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Adventures in Homeschooling

My husband and I have decided to begin homeschooling our 11 year old son and 8 year old daughter, this year. We have chosen to utilize a combination of curriculums and these include Easy Peasy All In One Homeschooling, The Genesis Curriculum, and Time4Learning. These will be explained later on in this post, along with links to where you can find out more information about these curriculums if you are interested. As a disclaimer, I am in no way getting paid for blogging about these. I just wanted to share with other newbies out there the choices I have personally made in regards to homeschool curriculums for my own family. We are excited and a little bit apprehensive about beginning on this new journey. Well actually, if I am being honest, I'm a bit terrified and worried that I won't be consistent or effective enough as a homeschooling mommy/teacher to really help my kids succeed. I have so much on my plate as it is, yet also feel the motherly pressure inside me that has been ...

Your Mind Vs. Your Heart: Which Should be Listened to?

      Today, I came across a post shared by a well respected man, Trent Shelton. If you do not know who Trent Shelton is, I highly suggest you search for him on YouTube or Facebook. His messages are uplifting, real, and will keep you holding strong during life's struggles. I personally, really enjoy his messages. However, today was a little different. Today, I read a post that he shared on Facebook which stated that we should listen to our minds, not our hearts. This perplexed me....and this is why....      It is my belief that we have both one heart and one mind for a reason. To not consider the advice that both give us and to only ever listen to one is like neglecting one side of the story when making a decision. The messages that one (your heart or brain) may give you may not be 100% wise, accurate, or smart. True, only listening to one's heart can be dangerous, risky, and destructive; leading to hurt, pain, and loss. However, only li...

Reusable Menstrual Cloth Pads and Tampons

The title of this blog post may put some people off at first. After all, the thought of reusing menstrual items is not something many people would gladly jump at the chance to do, mostly due to the fact that periods are considered an uncomfortable topic of discussion and there is many misinformation or lack of information regarding it. Let's face it, not everyone grows up with parents who teach us about reusable alternatives. So, naturally, I believe many of us shy away from such topics, while others run away screaming.  When I have tried to breach this topic in conversation with my friends, I have received all kinds of replies, such as "Eeewww!!!", "You use what?", "Isn't that unsanitary?" , and "Why in the world would you choose to do that when you can use disposables?"   I used to be one of you naysayers, too scared of her own crotch to consider such a thing due to the ick factor. However, it's time that we stop thinking of m...

Transforming an Old Halloween Costume into a New Costume

For those of you who are on a tight budget and want to find a cheaper option for a Halloween costume, perhaps this post will be just what you are looking for!  This year, I decided to fix up one of my daughter’s play princess dresses and transform it into a much better looking, elegant, and pretty princess dress. My daughter loves the color pink, and really wanted to wear a pink dress for Halloween. I figured that if I could add a little pink and fancy-up her old dress she would love it! She did... From something that was only fit to be played in....to something beautiful! Here is a picture I found of a similar dress (although not an exact design) before I transformed it. Here is what it looks like now (picture does not do it justice): What you need to know:  1) You really do not need to have a lot of skills to make a beautiful dress. 2) You can use what you already have around you or purchase your materials depending on your budget.  What I...

The Power of Positive & Appropriate Touch

         Do you know how powerful touch is, the messages it gives, and the effect it has on a person’s emotional, psychological, and relational growth? Touch has been studied for many years in particular the healing nature it holds.           Massage therapists use touch to heal, parents use touch to hug and hold their children close. It’s no wonder it impacts a child’s sense of worth, feelings of love and security, etc. It doesn’t stop there. Adults need touch, too. Even those who are uncomfortable with touch or shy away from it come to find relief and a sense of happiness as endorphins and oxytocins are released and bonds are formed.             Appropriate, positive touch is important and needs to be encouraged more in our society. If you agree, post a comment below and share how appropriate, positive touch has been beneficial in your life o...

How to Determine Whether Your Relationship/Friendship is Healthy & What to Do about It.

             Friendships and relationships have been weighing on many people's minds, lately. Every time I turn around I seem to witness or hear about a relationship or friendship affected by unhealthy qualities. In all honesty, I'm no exception. However, I believe that if people do not become informed about these issues they may spiral out of control. So, I am offering my advice based on what I have learned from my own experiences and from my education in counseling. Relationships make life fulfilling and worthwhile in many ways, but how can you tell if your friendships or relationships are healthy or unhealthy? We all have our issues and insecurities; just as we all have our talents and unique personalities that make us who we are as individuals. The problems arise when there is unequal value and worth for the relationship or the individuals involved, if there is a lack of trust or respect, and if the relationship prevents the continuation of other ...

Amazing and Natural Carpet Cleaner Detergent

         While, spring is the season known for heavy-duty cleaning around the home, many of you will be getting your homes ready for the holidays or for family visits. I've got a helpful tip on how to get your carpets looking their best in a more natural, and less harmful and expensive way. Instead of using those toxic often allergy inducing carper cleaning products use 3% hydrogen peroxide (diluted or undiluted), which you can buy at the dollar store or for an even better price, at Sam’s Club (you will want at least a couple bottles depending on your carpet space). Hydrogen peroxide is a natural chemical that acts as a disinfectant and can bleach and clean wonderfully. Always test it first, but you may have just found your favorite stain remover! You can also try this recipe that I created, as well. Natural Carpet Cleaner Detergent What you will need: - 1½ quarts of hot (NOT boiling) water - ¼ cup of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (it’s the regul...