Outdoor Tech Does It Again: Mini Rhinos Headphones

 Notice: I received a product to review. All opinions are my own. 

By now, I'm sure you guys know that I am a HUGE fan of Outdoor Tech. Everything I've tried has been a success. They create amazing solutions for power and sound. 

This time, I got to try out the Mini Rhinos. They are Bluetooth headphones that are flexible, lightweight, and tough!

Did my 10-year-old steal them for his listening pleasure? Why, yes he did! He's been trying to get my Mantas (Bluetooth earbuds from Outdoor Tech). 

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One of my favorite things about the Outdoor Tech brand is their branding and packaging. I means, seriously, what can be better than a bigfoot to represent tough, rugged, anti-shock, waterproof, and all the other things that are so handy in an outdoor setting. 

More so than that, though, is their commitment to quality products. Not once have I had a product that didn't last. I have bought a lot of power bands and headphones. Most of them just stop working correctly. Not Outdoor Tech. They truly are quality products. 

The Mini Rhinos are not just your typical on ear Bluetooth headphones. They are waterproof, shock proof, and flexible (really great for kids). They have a battery life of 12 hours play time and if they die, just use a 3.5mm jack cord (included). 

These headphones actually turned out to be perfect for my son and I'm not sure he has taken them off. They have superior sound quality and the controls were really easy for him to learn. Plus, he really likes the bigfoot logo on them. T-bomb loves being able to listen to Home Free as long as he wants without having to hold on to his tablet, phone, or mp3 player.

If you have a music fan in your life, these are a great gift. 

Gift Ideas: Subscription Boxes For Kids

 My kids' godparents got them subscription boxes for Christmas last year, and they really were a hit. It really is a gift that keeps going and there is such a wide variety of them. Here are 10 of my favorites.

1. Little Passports (Geography and science)

2. Kiwi

3. Raddish Kids

4. Green Kids Crafts

5. Sago Mini Box

6. Owl Crate Jr

7. Tinker Crate

8. Book And Bear

9. Oyster Kit

10. Craft Club

The list goes on. Don't forget about magazine subscriptions- they are always a wonderful choice!

Gift Ideas For Homeschool Families

Notice. None of these are sponsored or affiliates. I'm giving a general idea because brands are something that can be tricky.

Whether you are looking to buy for a homeschool family as a whole, a child, or a mom/ dad, these gifts should get your ideas flowing. My best advice- ask what they could use in their homeschool. 

1. Custom school house sign

2. Museum Tickets

3. Mini coffee pot (yes, this is for mom! Wouldn't this be a great addition to a school room?)

4. Telescope

5. Globe

6. Kindle Kids Edition- love the new cases and my kids use these for school and play

7. Microscope- my son got one a few years ago for Christmas. We pretty much give him free rein and he learns so very much. We do remind him of the rules though.

8. Art and Craft supplies- any. They will be used!

9. Lap desk- my mom got all of her grandkids these for Christmas a couple of years ago and they have been a game-changer. They fold up for storage and even have storage under the lid!

10. Books boxed sets- Little House is the perfect classic!

11. Consider a dinner out, delivering dinner, or watching the kids for mom and dad to have a date. This may not seem like a "homeschool gift" but it may be just what some need- a break- a refresh.

Gift Ideas For Outside Activities

Notice. None of these are sponsored or affiliates. I'm giving a general idea because brands are something that can be tricky.

1. Dart Blasters

2. Scooter

3. Climbing Wall

4. Hopper

5. Hula Hoop

6. Sports Equipment

7. Tetherball

8. Ninja Line

9. Net Swing

10. Sandbox

11. Rain boots

Gift Ideas For Families

Notice. None of these are sponsored or affiliates. I'm giving a general idea because brands are something that can be tricky.

Whether you are looking to buy for a special family as a whole, as opposed to individual gifts, or for your own family a special gift, these ideas are sure to be hits!

1. Movie Projector

2. Family Ornament

3. Movie Night Fun Box

4. S'Mores Kit

5. Ticket Display Box

6. Fire Pit

7. Matching Family Mugs

8. Puzzle for the family (some have different sized pieces)

9. Popcorn maker

10. Tent

Gift Ideas For The Man In Your Life

Notice. None of these are sponsored or affiliates. I'm giving a general idea because brands are something that can be tricky. My husband is a brand snob with some things and not others. Yours may be too, so here are just some basic ideas.

1. Subscription to his favorite magazine

2 Survival Stocking

3. Dad/ Husband Devotional

4. Gift Card for gaming (xbox/ playstation/ iTunes/ google play)

5. Funny Socks

6. Subscription Box

7. Battery Pack Keychain

8. New Razor

9. RFID Wallet

10. For a big-ticket item, what about a grill?!?

Meet Allie: Koda's Best Friend & Therapy Doll

Several years ago, for her 3rd Christmas, Koda got an 18-inch doll for Christmas. At first, it was "just a doll," but quickly became her best friend and confidant. Koda actually had conversations with Allie, before the rest of us. I would walk into her room and hear her talk to Allie. Today, Allie is a part of our family. My son even decided he wanted a doll (named him Peter, after Peter Parker) so he could play with his sister.

This was especially amazing because Koda didn't talk at all until after she was 3. Conversations with us didn't happen until much later. She has an expressive communication disorder. She still struggles, but I'm amazed at the progress she has made. 

There are so many stories I could share about how wonderful Allie is for Koda. Like in the photo above, her stomach was hurting bad (she has really bad episodes), so she hung out on the couch and watched a movie with Allie. While her stomach was still hurting, she was in much better spirits. 

Allie goes EVERYWHERE with us. I cannot even imagine if she got lost. Sometimes when we are on an adventure, she is okay with leaving Allie in the hotel room, but there are times it is a struggle, but I don't want her to lose her. I had this custom tag made on Etsy (not sponsored) in case there is ever a real issue. That way, there is less question if she wants to carry her along to a concert. 

If you have followed my Instagram, you have seen many images of Allie- playing, traveling, doing school, and even for her first haircut. You have also seen her pitiful head. However, Koda loves her the way she is. The hair of the doll got so tangled and disgusting that we couldn't do anything with it. My mom was going to attempt to attach a wig, and cut the hair off. The wig didn't work (we didn't know then that you could buy a doll wig for these, so she was going to cut down a regular wig). Koda was upset at first, but then eventually loved it. Now, she refuses to put a wig on her. 

I got the story out of her about this. My son was seeing a hematologist for his ITP (which was at the Children's' cancer clinic). She had Allie with her, of course. A little girl going through Chemo came in and she was bald. Koda was drawn to her because her Nina had just gone through Breast Cancer and her hair was just growing back in. The girl seemed uncomfortable, but looked at Allie and got a huge smile on her face. Seeing Koda's bald doll made her so happy. So, Koda wants Allie to stay bald in case she sees more bald kids- she will make them happy. 

Just the other day, I walked in on Koda teaching Allie sight words. It was an awesome sight! 

I have always known that dolls are wonderful learning toys for kids. I just did not realize how much of a difference they can make, especially with a special needs child. 

A little about Koda: Koda was born at 37 weeks and was breech. That may not seem like a big deal, but I didn't know I was pregnant, so I had no prenatal care and could not breastfeed her because I wasn't prepared. She did great as an infant, with some questions about her hearing. At 3, she was tested for autism, and even though she has many of the traits, she is not (many autism therapies work for her though). She was diagnosed with an expressive language disorder, sensory processing disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She also has some hearing loss. Because of her communication disorder, we are having problems with sight testing. She has asthma and an immune deficiency. She is currently being tested to see what is causing extreme stomach pain, chronic constipation, and extreme knee pain. Through all of this, Allie has been her rock. 

Halloween Costumes: Quarantine Edition

 We are huge costume fans. My husband and I, even though we do not wear full costumes, have accessories (my favorites being several beautiful witch hats I've collected over the years), costume makeup, and hats that are fun for Halloween. 

Although we don't trick-or-treat (just doesn't work for our family), we still love getting costumes for the kids. Sometimes we even end up with several costumes in one year because the grandparents and uncles see them and buy them. It's cute and they play dress up in them all year. 

Some years we've bought costumes and some years, we've made costumes. However, in the last few years, I've been enjoying buying costumes that have a dual purpose and are useful to them to use all year. I've bought kid onesies, blankets, hoodies, and hats. 

I've found that this year, these are the perfect costumes since we are spending so much more time at home and finding ways to have fun at home, like hanging out at the fire pit, having family parties, spending a lot of time outside, and so much more. Why not enjoy Halloween all year with a useful costume. 

Here is a list of useful Halloween costumes that are perfect for Quarantine- dress up, watch a movie, and enjoy your family. (By the way, for most of these, I've bought Spider-Man, Dinos, Unicorns, and Minnie Mouse)

1. Onesies for kids

2. Hooded Blankets/ Blankets

3. Hoodies

4. Beanies

5. Pajamas

6. Costume that they will play dress up in all year

7. Have fun and buy a cheesy costume anyway

8. Have a craft night and make costumes

9. Just buy fun accessories that they can add to their outfits all year

10. If you have a preteen or teen, add some fun makeup or hair chalk to their collection

10+ Social Distancing Halloween Ideas

 I think back to March and cannot believe that we are still in this boat. Well, in our family, we aren't going to slack now. We've seen social distancing, masks, quarantining, and all through and we'll keep doing it, to keep those we love safe. We are in a different situation- both kids have immune issues, my MIL is a cancer patient, my husband's grandfather has a lot of health problems, my dad is diabetic, and my mom has asthma. We want to keep them all safe, so we do what we need to. 

Well, my favorite holiday is looming. I love Halloween and everything about it. We don't take the kids trick-or-treating, but we usually let them dress up and go do something fun. Not this year- we are just going to have a fun movie night with them. However, I've been thinking about those that are used to trick-or-treating. My heart breaks for those kids that have been looking forward to it. 

Well, I have some ideas that will make this year just as fun. Just remember, that will just make 2021 even better! 

1. Stay at home and have a family party of movie night

2. Porch drop-offs and pick-ups have been very fun this year!

3. Have a neighborhood Halloween parade in costume while keeping a safe distance (you can even camo the mask easier in a costume).

4. Give the kids bags of candy and drive around looking for Halloween lights

5. Candy slides (I've seen these all over the net made out of PVC pipes)

6. Have the kids make happy Halloween cards and drop them at the local children's' hospital for those stuck in a hospital bed. (be sure to call ahead of time to see about regulations). 

7. I've seen that some are just skipping it this year, but what's the fun in that. However, if Halloween is not a big deal in your family, it might be the right choice for you. 

8. Contact a local assisted living or nursing home to see if you can arrange for the kids to dress up in costumes and walk around and see the patients through the windows. Think about how much it would brighten the patients' days!

9. Plan to have your normal errand day (grocery shopping, etc) on Halloween. Put costumes on the kids and let them tag along, while still practicing what you've been doing all along. 

10. Do it up like Christmas. Decorate the house for Halloween like you would Christmas, we even put up a Halloween tree!

11. Go trick-or-treating as normal, but keep a safe distance and get people to throw the candy- why not? 

12. Have family fun all month long and close October with the best Halloween Movie- Hocus Pocus!!

Some ideas for fun all month long are:

Halloween Countdown Calendar

Watch a movie each night

Decorate Pumpkins

Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Visit a pumpkin patch that is equipped for safety

Find Halloween Recipes and make them each Saturday

Read Scary stories

Tell Ghost Stories (or Bigfoot stories) by the fire pit

Go Goblin Hunting (they come out in October after 5pm)

Start new traditions

Halloween Crafts

Halloween Bucket List

The ideas are endless

Have fun with your family- that is the most important

Our DIY Travel Art Kits

 I've had several people ask me about the kids "travel art kits," especially in doctors' offices while we are waiting. Well, they really are very simple. I made them from things we had laying around, but I thought I'd go ahead and share. 

I'll share some ideas of other containers to use as well. 

This is what is in the kits:

1. Melissa & Doug Triangle Crayons

2. Crayola Dry Erase Colored Pencils (I actually broke these to the correct length and then sharpened the rough end)

3. Dry Erase Eraser (The Kids also have dry erase spiral books in their backpacks)

4. Pretty Sticky Notes (I actually got these on clearance at Walmart, but any will do)

5. Mini Gel Pens

6. Multicolored pencil sharpened down

Other things you could include:

1. Mini pencil sharpener

2. Mini notebook

3. Tiny clipboard

4. Washi Tape

5. Stencils (look for party favors)

6. Party Favor sized play-doh

The container I used was from a Hatchimals lip gloss set (yes, both kids got one) and it was a perfect size, but there are so many more options:

1. travel soap dish (perfect size for crayons)

2. sandwich container

3. I've seen some cute ones with DVD cases (then you even have a dry erase cover!)

4. Storage clipboard 

5. I used to use a binder pencil case

Be sure to take a good look around your house for a container- I'm sure you have something that will work!!

I love the kids having these little kits in their backpacks. Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons. Not only do they always have something to do (besides tablets) in their backpacks, but sometimes I have them write or draw something about what we did so I can include it in our school records. 

Another good thing is that if we are doing school on the go, they always have crayons, and even have writing items, in case mom goes ditzy and forgets to pack them. 

They always have their backpacks with them, so no matter where we are, they have these art kits- even if they are spending the night somewhere else, being babysat, or on vacation, they have art materials. 

Plus, the backpacks stay packed, so its one less thing for mom to worry about!

Your Butterfly Box Review

 As a mother, the one thing that I struggle the most to make time for and sometimes fail miserably is making more one on one time with God. I succeed at talking with the kids about God, doing our devotionals, learning about the Bible, and spending time in prayer with the kids. I find myself neglecting my own time. I ask forgiveness and try again. 

One thing I have learned is finding things to put around me that remind me of how wonderful God is one of the best things I can do. Another thing is to have a devotional I love that helps me get closer to God and also helps me learn scripture and dive deeper into my Bible. 

The Butterfly Box (https://www.yourbutterflybox.com) provides me with both of those things. This first box I got gave me a wonderful evening with my Bible. After I got the kids in the bed, I sat down for some quality time with God. I made a nice cup of tea (from the box), got my bible, devotional (from the box), and sat on the couch with a fluffy throw. It was such a relaxing evening and I slept so great that night. 

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you! 

Each month's box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.

5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items

All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process

Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

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In my box, I got The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian; Be Still and Know Journal; Butterfly Prayer Bracelet; Vanilla White & Sweet Peppermint Tea Drops; Weekly Prayer Strategy. 

I really love the Weekly Prayer Strategy card. I have it tucked in my planner because I have that open all day. It is a great reminder and I love a reminder to pray about things that I might not pray about. 

I also have to share a couple of other things with you about this box. I gave 2 of the items away. My daughter has a lot of health problems and I gave her the butterfly bracelet to remind her that God is with her always, even when she is in pain. I gave the Be Still and Know Journal to my mother-in-law. When she was diagnosed with Cancer, that scripture has shown up periodically in her life. That scripture means so much to her to be still and know he is always with her. I feel God put that in the box for a reminder to her, as she is having some more health problems now. What a wonderful way to send her comfort, which I have been praying for!

Doesn't the Butterfly Box sound wonderful? I have two more wonderful things to share!

You can get 10% off with WELCOME10

You can also win a 6-month subscription for a Butterfly Box! Just go here and enter: https://www.blessedfreebies.com/butterfly-box-giveaway.html

Good luck!

What do you do to ensure you spend time with God? 

Interested in sharing on social media? @yourbutterflybox #yourbutterflybox #butterflybox #faithsubscriptionbox #christiansubscriptionbox 

How To Get Your Laundry Caught Up & Keep It That Way

 I will admit that I used to be the worst in the world to get behind on laundry. Then, it would take me forever to get caught up. Well, I sort of have it all figured out (except do we ever really have it figured out?).

My number one thing to suggest is to set a day (or 2) aside to work on laundry, along with your daily tasks, but not any other projects. Then, a day for household laundry like towels, tablecloths, bedclothes, etc. Separate into loads. Put them in the order you want to wash. Then, wash, dry, put away each load and keep the cycle going until you are finished. Fold and put away each load as it finishes, or you'll just be behind on folding. 

Make sure everything is washed- double-check bedrooms, bathrooms, and school bags. 

Now, you are ready to get yourself a system going and stay ahead of the game. 

Here are some tips that work for some families. Maybe something here will work for you. 

• Put dirty laundry in a location that you will see it and have everyone put their clothes together. When the bin is full, do laundry
• Do one load a day (whites, darks, colors, lights, towels, etc)
• Each morning was the clothes everyone wore the day before- always a fresh closet.
• Put laundry day on your calendar
• Have a pretty laundry basket!
• Growing up, mom had a laundry basket in the bathroom with a lid. She stayed up on the laundry because she couldn't stand for the lid to not fit!
• Once your kids are old enough, ease them into the laundry. Once they are ready, give them their own hamper and put them in charge of their own clothes, bedding, and towels. I was 13.
• Keep an unopened container of each item you use in laundry- if you never run out, that is one less thing to worry about. 

Good luck! Please share your tips!

5 Free Fall Bucket Lists For Your Enjoyment

 I was going to create a fall bucket list to share, but I've come across so many beautiful ones that I decided to just share some instead. 

Click the link under the photo to go to their website for the download.

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Love Bakes Good Cakes

Simply Notable

It's Gravy, Baby

Domestic Superhero

Navigating Nutrition: 5 Ideas for Healthy, Easy School Lunches and Snacks at Home

 Don’t Let ‘School’ Lunch Stress You Out: Tips and Ideas from Brainly's Parenting Expert 

By now, many parents and kids have accepted they will be taking part in distance or hybrid learning at least for the short-term. Having nutritious ready-made foods in the fridge will increase the amount of time (and focus/energy) students have to learn from home– not to mention, alleviate some of the stress parents have to deal with by planning ahead.

Patrick Quinn, parenting expert at Brainly– the world’s largest online learning and homework help community– has some recommendations and tips for healthy/quick school lunches and snacks parents can make for their kids to enhance their cognitive abilities and keep them focused. "This is a time of uncertainty and planning out lunches and sticking to a consistent lunchtime every day can help establish a sense of normalcy for kids," he says.

Most schools want parents to keep kids on schedule, breaking for lunchtime at the same time each day in between online classes and schoolwork. If you haven’t prepared the lunches ahead, your child may not have enough time to eat before their next virtual class. It's also important to remember: when your child is learning from home, lunch is not the end of their homeschool day. Lunch is the midpoint. "If I fill them up with empty carbs and sugar they aren’t able to learn from 1-3 p.m. It also makes things like 'quiet reading time' a bit of a struggle," explains Brainly's parenting expert, Patrick Quinn, who is the father of three school-age children of his own.

So what are some go-to staples and creative ideas for healthy, ready-made 'school lunches' this unprecedented school year? Here are just a few... 

1. Sandwich Kabobs
This fun lunch idea is easy to prep and has almost endless variations so something is sure to appeal to even the pickiest of eaters. Try making a ‘pepperoni pizza’ with mozzarella, pepperoni, tomatoes, and bread, or a ‘turkey club’ with turkey, bacon, avocado, cheese, tomatoes, and your choice of toasted bread slices.

Brainly parenting expert pro tip? "For kids who eat lunch while chatting with friends on Zoom or while they're on their computer, sandwich kabobs are an excellent go-to for keeping fingers (and keyboards) clean and non-sticky. They're also great for eating on the go if your kid wants to take a stroll outdoors and enjoy some nature while having lunch."

2. Trail Mix
This snack idea is great because it can easily be prepared days in advance, which gives kids the opportunity to get in on the action. This is a great opportunity to give kids the freedom to choose their own snack while also teaching them how to balance sweet ingredients with healthy options. Parents can check out this great list of 21 healthy trail mix recipes for inspiration.  

3. Homemade Chips
For a healthy spin on everyone’s favorite snack, try baking apples or zucchini in the oven. You can add your own spices/flavoring to make it the perfect snack for your kids that they don’t even realize is actually good for them. You can also find tons of creative recipes online like these decadent Cool Ranch Zucchini Chips or savory Parmesan Squash Chips.

"During the pandemic, what goes into our kids’ bodies is even more important. Whether at home or face to face, you still want to promote that philosophy of healthy eating because it's not only important for maintaining our kids' immune systems and physical health but also for maintaining their moods, energy levels, and mental health," says Brainly's parenting expert, Patrick.

4. Bite-Sized Cucumber Sandwiches
This fun snack replaces bread with cucumbers to create healthy mini sandwiches. You can fill them with pretty much anything, including cheese, deli meat, tomatoes, and even spreads such as chicken salad or guacamole. You can also use cucumbers as one of the fixings inside or atop bread (instead of as a substitution for it) then slice them up into mini bite-sized sandwiches. For more ideas on how to spruce up these bite-sized sandwiches, check out this recipe round-up blog post.

5. Energy Bites
Energy bites are a great way to keep kids full between meals due to their combo of protein, healthy carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can think of them as bite-sized, less messy versions of a granola bar that don’t require any baking and can be easily customized. Check out this simple yet delicious recipe to learn the basic gist of how to make energy bites before concocting your own special recipes.

"These have almost everything your kids need from a nutritional standpoint, all rolled into one tasty and fun snack. Energy bites pack in loads of healthy carbohydrates for sustained energy, protein for growth and focus during the day, and healthy fats for brain development," adds Patrick. 

There are countless other easy, healthy lunch and snack ideas online for parents with kids who are starting out this unprecedented school with distance or hybrid learning. The most important thing for parents to remember is to plan ahead, keep it simple and fun, and stick to a routine that works for your family.

For more information, visit www.brainly.com.

Book Review: You're Strong, Smart, and You Got This!

 Disclaimer: I received a book to review. All opinions are my own. 

I guess anxiety runs in my family. I have bad anxiety, as does my mom. Several members of my husband's family do as well. My daughter was diagnosed at 3 with an anxiety disorder. The thing I've learned over the years is that you don't always need medication. Sometimes a friendly and encouraging word will do the trick. That's why I now keep You're Strong, Smart, and You Got This handy.

When my daughter is down and her anxiety starts taking over, she often feels that nothing is "good enough," although all I want is for her to try her best. When this happens, we find a quiet place, chat together, and flip through this beautiful book. She loves the pictures too!

You can check out the flip through on my Instagram Stories. 

One thing that I love about this book is that in addition to the cute illustrations and quotes there are letters throughout the book that are encouraging as well. 

If someone in your life has anxiety, this book would be a great gift for them. 

I'm Sorry Mama! If I knew Then What I Know Now

 My mama is in the hospital right now and although I know she's going to be okay, I have her on my mind constantly and I am so worried about her catching COVID. There are some things I've wanted to say to her and so here goes!

Dear Mama. 

I laugh sometimes when the kids call me mommy because you never could stand being called mommy, mother, or mom. You have always been mama, now Grani. I laugh because I used to call you the names you can't stand just to annoy you. Guess what?! It came back to bite me. Tbomb likes to ask me pointless questions just to get on my nerves. 

I think often of something I said to you when I was about 15. I remember the hurt I saw in your eyes, but didn't understand why you were hurt. I said: "I want to be more than just a mom." I'm so sorry I said this to you and I'm so sorry that I was so insensitive. I want to blame it on being young and dumb, but even then, I knew to take people's feelings into account. 

I understand now why it hurt so much. I understood before, but when Koda told me that she wants to be a mom when she grows up, it really hit me exactly why it hurt you. There is no such thing as "just a mom," all moms- work at home, stay at home, work away from home, homeschool- we are all so much more that "just mom." In that one title holds everything else- nurse, teacher, maid, confidante, friend, counselor, cook, and everything else. A mom does everything every day. Even when dad is very present and helps out all the time, mom is still the mortar of the family. 

I'm so sorry I said that to you in that way. I'm proud to be "just a mom." and I strive every day to be more like you- patient, creative, kind, wise, and to instill the wisdom in my children that you shared with me and my brothers each day. 

I also want to say that I cherish our friendship. I have always been able to talk to you about anything without judgement and you were always so open with me about everything. I hope to be that way with my own daughter. I really feel that is the reason I didn't get into trouble and go wild as a teenager. You talked with me and were honest with me about experiences and outcomes. Thank you for that! 

I love you and I am looking forward to many more years of a wonderful friendship with you that has blossomed so much over the last few decades. Thanks mom, for being "just a mom." I love you.

Love, 

Your Favorite Daughter!!!

Book Review: The Tuttle Twins Series

 Disclaimer: I received these books to review. All opinions are my own. 

My kids love to learn by listening to stories. When it comes to social studies, we do not use a traditional curriculum, we read books and do activities as our interests steer us in that direction. I think it helps the kids retain what they are learning. Plus, if they are interested, they focus better. 

We received the Tuttle Twins books and I was so very excited to start these with the kids. They are a conservative approach to American law and economics with a focus on freedom. They teach both the good and bad parts and what happens when it is taken to far (like when social help is taken too far).

We actually started reading these before we started our homeschool year back and read a couple at night with our devotional and bible question book. I really loved the way they teach from a child's point of view and not a teacher's. Tbomb and Snapper really engaged with the books and had a lot of questions. We had some really great conversations that spawned from reading together. 

How do you describe economics to a 7-year-old? Should your preteen care about the government? Are your kids learning about the free market in class?

For too long, parents have been at the mercy of professional curriculum developers to instruct their children. History is watered down, key principles omitted altogether, and time and attention given to things of lesser importance. Freedom-loving parents have long been left alone to shoulder the burden of educating their children and passing down a love of liberty.

While there are many books to teach these ideas to adults, there has been a profound void in the children’s literature market. The Tuttle Twins series close the gap, helping parents convey the principles of freedom to their kids in a fun way.

Each book in this series focuses on a different aspect of the principles of a free society: free markets, competition, individual rights, the non-aggression principle, personal responsibility, protectionism, and a variety of other issues—all boiled down to core concepts that children ages 5-10 can easily grasp.

Buy your own copy today for the children in your life. Understanding liberty is a gift that shouldn’t be reserved just for adults!

Even better?! Right now, there is a special back to (home)school offer that you cannot pass up!!

Just go to this page and add it to your cart!

 

Free Printable: Backpack List

 Being at home all the time has been strange. Sometimes I'm not in the mood to accomplish anything. I kind of do the mom thing and veg out. Other times, I've been in organizing/ project mode. That's been my thing in the last few weeks. I have tackled the kids' room, purged toys and stuffed animals, organized them and completely redone their beds. However, there are some projects I've been dying to tackle. 

I've been wanting to get our "on the go" stuff organized. I guess I haven't done it because we can't go anywhere and that is kind of depressing. However, I'm also wanting the kids to get excited about when this is all over. I've listed the things I want to do and I'm getting started. First, I needed a printable!

I'm going to print and fill these out and then laminate them. I'm going to hang them with their backpacks and let them work on packing them. Until now, I've always done that, but they will start. I read Snapper's list to her and I'm hoping that will also help her learn to read. 

I'm sharing them with you. Just right click on the image and save!

Enjoy!!

Back to School or Not Back to School? For Pre-School, What are the Options?

 Think Tank is Changing Early Education in Spite of and WITH Remote Learning

 

 

New York, August 19th, 2020

 

Struggling with whether your child is going to be able to go to school in the Fall? Are you worried about the quality of online academic learning? Do you want to have access to the most up to date and proven methods for teaching your child? Are you concerned about your child losing out on the most crucial intellectual development that occurs during the early childhood years? If physical attendance is not possible, how do you justify the cost of preschool?

 

Dawn Lesley Stewart founded Perry School in 2001. Through her ongoing research into Early Childhood Development, Dawn created Think Tank in 2008. Think Tank is a unique learning system that combines small group online academic instruction with one-on-one sessions with each individual child as well as parent/caregiver coaching.

 

If remote learning is the only option, educational technology has not been a strong point for preschoolers. Think Tank was originally created with the idea in mind to make it accessible not only to the current Perry School community, but to families outside the walls of the school as well—-through an online/Zoom based curriculum. In the era of online learning, Dawn offers these tips for “best practices:”

 

“At this age, focus is always a challenge, whether it is online or in person education. In your home, set up an area that is conducive to learning, ie., reduce distractions. Kids need structure. Set a schedule, set one up each day and stick to it. We really encourage movement as it is a type of play, very important and actually helps their focus.”

 

Since Think Tank’s inception, parental participation has always been key. The structure is such that the number of hours parents are involved in their child’s learning each week is minimal yet allows parents to be active participants in their child’s learning process. Think Tank’s parental involvement is not to have them help “teach”, but have them help their kids “understand”.

 

Parents are currently grappling with what makes sense for their child from a health and safety as well as an academic perspective. Throughout the current times, the goal is for children to thrive in a highly engaging online learning environment.

 

“Think Tank is a program that is unique to Perry School. The children who are enrolled in the program are being taught at a very high level—-children as young as two are learning 200 written words. Children who go through all four levels of Think Tank are much better prepared for their future education. Our “graduates” are getting into the best schools in New York. With our online presence, Think Tank grads will get into the best schools in the rest of the country as well.”

 

Think Tank has been years in the making, resulting in a multitude of success stories. Up until now, you had to go to Perry School in NYC to get this education. As a result of the lockdown and the challenges of Zoom meetings for preschoolers, Think Tank provides a customized live experience for part of the process, and a complete website with level specific lesson plans including videos and slideshows.

 

From a parent: “My 3yr old and 5yr old are learning to read via Zoom with Dawn and her Think Tank class, and already know over 120 vocabulary words using her ‘whole word’ method. She not only educates the children but she educates parents, grandparents and caregivers. This enables more flexibility for parents so that they can better juggle their own work. and effectively help their children learn remotely. The energy and excitement she brings truly makes learning something the children look forward to and they haven't missed a beat - even with the classes on Zoom.”

 

Online learning is the “new normal.” Children will be continuing to be educated this way until we have a vaccine.

 

For more information, go to www.dawnlesleystewartmethod.com.

 

About Dawn Lesley Stewart – Dawn is the Founder/Director of Perry School. She started Perry School in the West Village neighborhood of NYC in 2001. She has been at the forefront of early childhood education for 20 years. Dawn is thrilled to have the opportunity to impact more lives through the online Think Tank program. Think Tank provides high quality academic programming in which children thrive and it helps instill the joy of learning for a lifetime.

 

Get Your Kids Outside During the Pandemic!

 Cincinnati, Ohio based Jeff Alt, adventurer, teacher, and author of Get Your Kids Hiking and the young adult national park time travel series, The Adventures of Bubba Jones, is on a mission to help parents and kids of all ages get outside and stay in shape having fun safely during the pandemic. 

Researchers agree that the risk of COVID transmission is lower with outdoor recreation activities. Scientific evidence proves that time spent in nature increases your creativity, helps prevent depression, improves your overall health, and is a great way to spend time together. 

Why are walking, hiking and camping among the best activities you can do during the COVID19 Pandemic?

Due to the pandemic, students, parents, and teachers are having to study and work remotely indoors this fall and maybe into the winter.  But excessive screen time is being associated with increased childhood obesity, mental health issues, and even social skill problems. On top of that, many sport activities have been cancelled this fall due to the COVID pandemic. 

All of this points to the importance and the advantages of walking, hiking and camping as a great way to stay healthy physically and mentally.

How do you stay safe from COVID19 exposure while camping and hiking?

• Stay local!  Explore your local area. Avoid popular trails and destinations.  Take the trail less traveled. Hike and camp at times and days when the park is not busy. 
• Be prepared! Bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and travel wipes.  Restroom facilities may not be open and this will allow you to be self-sufficient and sanitary.
• Keep your distance! When you encounter others, step off the trail and let them pass.  Make sure to stay six feet apart and don a mask during the close encounter.  Turn your face away from others and don’t stop and chat!
• Be extra cautious in public restrooms. Wear your mask if you go in a park restroom. If you touch a surface, wash and sanitize and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands and use your travel wipes and hand sanitizer frequently.

Planning for Outdoor Recreation and Fall Family Hikes

A big part of making a fall hiking and camping adventure fun and safe is to stay warm, dry, hydrated and fed.  Fall can offer some brilliant leaf peeping opportunities, but you may also experience adverse weather conditions. Here are a few tips:

• Plan ahead. Study your area and identify the best places to go in advance.
• Bundle Up for the Season and Stay Dry: Make sure everyone is wearing layered non-cotton clothing.  Pack along hats, mittens, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Map, Compass & GPS: Bring a topo map, compass and GPS (if you have GPS) and know how to use them. Know how to signal for help if you’re lost (three loud whistle bursts, bright colored clothing item placed in open clearing; etc.).
• Bring a hiking stove and some Cocoa: Pack along a hiking stove, hot cocoa and soup packets. Most kids never turn down a cup of piping hot cocoa after a cold romp in the snow and this will also help warm your inner core.
• Pack Extra Snacks & Enough Water. You burn more calories in cold weather and the added snacks will keep your kids energized. Be sure to bring your kids favorite foods to encourage everyone to eat. Stop often for water breaks.

Start’em Young: Ergonomically designed baby carriers make it easy and fun to carry your infant and toddler with you wherever you hike. Walk to your favorite park or beach.  Stop often and let your little one explore. Make your hike a routine your kids will look forward to.

Let the Kids Lead!: Follow the leader! Hike at your child’s pace and distance. Whatever your child takes interest in, stop and explore that bug, leaf, or rock with them. Tell them about the animals, rocks, trees, and flowers. Getting to the destination is less important than making sure your kids have so much fun, they will want to go again and again.

Count Down to the Adventure: Psych the kids up with pictures, videos, and highlights of the places they will go and the things they will see. Use books, magazines, maps, and the Internet, especially park websites and videos showing the spectacular wildlife and locations they will see. 

Bring Water and Food Kids Love: Hand out needed extra energy snacks and water as needed on the trail. Pack their favorite snacks and bring plenty of water. Stop often for a drink and a snack. 

Pack Fun Items: Let young children fill their adventure pack with a bug catcher, magnifying glass, binoculars, a camera, a map and compass, whistle, or flashlight. Let your little adventurer take ownership and pack a few items of his own; even if it’s not hiking-related. 

Play Games and Bring a Friend: Play I Spy using your surroundings as you walk along. Create your own scavenger hunt in search of animals, plants, and views along the way. Make up rhymes and sing songs as you walk. Pack a plant and animal identification guide for your older child. Let your social butterfly bring a friend, with parental permission. Intrigue your computer-savvy child with the high-tech hiking gadgets like a GPS, headlamp, flashlights, and pedometers. Use your GPS and take your kids on a geocaching adventure. 

Suit Up in Comfort, Style, and the Latest Technology

• Footwear: Make sure everyone is wearing trail shoes or boots with a sturdy sole. A Vibram sole with a waterproof breathable liner is preferred. Wear non-cotton, moisture-wicking, synthetic or wool socks.
• Clothing: Dress for the weather! Wear non-cotton synthetic, wool & fleece clothes and dress in layers. Wear multipurpose clothes like pants that zip off into shorts or shirts with roll-up sleeves. Pack a waterproof breathable rain parka. Dress for the season with a fleece hat & gloves or a hat with a wide brim for sun protection.
• Packs: Get age- and size-appropriate backpacks that fit each hiker comfortably with hydration hose capability.
• Trekking Poles: Get a pair of adjustable, collapsible poles with an ergonomically designed handle for each person.
• Fresh, Clean Water: You can get a hydration hose system for your pack or just use bottles. Disinfect wild water using hi-tech portable treatment water systems such as a UV wand or micro-straining filter.
• Communication: Bring a smartphone so you can take lots of pictures and if there’s connectivity, email to family or upload to your online blog or Facebook page. Carry a GPS unit to keep you located on the trail and for geocaching.
• Other Must Haves: Suntan lotion and bug repellent containing Deet or Picaridin; First aid kit that accommodates the whole group & first aid knowledge to go along with the kit. Bring a compass & map and brush up on how to use them. Learn how to make a shelter to keep you warm and dry. Keep matches and a lighter in a dry place and know how to make a fire to keep warm. Carry a whistle and a signal mirror in case you get lost. Pack a survival knife with a locking blade. Bring a headlamp flashlight, extra batteries, 50 feet of rope or twine, and always have several feet of duct tape for that unexpected repair.

Jeff’s Newest Book

The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through Grand Canyon National Park was just released on August 3^rd, 2020.  It is the fourth book in time traveling national park series designed for young adults ages 8 to 12, which combines education with entertainment in a thrill packed journey through time loaded with fun facts about history, ecology and science about the park and its inhabitants.