! Keep reading for just a few topics we've covered to help keep the joy in your homeschool!

Wonderful magazine...It's evident that the authors love their homeschooling experience and wish to encourage others to begin/continue their homeschooling journey.

Kayla T.
Relevant and Useful
Most of our authors are homeschool parents themselves, so you know you're getting tried-and-true ideas that work in the real world of homeschooling. Here are just a few of the topics we've covered in past issues:

•10 Time-Tested Tips for Staying on Track
•How to Stay Inspired
•Real-Life Strategies to Get More Done
•Customizing Your Highschooler's Education
•Handling the High-Needs Child
•Why Homeschooling is the Best Answer for Good Socialization
•Developing a Philosophy of Education: How You Can and Why You Should
•Using Faith in Our Homeschools
•How NOT to Teach Writing
•34 Mommy Tips: Quick and easy ways to simplify your life


Encouraging and Inspiring
Homeschooling can be tough sometimes, so we all need regular doses of encouragement and inspiration to keep our focus clear. That's why each issue of Home School Enrichment is filled with uplifting articles and Biblical advice to keep our perspective what it ought to be, to help you keep going strong, all year long!

I love the encouragement that I have received from each issue. I feel that it really hits the heart of home school issues and helps me feel more confident in the path that we have chosen for our family.

Billie in Texas
Practical and Long-Lasting
Home School Enrichment Magazine isn't a magazine you'll read once and then throw away. We hear from readers all the time who keep their issues handy for years, so they can refer back to the practical, real-life teaching ideas and encouragement. Each issue of HSE is a long-lasting resource that you'll keep coming back to again and again!

Just wanted to let you know that your magazine is in my humble opinion the best homeschool resource out there. I have just been going through back issues of all my homeschool magazines, searching for things to aid my teaching this year. I have found three times as much useful stuff in yours than in any other...

Linda in Illinois
Not Just for Mom!
We want each issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine to have something for every member of your family! So while Mom may be the first one to go through each issue when it arrives, Dad and the kids will probably also wind up with it somewhere along the line! Your kids especially will love the special articles we include just for them, like History and Heritage and Inventions That Changed the World. And lots of Dads get a real kick out of helping with the hands-on projects included in each issue!

I enjoyed [the magazine] - and noticed that my husband picked it up & was reading it & commenting on the articles too!

Marilyn in Colorado
Thanks for the great magazine! The whole family looks forward to its arrival.

Jina S.
Money-back Guarantee
We're confident Home School Enrichment Magazine will encourage and help you in your homeschool. But if for any reason you're not satisfied, just call us at 1-800-558-9523 and let us know - we'll refund your money for all unmailed issues, no muss, no fuss. But in almost six years of publishing, we could count the number of refunds we've given on one hand, proving that Home School Enrichment Magazine really is useful to real homeschoolers!

Now for the fun part! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. If you want 2 more entries Share this post on Facebook. Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 5 entries with 4 comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on December 16th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

US residents only please.

Apologia Science Exploring Creation with Astronomy Giveaway

A journey through space that you'll never forget. Your child will learn more about space than other children their age, and will be able to hold their own in conversations with knowledgeable adults.

One of my favorite things about this book is the conversational style in which it is written. It reads more like a mutual discussion about astronomy, rather than a science textbook. Very in-depth information is conveyed, but with words and expressions to which a child can relate. This doesn't mean it is dumbed down, for the course itself has enough information to qualify for a high school astronomy course.

Another thing I love about Exploring Creation With Astronomy (Young Explorers)
is that each child essentially makes his own astronomy book utilizing notebooking activities and assignments. These assignments are designed to replace workbooks, which do not draw from the child's heart and mind what was learned. When a child is merely filling in blanks in a workbook, not much is required of the child. His memory is engaged only long enough to get the worksheet complete. This certainly can give the child a sense of accomplishment, but it isn't as useful for long term retention as notebooking. With notebooking, the child is asked to draw upon his learning, organize it in his mind, and formulate a response that is orderly and makes sense. The child expresses the things that were important or significant to him. Creating an illustration and writing out (or for younger students, dictating or making a title page) the things he remembers will reinforce his learning. As well, the child will enjoy looking over his astronomy notebook, his own creation of all that he knows about astronomy, time and time again. As he reviews his work, he will further remember what he learned. Creating a notebook page truly draws the most out of the child. There is a saying, "Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I'll understand." Notebooking is the act of involving the child in his learning.

When my daughter looked over her astronomy notebook pages from three years ago, she remembered everything she learned with fond memories of the astronomy course. I then showed her some workbooks she had done that same year. She had completed a lot of "creative" exercises in them, and had even written stories of her own, but she didn't remember a single thing about the work. She didn't even remember doing it; she thought I was kidding her that the workbooks were hers.

Involve me, and I'll understand.

I've done science courses with the kids that had experiments that didn't relate to what we were reading. And I've done experiment kits with the kids that were fun, but didn't have enough reading and explanation to tie it all together in their minds. They were fun, but the kids never really understood the reasons for the experiments, and didn't care that much since we had not been studying the subject in an interesting way.

The projects and experiments at the end of every lesson in this astronomy course (and the other courses I have written) all correspond to the lesson. The only one that might be a little questionable is the activity for the Pluto lesson. The children learn how cold Pluto is during the lesson, and after much prayer about a "cold" activity, I chose an experiment where the kids make ice cream in nested ziplock bags by shaking them vigorously. It really works! Well, that doesn't perfectly relate to Pluto, but hey! I haven't had a kid complain yet. And we do explain the process with a brief discussion on the different freezing points of water and salt.

Now for the fun part! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. If you want 2 more entries Share this post on Facebook. Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 5 entries with 4 comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on December 13th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

US residents only please.

$35 Wall Worthy Vinyl Wall Art Giveaway!!

Just for viewing this post you can get 25% off your Wall Worthy order. Use the discount code MMH25 during checkout!

I love helping fellow WAHM's get their businesses going. Especially when it shares the scriptures as well! Wall Worthy is an online Etsy store run by a WAHM and specializes in high quality wall vinyl art. Anything from Scripture to Personalized Monograms are available. You might remember me posting a while back about my new vinyl scripture in our school room. Delaina at Wall Worthy took the time to go over every detail with me and when I got the vinyl wall art it was high quality and easy to apply. Have a look in her shop! If you don't see what you are looking for be sure to email because she can probably get it designed for you. This is a truly unique and fun way to decorate your house!

Now for the fun part! I am giving away a $35 gift card to use toward whatever wall art you want from Wall Worthy! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. For TWO more entries Visit Wall Worthy and tell me what you would spend your gift card on. For TWO more entries Like Wall Worthy on Facebook. That's a total of 7 entries!! Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 7 entries with 5 comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on December 6th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

US Residents Only Please.

Scentsy Giveaway!!

This giveaway is part of my 8 week Christmas Giveaway! Check back often for more great giveaways!

Scentsy Warmers use a low-watt bulb to melt specially formulated wax slowly, maximizing the fragrance time of the Scentsy Bar or Scentsy Brick.

With no flame, soot, smoke or lead to worry about, the Scentsy system is a safe way to enjoy more than 80 delightful Scentsy fragrances.

I love my Scentsy warmer and I think you will too. That's why I am hosting a Scentsy Giveaway! One lucky winner will win a Full Size Lenox Warmer plus 3 scents! This is a great Christmas gift for a friend/family member or for yourself!

Now for the fun part! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. If you want 2 more entries Share

this post on Facebook. Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 5 entries with 4 comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on December 10th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

US residents only please.


If you love my blog please consider voting for me in the Homeschool Blogger Awards!

Homeschool Blog Awards!

I am so excited that I was nominated for the Homeschool Blog Awards for Best Homeschool Mom Blog! I truly appriciate everyone who nominated me. I would very humbled and thankful if you would take the time to vote for me if you love my blog!

Critical Thinking The Balance Math Series Giveaway!

This giveaway is part of my 8 week Christmas Giveaway! Check back often for more great giveaways!



The Balance Math™ & More! activities sharpen your child's critical thinking skills, computational skills, and develop algebraic reasoning. The first book in the series (Level 1) focuses on addition and subtraction of whole numbers. The second book (Level 2) focuses on multiplication and division of whole numbers, but has a few problems involving fractions. The third book (Level 3) involves addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, as well as fractions and decimals.

The spiraling difficulty level is designed to scaffold a child's conceptual understanding of the targeted operations from beginning to advanced. Try one of these intriguing puzzles—and then try to stop!

Now for the fun part! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 3 entries with 3comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on November 15th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

Blog Redesign Giveaway!!!

I am very excited about giving this one away! Kristin over at Simple Whimsy Designs, who designed my blog has offered up as a giveaway a Simple Blog Design Package. For this giveaway Kristin will work with you to custom design your blog with the following included:

Includes:
~Uses your existing template
~Custom Header/Banner
~Custom Background Color with Border

~Blog Button 150x150
~Signature
~Includes Installation

This is perfect for your blog moms!


If you are looking for a blog designer, let me be the first to recommend Kristin. She was fun to work with, didn't mind changing things until I was happy with them and is priced incredibly reasonably!

Now for the fun part! To enter all you need to do is follow my blog and post a comment (if you already follow just post a comment) ! Want a second and third chance? Follow me on Twitter and/or on Facebook. For an extra 2 entries visit Simple Whimsy Designs and look at her portfolio and pick out your favorite blog (besides mine) design that she has done!Please post a SEPARATE comment for each entry (up to 5 entries with 4 comments). I will chose the winner using random.org on October 27th! Be sure to leave a contact email!

I was in no way paid for this review. Kristin at Simple Whimsy Designs has generously offered to give away the blog redesign in exchange for my review.

Give away!

I have 5 subscriptions to Home Education Magazine to give away!


The question this week is: What is your favorite Language Arts program? Why do you like it?


I will draw the winners next week!

Home Science Tools

Home Science Tools is a resource for parents, teachers, and kids who want a better experience with hands-on science. Frank and Debbie Schaner started the company in 1994, when they realized how difficult it was to find the right supplies for doing science at home with their four children. Since then, they've been committed to making science both fun and accessible for families and classrooms.
No longer in the Schaners' spare closet - where the first products were stored - Home Science Tools has expanded over the years to serve the wide range of science needs of parents and teachers throughout the country. After building a new 16,000 square foot facility in 2006, we have increased our ability to keep products in stock, so your order can be shipped the same or next business day. Our operations are also more efficient, which saves you money through low prices!
Thanks to Frank's chemical engineering background, Home Science Tools was founded with real science experience. And as the company has grown, we've gotten more excited about hands-on science. We evaluate each product we offer to make sure that it's good quality and has strong educational value so that when you order from us, you're sure of getting real tools that will encourage science exploration. (Check out our favorite products for some ideas.)
Making science hands-on and easier to do can have a significant impact for the future. As Frank says, "Our purpose at Home Science Tools is to provide families and schools with the tools they need to give their children and students a better science education. We believe our service is helping to develop today's kids into the faithful and competent scientists, medical professionals, engineers, and teachers of tomorrow."
So what does our enthusiasm about science mean for you? We don't just offer the best educational hands-on science supplies; we also guarantee your satisfaction with them. If you are at all dissatisfied with one of our products, you are welcome to return it with our 90-day return policy. And if you have questions about our products, our knowledgeable customer service team members will be glad to help! They have years of experience with our products, making them a valuable resource to answer your questions about what to use for science. You can reach our customer service team by emailing service@homesciencetools.com or calling 1(800) 860-6272.
We strive to provide the best "behind the scenes" service, too. Our warehouse crew works hard to make sure that your order arrives quickly - and accurately! Our total error rate is consistently well below 1% of all orders shipped. We also have a Quality Control department that carefully checks all our microscopes and other equipment before we ship it, ensuring that you get products in excellent condition.
Home Science Tools is located in Billings, Montana, along the Yellowstone River. If you're ever in town, stop by our store! (You can find directions here.)

Another Week Another Contest!

http://www.criticalthinking.com/

This is a big one! The Critical Thinking Company has sponsored a $50 gift card!



For more than 50 years, our award-winning products have helped students of all abilities achieve better grades and higher test scores with highly effective lessons that sharpen the mind as they teach standards-based reading, writing, mathematics, science, and history. Our products are fun, easy to use, and guaranteed to produce better grades and higher test scores. We design critical thinking into reading, writing, math, science and history lessons so students carefully analyze what they are learning. Deeper analysis produces deeper understanding, which results in better grades and higher test scores. Over time, students who practice critical thinking learn to apply it throughout their education and life.
"If we teach children everything we know, their knowledge is limited to ours. If we teach children to think, their knowledge is limitless." - Michael Baker, President
We do not teach through drill and memorization or teach to the tests—we empower the mind! Our goals are higher grades, top test scores, and problem solving skills to meet all of life’s challenges. The Critical Thinking Company is recommended by Mensa, Learning Magazine, The Well Trained Mind, Dr. Toy, Creative Child Magazine, and used by Sylvan Learning Centers, Club Z In-Home Tutoring, leading U.S. public schools, and gifted & talented programs in 57 countries throughout the world. We guarantee better grades and higher test scores—or your money back.Children love our products and you'll love what our products do for your child.
HistoryThe company was founded by John Baker in 1958 under the name Midwest Publications as a math and textbook company, combining powerful logic problems with high educational and editorial standards. The Critical Thinking Co. now boasts over 200 titles in reading, writing, math, science and history, and remains a family-owned business under the guidance of John’s son, Michael Baker.
In the 1976, the company changed its name to Critical Thinking Press and Software. The name was further changed to Critical Thinking Books & Software in 1997. The current moniker, The Critical Thinking Co. was adopted in November of 2003.

The Contest Question is....

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is the flexability that it gives us. We do however have a basic daily schedule that we try to stick to. Today's contest question is: What is your daily schedule and are you flexible or do you like to stick to it?

Win me Tuesday October 13th-Spelling City

Our next contest is coming up! On Tuesday I will be giving away a free upgraded membership to the spelling curriculum site http://www.spellingcity.com/ !!

Here is just a bit of what that will find on spellingcity.com:

- Over 42,000 spelling words and ten learning games!- A REAL person who says each word and sentence.- Free home pages for teachers and parents to save lists.- How To Videos to explain to teachers and parents how to use SpellingCity.com.- A free forum and newsletter with more vocabulary and spelling resources!
- Ten spelling and vocabulary games to play online or to print.- Free printables for handwriting practice with your saved lists.- A Resources Section which highlights features and existing lists for Dolch words, compound words, sound-alikes (their, there, they're), contractions, possessives, and more.
After taking the online spelling test, students can print out a report, retake the entire test, or get tested only on spelling words that they got wrong the first time.
TeachMe spells and displays the word in ways that stimulate memory for visual and verbal learners.
Printable Games include WordSearch, UnScramble, WhichWord?, Sentence UnScramble and MissingLetter.Printable Handwriting Worksheets for combined spelling and handwriting practice can be created from any saved list (this feature only works if the list is saved). Choices includes three sizes of lines, capitals or small letters, script or cursive, and with directional arrows on or off. How cool is that?
Teachers: try our new Spelling City Parents’ Letter, available as PDFs for you to print and send home with your students' spelling word lists.

Even if you dont win be sure to go check out SpellingCity.com for lots of free spelling help!

Contests Galore!

Most of you who follow my blog know that I also run the facebook group North Texas Homeschoolers. Well, I have talked to a few companies and have found several that are willing to sponsor some pretty cool prizes!! So if you are a North Texan Homeschooler be sure to look us up on Facebook! The first contest is today and I will be giving away a $20 www.currclick.com gift card!!

Need a homeschool resource and need in now???
www.CurrClick.com offers Ebooks, audiobooks, videos all instantly downloadable. They also offer online classes.
www.CurrClick.com- Curriculum and Classes in a Click!