I am a hard core thrifter and second hand shopper. Just about all of our clothing, for all five of us, (minus socks and underwear) comes from second hand stores or consignment shops locally. The exception to this is that the husband and I will often get a limited amount of fitness clothing and gear new, since it is so hard to find used, in good condition. I have yet to see a pair of Fila Skeletoes or Five Fingers at a thrift store ya know? Depending on what I need I choose the shop that will … [Read more...]
Back to Homeschool
After the family vacations, barbecues and fireworks have died down, it’s time to prepare for another year of homeschool. “Before everything else, getting ready is the secret to success,” according to sage-like advice from Henry Ford. This is especially true of homeschooling as we take full responsibility for our child’s education. Here is a checklist of activities to help you enter the new school year more prepared than ever. • Read curriculum reviews at: homeschoolreviews.com, … [Read more...]
Introducing City Kids to Mother Nature
Exposing our kids to nature and outdoor play is pretty easy if you live in a rural area. My first kiddo was raised for five years mountainside in Arizona with hundreds of acres of state land all around us. Our biggest concern was not making sure he got acquainted with Mother Nature but rather making sure Mother Nature's wondrous rattlesnakes didn't bite him and that he didn't fall down an abandoned mine shaft. Then we moved to a working farm in Ohio and my kids (two by then) loved that. But … [Read more...]
Second Hand Christmas for Kids
Christmas can be a budget breaker for many families but it really doesn't have to be. My husband and I are so conditioned that we now scour Craiglist, eBay, and our local thrift stores before we buy just about anything these days. We have come to HATE paying full price for anything when we know we can get such good deals and we can knock out our Christmas shopping list during a good estate auction or two. Just recently we bought a NIB wrought iron canopy bed for my daughter off of Craiglist, a … [Read more...]
Best Homeschooling Blogs
I am homeschooling again! Is it weird that I am the one most excited about it? Well, anyway a move and the many, many issues at the local school have given my oldest son and I reason to decide that homeschooling is in his best interests. This go round I have smartened up and decided NOT to use an online curriculum. Yes it kept me accountable and yes we knew exactly what to do and when to do it but it was so stressful and felt more like 5-6 daily hours of grueling homework rather than a relaxed … [Read more...]
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