Thursday, August 27, 2009

Back to School Care for maturing girls Review and Giveaway

Mom's know what "it" is and they have to somehow share "it" with their daughter. I know the first time I had to share "it" with my daughters I wasn't sure how much information to share. We had books that we read as they aged so that they were prepared as to the changes that they were facing but not the actual "it".

I'm sure I fumbled the first talk but we got through it together. I didn't have a mom to tell me these things when I was growing up. Most things I learned were in school during health videos. I still remember the boys and girls were separated and I wanted to know what the boys were being told!

I found that when it comes time to talk about your girls first period you want to share what is needed and add more as time goes on. Just when I was thinking this because I have one more to talk too I found a gem of a company on Facebook. They are The Dot Girl Products. A perfect company if you have a daughter between the ages of 8-12 years.
Their Mission:
Our goal at Dot Girl First Period Products is that every girl has a positive first period experience and an empowered first step to womanhood. We offer parents and daughters products that support the changes girls experience during puberty.


I really like The Dot Girl's First Period Kit! This made telling my last daughter about her "it" period so much easier. It became her personal kit that she could have and look through on her own once we went over it. She loves reading and this was perfect and simple for her to explore. She loved having the little case to keep it all together. It is just the right size to toss in a backpack.
I do think that this is the perfect Back To School Kit! As your young girl heads back to school she will find more girl friends who have started their period over the summer. She will be prepared with the right information and speak up to help others with the correct information. I never wanted my girls to fear what was coming. If they are informed then they can embrace what is coming and accept it. It still is something we don't just discuss at the dinner table but we are more open to ask questions and know that they will be answered.
THANKS to The Mom Dot Sisters, Terri and Kathy for providing a kit for me to review! The also created other wonderful products like bras and undies! These are two well informed ladies! The are also contribute information at www.kotex.com. I suggest that you as a mom check out that site before sending your daughter there. I really felt confidant sharing this kit with my daughter.
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The Dot Girl’s First Period Kit is available on their site (www.dotgirlproducts.com) for $22.99 and includes the following items:

  • The Dot Girl’s First Period Guide® , a 12-page booklet with answers to common questions
  • The Dot Girl’s Period Calendar®, a simple way for a girl to track her periods
  • One Ultra Thin Kotex® Pad With Wings
  • Two Kotex® Lightdays® Panty Liners
  • Kotex® product brochure (product claims only valid within the U.S.)
  • One store coupon for FREE Kotex® products -a $4.90 value (valid only within the U.S.)
  • Reusable Dot Girl Warm Pad, a heating pad handy for soothing cramps
  • Scensibles™ Petite Pak (3 disposal bags inside)
  • Hand Wipes
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They have given me a kit for one of my readers! How exciting!!!

TO ENTER the Giveaway (leave a separate comment per entry and include email at least one time)

1) Leave a comment on something positive you would share or you did share with a young girl. Any topic!

BONUS ENTRIES
(do one, all or none- up to you!)

2) Visit The Dot Girl Products and come back here and tell me something you saw or learned (5 entry)
3) Fan Dot Girl Products on Facebook (5 entries)

4) Follow @DotGirlMoms on twitter (1 entry)

5) Follow me on twitter @susieqtpie (1 entry)

6) Buy something on their website (Facebook fans get a discount!) (10 entries)

7) Enter any giveaways on my blogs. My other blog, Scraps of Life. (5 entries per giveaway)

Giveaway ends September 7th. Winner chosen by Random.org.
Winner will have 48 hrs to claim product.
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About This Post


It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have
partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and
tricks, advice, stories and more! http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school
channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive
the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and
join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about
donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how
to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out
recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and
stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!


Monday, August 17, 2009

WANTED- YOU for Elly's Down Syndrome Walk

(CLICK Cute ELLY TO GO TO HER PAGE!)

Here is the information for the walk! If you can't join them and want to help them raise money for the Down Syndrome Association of MN then click on Cute Elly to go to her page!

This year the annual St. Paul Walk has a new name: Step Up for Down Syndrome (formerly Buddy Walk) and we want ya'll to put on your boots and join us for a great time!! The walk is September 20th and we are getting so very excited for another fun afternoon of music, food, and exercise.

The walk will once again be held at Como Park-Midway Picnic Pavilion in St. Paul,MN with check in beginning at 10:30 and the walk starting at noon.

This year we will have team bandanas and the Down syndrome association will once again have tee-shirts and lunches for everyone registered. The deadline for shirts is fast approaching (AUGUST 21) so I am asking your assistance in replying asap if you plan to attend so that I can have a shirt for you. The following link will take you to my Google Spreadsheet where I am collecting the registration data/shirt: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdfc2RnbXZHNENsN253Z19kNjdHd2c6MA..

I have also set up a First Giving page to offer further support for the Down Syndrome Association of MN. Their work is essential in providing awareness, advocacy, and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in Minnesota. Our page can be viewed at: http://www.firstgiving.com/wanted . Please feel free to share this link!!

We hope to see you on September 20th and have you join us in showing support and advocacy for Elly and other individuals with Down syndrome. Thanks for your support!!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Host:
Type:
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Time:
10:30am - 2:30pm
Location:
Como Park
Street:
Midway Picnic Pavilion
Phone:
9523610186
Email:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See ya'll there!

Favorite Back To School Helpers!

My blog, The Homeschool Messenger, came about last year because friends (not all kids were homeschooled) would ask me where to find math sheets, spelling help, science help,etc online. I would email them the links gladly! My kids would also ask me where to find links during the day. So to help me and them I found that it was easier to just post all the links in one location so the blog was born!

Here are the categories I have listed on my blog sidebar and a few of my favorite links in each catagory!

ART- Incredible Art Department

* Art Lesson plans for PreK- College age

* Art Activities and Games

* Incredible Resources

* Art Career and Jobs

* Teachers Toolbox

* Art room and more!

GEOGRAPHY- US Geography

*Capitals, States and Landscapes of the USA

- National Geographic

*Videos, Activites, Games and Stories

HISTORY- The Story of our World Series

*Best history books that we use.

-Dear America

*Great books and Scholastic has a great kid and parent friendly website!

LANGUAGE- Caught Ya Book Series

*Fun and interactive books for learning grammar!

- Grammar Girl

* I love the podcast lessons!!

MATH- Homeschool Math

*Not just for homeschoolers!

*Worksheets

*Very full of everything you need related to Math!

-Timez Attack

*Best ever multiplication game online for free and also available to purchase a full version

READING- Reading is Fundamental

*Best interactive reading site!

*For kids, parents and educators!

-Katie and Kimble Blog

*Cute book series

*Interactive website with the books!

*Kid friend author with videos on website

-Carole Marsh Mysteries

*Great mystery reading books.

*Very kid friendly author (you can also get your name as a character in one of her mysteries)

SCIENCE- Every day Mysteries

*Fun science facts from the Library of Congress from A to Z!

-Windows to the Universe

*Science gem that I found last year!

* Our Planet and Solar System

*Great information and super graphics

Government- CIA for kids

*For parents, educators and kids

*FUN online games!

Best overall Interactive Kid site - BrainPop


Please check out the other links in the catogories I have listed in the sidebar! If you have some to recommend please leave the link for me in the comments! I'm always looking for more.

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PARENTS of school aged children check out these too:

We posted an article, "100 Best Blogs for Homeschooling Moms" (http://www.onlineeducation.net/2009/08/16/100-best-blogs-for-homeschooling-moms/). I am happy to tell you know that my site has been included in this list.

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About This Post


It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have
partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and
tricks, advice, stories and more! http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school
channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive
the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and
join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about
donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how
to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out
recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and
stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Crazy and Real Back To School Supplies

I've had a few "public/private" school parents say "Oh you are so lucky that you don't have to buy back to school supplies since you just homeschool!" When people say this it always gives me a chuckle! ! It just shows that we say things at times without thinking first!!! I thought that I would have a little fun with the supplies!

OK so this is the crazy list of back to school supplies we use at our home "school"
1) We require this here washboard for music class2) The children do all their work on chalk board3) Kids all have to have this to get their food every day4) Most important is for them to all have a blackberry
All joking aside now but really homeschool students do use the same supplies! Here are a few of our favorites supplies and
some ways
we use them!

1) We love our little hand held GPS. Great for our geography lessons in Aruba.

2) We love Science class! Great to learn about the weather as it is happening! Fun to go outside to explore nature, get wet in the rain and see what little creatures are out there waiting for us.
3) School books are purchased and used. Reading is required! How fun to take the books out on the porch and read in the natural light!

4)Coloring pencils are a must! Art is wonderful and we could do it all day. We even go to the University in our area to do ART!
5) PE for Emily is TaeKwonDo.6)Music class can be these wonderful Chimes, clarinet, piano, harmonica. Sometimes we just make our own (we don't own a washboard but I bet that would be fun to play with!)7) Oh yes everyone wants the latest and greatest paper, folders, pencil cases,etc8) Of course we have to have our Laptops!
9) A dress is required when it is time for Homeschool Prom.
10) It isn't required but some students even have a class pet.


About This Post

It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and tricks, advice, stories and more! href="http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Back To School 4 Homeschool High School

This is the year we've been waiting for! The beginning of High School! For our School that just means you will be working harder, concentrating on classes you really want to take and taking some classes maybe you aren't quite sure you want to take.
My twins will be 15 next month. This is their 4th year to be homeschooled. If you ask them they will tell you that they love homeschooling. They love starting school at 9am. They love snack time whenever they need a snack. They love hour long lunches doing whatever they want to do. They love learning what THEY want to learn. They love all their homeschool friends. They also love all their other friends who go to school all over the place.

I think that it is very important to recognize that each child has a different level and a different style of learning. That is why they do not have the same exact curriculum. Quite of few subject they have the same material but both will receive individual attention in planning how they go about tackling their courses. Most likely they will not be working the courses at the same time.

I like to plan school up to Christmas break. Together they will be working on:(click to explore the titles as most of them link to another site)

Chemistry AP via Thinkwell

American Government via Thinkwell

Lingua Latina year 4

The Story of the World V. 2: The Middle Ages

(Enjoying ART at Southern Illinois University with other Homeschoolers)
ART

Catechism

Giggles in the Middle: Caught'ya! Grammar with a Giggle for Middle School


(Made her first dress this past school year and wore it for Easter and Homeschool Prom)
Home Economics- Taking care of yourself so you can serve your neighbor

Literature-TBA

As individuals one will be doing:

Algebra 1 Brightstorm

Drama/Theatre

Soccer
(Drama Girl)
And the other:

Pre-Algebra review with Kiss My Math

Music lessons

Community College Band


(Jr High School band)

If you have any questions about what we are studying or need any help at all related to Homescholing feel free to leave a comment below! If you want to talk in email please leave your email address and I'll email you. You can also tweet me at @susieqtpie

Feel free to explore the subject links on my side bar. I keep our favorite school links listed for easy access to me and friends who ask about resources. The links are for all ages and for all levels of schooling. If you have some favorite links please share!

Click the link to take you to The Homeschool Lounge! You will find a lot of information there too! Super place to share, learn, connect and have a bit of fun!


Feel free to check out 2 other recent post on Back to School Food: Snack Time and Back to School Food: Healthier Snack

About This Post


It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have
partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and
tricks, advice, stories and more! http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school
channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive
the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and
join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about
donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how
to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out
recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and
stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Back to School Food: Healthier Snack Time part 2


Update on my Snack Time part 1 post!

Several of the snacks that I listed was a link to The Healthy Pantry. I sent them a copy of my post because I wanted them to know that I was giving them a blog shout out! I have reviewed their products and love all of them that I have reviewed.

In Snack Time, part 1 I listed my granola recipe and mentioned that my daughters and I will work on trying other recipes as part of our homeschool program this school year.

Many thanks to The Healthy Pantry Chef and Nutritional expert! He reworked my recipe to make it more like I was wanting for my daughters Snack Time! Here it is:

HEALTHIER CRUNCHY GRANOLA

2/3 cup chopped dates
1/3 cup chopped dried fig
1 cup water
8 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almonds, raw-whole or slightly chopped
1/2 cup juice-sweetened cranberries
1/2 cup juice-sweetened blueberries
3/4 cup oat bran
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (roasted and salted is good)
1/2 cup raw-slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
craisins (they added this for us because we love craisins)

Preheat oven to 350. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, water, canola and apple juice concentrate. Cook stirring occasionally until the mixture forms a thick paste. Remove from heat-set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together remaining ingredients minus the craisins. Spread out onto thin layer on a baking sheet. (1 full sheet or 2 half sheets). Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in date paste mixture. Bake an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly browned.

*************************************************************************************

This looks like a winner! I can't wait to try it! I guess the butter and brown sugar mixture in my recipe was really a down fall for a healthy granola. This new recipe relies on natural fruit
sweetness! You too can make this recipe for your kiddos that are headed back to school! This would be a great class snack too!

My post made them hungry and inspired them to put together a snack kit in time for Back to School! A poll was posted to see what people would choose for a Back To School Snack!

Please click and take the ONE QUESTION poll! It will take you 3 seconds!!! Thanks friends!

Happy Back to school planning!
CLICK HERE FOR THE HEALTHY PANTRY POLL!
You too can get a recipe makeover! Check out The Healthy Pantry and submit a recipe that you want to be made tasty and healthy for your family!
About This Post


It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have
partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and
tricks, advice, stories and more!
href="
http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school
channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive
the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and
join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about
donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how
to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out
recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and
stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Back To School Food: SNACK TIME

We are a homeschool family! It is our 4th year to homeschool. Lately I've had on my "Back to School" thinking cap! (Bet you all have one of these! LOL)
We usually do not start school until after Labor Day. So I use the month of August to work out what we will be doing up to Christmas Break.

For some reason I've been thinking a lot about FOOD! Teaching at home also means eating at home- ALL DAY! I've always thought that it was important to have easy to grab snacks. A wise mom told me that she has a list on her fridge of snacks that her kids could have anytime. I haven't done this but plan on starting it this year. We do not have a scheduled snack break. When you get hungry and if it is not meal time then you can grab a snack.What snacks are great to have around for a quick grab?

I am the shopper so it is up to me to keep the snack stock full. Each girl gets to pick out one special snack at the store. This helps me with making the decision on what to buy.

I've created 4 weeks of snacks. We can rotate snacks in and out of the schedule. This will allow us to incorporate seasonal recipes. The fruits and veggies will change depending on the season. The schedule will allow some variety and easier for me as I head off to the store!

I want to make sure that my daughters are following recipes and preparing the snacks too! This is a very important to me. I want my daughters to be able to cook for themselves and others.

This year I'm going to work on teaching them how to make something from what you have in your pantry. I love doing this. It takes practice for some!

Here is the first 4 weeks of snacks. Some have links. Others need recipes. I will post recipes in September.
Week 1 Snack options
Week 2 Snack options
  • Granola (1/2 c each: butter, honey, wheat germ, brown sugar, raisins, 3 cups oats, 1 c each sunflower seeds and other nuts. Melt together butter, honey, sugar. Add all other ingredients. Microwave on high for 4 min. Spread out on baking sheet to cool. Store in covered container or Ziploc bag.) *We are going to try some new granola recipes which are lower in sugar. I will post those recipes results in September.
  • Apples, Pears and Grape Kabobs
  • Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Fruit snacks
Week 3 Snack options
  • Sticks and Stones
  • Pretzels
  • Apples
  • Yogurt
  • Pudding cups
  • Rice Krispy bars (make according to box directions)
  • Soft Pretzels (We will try out a few recipes and post in September)
Week 4 Snack Options
  • Craisins
  • Nuts
  • Fruit Leather (Never made it but want to. I have several recipes. We will do these and report back in September!
  • Cheese
  • Snack crackers
  • Yam n Jam Muffins
  • Spiders (share recipe later)
What isn't on the list are carrots, celery, ranch dressing and peanut butter. They are staples around our house because the kids love to eat them.

If you have any snack recipes to share please include them in the comments. If you have a blog and want to share your snacks or Back To School Ideas please add your link in the above Back To School MckLinky! That way my visitors and I can come visit you too!

Stay tuned for more Back To School Food ideas featuring those other meals!
About This Post
It’s back-to-school time, and this year Sprite and TwitterMoms have
partnered with bloggers like me to share back-to-school tips and
tricks, advice, stories and more! href="http://spritebts.twittermoms.com">Visit Sprite's back-to-school
channel on TwitterMoms to get helpful ideas, learn how to survive
the back to school rush, seek out advice from other TwitterMoms and
join the conversation. You can bit.ly/UW2GJ">learn more about
donating your My Coke Rewards Points to support your local school, how
to enter for a chance to win some Back to School cash, check out
recipes, or even play some fun games. Here's to a successful and
stress-free back to school season from Sprite and TwitterMoms!

This post has been sponsored as part of a larger campaign.

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