Jul. 17, 2009
Sneak Peek!!! This Year's TOS Crew Vendors!!!
Jul. 14, 2009
Ready to Set Sail for the 2009 TOS Homeschool Crew!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog?
Check out my welcome post at
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Hi everyone!
Well, the time has come for the next voyage of the TOS Homeschool Crew. This year I serve as a First Mate, and I have the privilege of mentoring four of the most lovely ladies I have ever had the pleasure of not meeting! LOL Well, we have met in cyberspace anyway. Here are there blogs for you to check out.
OZARK RAMBLINGS
JAM SIDE UP
HOMESCHOOLING GOD'S WAY
NOW BOARDING GATE 3
I was thrilled to find that every one of these ladies is an admitted messy, and they all have a great sense of humor! God is GOOD!!! :)
This year is going to be even more fun than last year. One cool thing about it is that the vendors are not all just homeschooling companies. For example, so far I have received an Old Testament study, an e-pattern (plus e-class!) for an apron, and a DVD that will help me to learn html. I am going to try out some new recipes too. I have also learned that I am going to get some sort of children's media. Well, I think so anyway. So far nothing is specific to homeschooling, so even if you are not a homeschooler, stick around. There'll be something for everyone!!!
You might want to follow me on Twitter as I'll tweet when I post a new review.
http://www.twitter.com/thecrazymomblog
I hope to add some updates to my blog. Be patient, I'm just learning. If all goes as planned, I'll be adding the vendors I review for to my side bar. No promises though! :)
And, just as a reminder, as a TOS Crew Mate, I receive free products from vendors for the purpose of reviewing them. I don't get paid anything to do the reviews (other than getting the product, which I kinda need to see and use in order to evaluate), and I am in no way obligated to give a glowing review if I don't like the product. I will always point out both the positives and negatives from my own perspective. I don't make any judgments as to the safety of the products, as my only concern (for review purposes) is for their educational or practical benefit. I tell you what I think, you will have to think for yourself. I know you can do it! :)
Have a good one, folks!
The Crazy Mom
Jul. 8, 2009
Friendly Chemistry Sale!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog?
Check out my welcome post at
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Hi all!!!
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BIG SUMMER SALE!
In an effort to get a great chemistry curriculum in the hands of more
families, Hideaway Ventures, the creators of Friendly Chemistry, is
hosting a BIG summer sale on thier curriculum! From today (July 8th)
until September 1st, 2009, the retail cost per student text will be
$30.00 and the teacher's edition will be $40.00 (shipping included).
This is less than half the regular price. If you've been contemplating
using Friendly Chemistry, now would be the time to make your choice!
Go to
to learn more about this unique chemistry curriculum.
Read my review @
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/660256/
May. 28, 2009
LESS THAN FIVE DAYS LEFT TO RENEW YOUR TOS SUBSCRIPTION AND GET THE 2 FOR 1 DEAL!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
There are less than
5 days left to
RENEW your subscription
to the Old Schoolhouse ™ Magazine
and get 2 years for the price of 1!
For just $25 you'll receive 2 full years of TOS! But you must subscribe by June 2nd to get the summer issue!
May. 25, 2009
TOS is taking $10 off for one-year print subscriptions! (U.S. only)
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
Until midnight on Tuesday, May 26th, you can subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine™ for only $15!!!
Plus, as a bonus, you can select
5 FREE WeE-books
of YOUR CHOICE!
May 25-26, 2009 only, subscribe for 1 year to TOS Magazine and PICK 5 WeE-books FREE!
Go to PICK5 WeE-books and add to your cart along with your subscription.
Use coupon code "FREEPICK5" when checking out.
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
A few weeks back I got a free sample of UHU glue. All I had to do to get this glue stick was to promise to use it and blog about what I did with it!
Well, first of all, I did want to comment on the glue stick itself. It's a lot bigger than the usual glue stick, which I liked right away. The others seem to be used up in no time. Also, the cap actually screws on. I don't know why, but my husband was quite impressed with that! LOL Third, like many glue sticks now, it shows up purple, but dries clear. This makes it very easy to use as you know exactly where you have glue.
I've decided that the UHU stick is MY glue stick! My kids like to use glue sticks, leave off the cap, and let them dry up. No, not MY glue stick. The big UHU glue is mine, all mine!
As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I got a New Testament Hands-On History Activity-Pak from Homeschool in the Woods. I'm not able to upload a picture right now, my camera is giving me grief, but here's what the finished product will look like*:
UHU glue works great to glue it all together. (Well, the parts that you glue. You will also need two-sided tape, and a paper fastener to put it together completely.)
You can check out my review of this project from Homeschool in the Woods right HERE.
I will be pulling out my UHU glue stick for a long time to come. It should last me quite a while. Remember, it's bigger than the usual glue stick. But more importantly, it's mine, all mine!!! :)
*Image from Homeschool in the Woods website.
Mar. 25, 2009
FREE! FREE! FREE! EASTER GOODIES FROM THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE MAGAZINE!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog???
Check out my welcome post at
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
Get some wonderful FREE Easter goodies from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine!!!
Mar. 23, 2009
I have a WINNER!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
CONGRATULATIONS TO
TWANA JENSEN!!!
Twana won the copy of Turning Points!!!
Many thanks to all who entered!
Mar. 15, 2009
I'm Running a New Contest! Win the E-book Turning Points!
Posted in Promos
OK, here it is! I am having a contest to give away the new e-book from TOS, called Turning Points. (Retail value $12.45)
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me one of two things. Either tell me what, for you, is the most difficult part of homeschooling, or tell me what has helped you through a difficult time in your homeschooling journey. OK, OK, if you're feeling especially prolific, you may tell me both!
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I have come up with a couple ways you can gain additional entries into the contest.
1. Leave a comment about any of my product reviews or promos.
2. Leave a comment about any of my personal stories.
3. Send a friend over and have them tell me you sent them.
4. Put a link on your blog to this contest.
5. Send me a million dollars.
To make sure I don't miss any of these, come back and leave an additonal comment under this post so I can give you your additional entry. You can do any of these more than once. Leave five comments, get five additional entries, send ten million dollars, get ten additional entries, etc.
If you already have a blog with HSB (and are signed in when you comment), you don't need to leave your name. However, if you don't, please leave your name with your comment. It doesn't have to be your real name, but it should be unique enough so that I can figure out who you are. Don't just put Jennifer or Debbie, put Jennifer from Saudi Arabia, or Debbie from Oak Street or something.
I will post the winner's name in a few weeks, roughly mid-march. If you think you can remember to come back and check, you don't have to leave an e-mail address. If you might forget, you will have to leave an address so I can contact you if you win.
Disclaimer: I take no responibility for anything bad that happens to you, your family, computer, your car, your life, etc. due to entering this contest. If you are typing a comment and spill coffee on your keyboard, hey, I feel bad, but that's your problem. If you lose and get depressed, I don't want to hear about it. However, if you start to comment, get on a roll, and write a best selling book about your homeschool journey, I'll expect at least 20% of the profits. After all, I was your inspiration.
So happy commenting and I hope you win! :)
~Crazy Mom
Mar. 12, 2009
MARCH MADNESS SALE FROM THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE MAGAZINE!!!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
Go to http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse to WIN a FREE E-Book, Turning Points!!!
Thought I'd pass this along!!!
Do you like saving up to 80%?
Get next year's shopping done early and for less money at the March Madness sale in
the Schoolhouse Store! Check out some of the unit studies
and copy work to help round out this school year or for fun summer activities.
Almost 200 items are on sale from vendors such
as Auralog, Trigger Memory, Draw and Write Through History, American Schoolhouse Readers, and MANY more. Start shopping and saving NOW!
http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=specials
Mar. 3, 2009
Another Contest from a Fellow Blogger. Win a kid's book!
Posted in Promos
New to my blog? Check out my welcome post at
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/crazyhouse/595801/
Don't Forget to take my poll in the sidebar!
Note!!! This contest is over!!! And guess what? I won! :)
A fellow crewmate of mine is giving away a children's book called Take Me Out of the Bathtub over on her blog. Go to
http://akiresparkle.blogspot.com/2009/03/take-me-out-of-bathtub-giveaway.html
I'll tell you what, leave me a comment here when you enter HER contest and I will also enter you in mine to win the e-book Turning Points. If you have already entered, I will give you an ADDITIONAL entry.
Good luck!
~Crazy Mom
Mar. 1, 2009
Blog Carnival! Come Along for the Ride!!!
Posted in Promos
Hello Everyone!!!
Guess what? I'm trying something new! I'm going to participate in a blogging carnival! What's that you might ask? Well, I'm just learning about them myself! I decided it would be better to give you this definition from Wikipedia:
A blog carnival is a type of blog event. It is similar to a magazine, in that it is dedicated to a particular topic, and is published on a regular schedule, often weekly or monthly. Each edition of a blog carnival is in the form of a blog article that contains permalinks to other blog articles on the particular topic.
Anyway, the carnival I'm participating in this time is the Organized Homeschool Carnival.
QUIT LAUGHING!!!!
STOP IT!!!
C'MON NOW!!!
OK, anyone who's ever read my blog knows I'm not an organized person. As a matter of fact, my first entry will be from an article I posted from Heart to Heart. BUT, I am going to make every effort to try to find something about me that is organized and share it with you. I do have isolated moments of competence you know.
So click on the pic above and head on over to the Heart of the Matter site and see what this is all about! It should be fun and maybe, just maybe, we'll all get a little more organized.
~Crazy Mom
Feb. 28, 2009
Join Us as We Participate in World Math Day!!! March 4, 2009
Posted in Promos
A couple of my kids are going to participate in this world-wide event. It sounds like fun! Check it out at http://www.worldmathday.com
~Crazy Mom
Feb. 28, 2009
Molly's Money-Saving Digest--March 2009 Coming March 5!
Posted in Promos
Special Announcement!!!
Pre-order the March digest and save! Use this link to get the digest for $3.95! Hurry! The sale ends March 5!!!
http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=166
Have you heard of Molly Green?
She's the cartoon version frugal queen.
She'll help you keep your hard-earned dough.
The more you'll save, the less you'll blow!
Forgive my lame attempt at poetry!
Now, about Molly. Molly is that cute little red-haired gal you see on the pic above. She's a mom, just like us, who is just trying to get by in today's crazy economy, and she is more than happy to pass her tips along to you.
The Old Schoolhouse Store has been putting out this new money-saving digest for a few months now. (I think it started in January, but don't quote me!) For $4.95 you get over 35 pages of helpful tips and stories about other people just like you and me, who are working hard and finding ways to save money. Here's what you'll find in every issue of Molly's Money-Saving Digest:
Begin with the Basics: an overview of a basic skill, from breadmaking to composting
- On Sale This Month: a roundup of merchandise that is typically discounted by month
- Keeping It All Together: practical home-organization
- Feather Your Nest Frugally: seasonal and frugal home décor
- Pull Up A Chair: thrifty tips and recipes for hospitality
- Parenting that Pays: basic parenting principles that don't cost a cent to implement
- Something Old-Something New: repurposing items for your home
- Goal-Getter Spotlight: families who have met big goals by staying on track financially
- Readers Write In: pertinent input from real families
- Molly's Question of the Month: send in your answers for possible inclusion in future Digests
- Words Worth Saving: a parting quote or verse relating to finances and stewardship
I was sent a copy of March's digest to review. It contains a lot of things I found very helpful. The theme for the month of March is "Making Money from Home." I mean, we all love to save money, but you need to make it before you can save it, right?
One of the articles that really stood out to me was an interview with Amanda Bennett. In it Amanda tell how her children began making money for themselves at a very early age. I am anxious to get my kids brainstorming for ways to make money!
Another neat item was a really cool article about the way a gal "repurposed" an old door and made it into a really cool bulletin board. You have to see it, to appreciate it.
Yet another neat article gives advice on how to become a freelance writer. Now this is a dream of mine, so I am going to keep this one handy for when the time comes. If this is your dream too, you'll want to check it out.
There's a lot of information packed into this digest for those who want to work at home. It's just so hard to get by these days on one income, and, though it's possible, it's not easy to homeschool when both parents, or a single parent has to work. Working at home can really be a blessing when you know how to do it! Let Molly and her friends show you how!
You'll also learn about bento (lunch in a box), where to look for great deals this time of year, debt pay-downs and emergency funds, frugal decor, celebration ideas, and more. It's all about making and saving money, the Molly Green way!
I'll let you know when this digest comes out, but until then, check out the January or February editions @
http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=166&products_id=8079
~Crazy Mom
Feb. 20, 2009
Tried and True Toys for Children: Another Heart to Heart Article
Posted in Promos
Here's another sample article from Heart to Heart, the free Christian newsletter for wives and moms. For info about how to subscribe, please see the instructions at the end of the article. Enjoy!
TRIED AND TRUE TOYS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
By Lois Breneman, © Heart to Heart Newsletter - jhbreneman@juno.com
Although there are so many new toys (often short-lived fads) that you may think your child or grandchild just has to have, don’t forget these basic toys and activities that have been proven over years and years, to be favorites of children – and no batteries are required! Many of these items can be found at yard sales and after they are cleaned up, your children won’t care one bit that you didn’t pay the full price. Concentrate on basic tried and true toys like these and save lots of money!
BLOCKS of all colors, sizes and shapes – lots of them! Even empty salt boxes can be saved up for a great construction tool. I recommend that you remove the metal spout as a safety measure and cover at least the top with colorful contact paper. Then use different blocks together. Even picking up the blocks is a good lesson in sorting for your children.
LEGOS are for girls too – not just boys. Just a few of the creative expressions are cars, trucks, houses, cities, castles, rocket ships, trains, people, frames around clocks, the ideas are endless!
ERECTOR SETS, LINCOLN LOGS and TINKERTOYS are other tried and true toys that teach creativity.
PUZZLES are great fun for all ages, while at the same time teaching logic and patience.
GAMES, like puzzles, are for all ages, and teach sportsmanship as well as getting along with others. Time spent playing games is a great way to bring family members of different generations together.
BALLS can be used to kick, throw, shoot through a hoop, roll, bounce and even sit on. Endless possibilities!
BOXES are always a favorite of small children, much to the dismay of their parents who have bought an expensive gift, only to see their toddler toss it aside and play with the box for hours! Make use of boxes as toys and let your kids use their imagination! If you can find a very large box, why not cut out a door and a few windows for a play house? My dad made us a great house with a floor one summer and that is a special childhood memory for me.
SMALL BUCKETS or small plastic boxes are great for putting in and taking out, a favorite of toddlers. Plastic is good because it makes a noise, which they love. Save those bright colorful lids from liquid laundry detergents – bright orange, yellow, red, blue, white. They can also be used in the bathtub as well as in the sand.
A DRESS-UP BOX with dress-up clothes from Goodwill, thrift shops and garage sales. You might want to keep them in a big old suitcase to be used in pretending to go on trips. Stair steps can be the seats of an airplane! You could play Hawaiian or Mexican music, depending on the destination of their pretend trip.
A CRAFT BOX with crayons, colored pencils, paints, markers, scissors, stickers, glue, paper, and other art supplies will go a long way in providing hours of creativity for your children! Have another box of things that you save for them to use to make any kind of contraption they desire. Save paper plates, empty salt boxes, egg cartons, string, yarn, cardboard, old cards, plastic wrap tubes, and all kinds of things you have saved for creative play.
CLAYS in the form of playdough, salt ceramics, cornstarch clay, flour and salt dough and many others will provide fun and creativity. Books in the library will give even more ideas in this area.
DOLLS teach young children how to be caring and loving. A bed can be made from a shoebox and covered with contact paper or glued on fabric. Then make a small blanket. Time spent creating toys with your children is a memory maker too.
PUPPETS and MUPPETS can be handmade or purchased for lots of creative fun! Find a book in the library on puppets and make a cardboard theater for puppet shows. This could be a special feature at your children’s birthday parties too.
A TOY CASH REGISTER, TOY MONEY AND A TOY SHOPPING CART are the beginning of your children’s own store! Save empty food boxes. Children could add price stickers and learn math better while they have fun. Until children are old enough for the math, they can still have fun with a shopping cart, play food and cash register.
A TENT made from a folding table is a favorite of very young children, even if it’s just for hiding from everyone and playing peek-a-boo! Drape a large blanket or quilt over the table. Or you could sew a tent from heavy fabric, and include a door and windows to drape over a table!
A BUG JAR, CRITTER CAGE AND A MAGNIFYING GLASS will provide an outlet for exploration and learning.
A SAND BOX with scoops, shovels, cars, trucks, buckets, and even a little water to be extra creative will fill many hours with fun! Save peanut butter buckets and colorful lids from liquid laundry detergents for the sand box.
A TREE HOUSE built with Daddy as a special project and years of fun!
A SPECIAL GARDEN SPOT for each child, if room is available, will teach planning, responsibility, appreciation for God’s vital role in growth, as well as pride and joy as your family eats the fruit of your children’s labor!
BOOKS, last but certainly not least, are one of the most important items you can purchase for your children! Read to them each day, beginning with pointing and talking about simple pictures as early as four months! A good way to create real scholars!
This article was included in the Heart to Heart Newsletter whose purpose it is to bring practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family – regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at jhbreneman@juno.com. A Welcome Letter, "Start-up Kit," and recent newsletter will be sent to you upon subscribing.
Feb. 12, 2009
Million Minute Family Challenge. Fun and Games for Your Family!
Posted in Promos
Greetings Friends!
Today I want to tell you about a cool program I've been doing for about the last three years. It's called the Million Minute Family Challenge. The whole idea is to get families and other groups together to play some good old-fashioned board games together.
The program runs from September 1 until the end of the year. Each family or group keeps track of the time they spend playing games, and then they log in their minutes at the site. The goal each year is to reach the goal of one million minutes of game time played. (That's a grand total, of course! LOL)
Anyway, even though it's not going to start again until September, the coordinator, Beth Muehlenkamp, is asking that we help spread the word now. If you go to the site, http://www.millionminute.com, you can fill out an interest survey so that Beth can contact you over the summer to remind you about the challenge.
We have had a lot of fun with this. It's really hard sometimes just to find time to do things together. The Challenge helps to motivate us to make that time. It's fun because your numbers are posted on the web and you can see your your progress. My friend, Barb, and her family do this too. In the past we've gotten together to play. Last year, for whatever reason, we never seemed to do it, but, Barb, if you're reading this, I am committing myself to having you over for a game day. Anyone else care to join us?
Crazy Mom :)
Feb. 12, 2009
Finding More Storage Space! A Heart to Heart Article for You. :)
Posted in Promos
Hi everyone! I am going to repost this article because I am actually going to do a blog carnival on ORGANIZATION! Yeah, it's quite a stretch, to be sure. I am not known for my organization skills. As a matter of fact, about the closest thing I ever posted to an organization post is the one I did about finding treasure under the couch cushions!
Anyway, am trying to learn here that less is more. I tend to hoard things, and I am a totally ADD type who seldom finishes what I start. Sane man can walk into a room that is an absolute disaster and jump right in and have it organized in a few hours. It would take me weeks, maybe months to finish. I would get distracted, bored, confused or something.
We do have a motorhome, that I have to say, we keep pretty organized. We only have so much space, and we only bring what fits into the space. There is no other option. The problem in my real house is that I actually own about twice as much stuff as I have space for! So I am in the midst of getting rid of stuff. As for organizing, all I can say is that I do the best I can. But, I think you will learn a lot more from the article below than I could ever hope to tell you.
~Crazy Mom
I thought I'd post one of Lois's articles from Heart to Heart here on my blog to let you get a little taste of her newsletter. One thing I probably won't be blogging about myself is organization. I am not exactly Martha Stewart.
To learn more about Lois and Heart to Heart read the post below.
DISCOVERING BONUS STORAGE SPACE RIGHT IN YOUR OWN HOME
All of us have probably said how we need more storage space in our homes. First of all, getting rid of all those things we really don't need will cut way down on the needed storage space. Then how about investigating every available space in your home and putting it to good use if you are still in need of more storage space? In many cases it is available and just waiting to be found! Here are some clues as to where you can discover extra bonus space right in your own home!
Hang a clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the linen closet to hold Band-Aids, small tubes of medications, a thermometer, ball syringes, etc. Everything will be easy to see and locate quickly when needed.
Hang another clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the coat closet for sunglasses, gloves, scarves, fold up umbrellas, etc.
Hang more clear vinyl pocket organizers inside your children's closet doors, unless the doors are louvered. I'm sure you will agree that small things stored in these pockets are so much better than scattered all around their rooms! And everything will all be visible through the clear vinyl!
If you are in the process of building or remodeling your home, you may want to consider adding one built-in locker for each family member - near the door, all in a row. I have seen this plan carried out in the home of a friend and the mother raved how they all loved the convenience of keeping each person's coat, boots, gloves, school books, backpack, etc. right by the door. The mother also loved how each person was responsible for his or her own personal locker! A great idea!
If you have a deep closet or pantry where things seem to get lost, store items on trays that can be pulled out, so you have full access to everything and are able to find what you need.
Small round wooden tables that can be purchased for as little as $5 (on sale) can provide lovely hidden storage! With a round tablecloth draped down to the floor, no one will ever know what you have hidden there and it provides a nice decorative touch to a bedroom, living room, family room, great room, dining room or sunroom. A round piece of glass can be purchased to set on top of the tablecloth for protection from spills. A large round lacy doily or a smaller square piece of contrasting fabric placed over the tablecloth can change the whole appearance.
Use empty decorative ceramic containers for storage, as well as decoration. Examples: Pretty ginger jars, covered ceramic dishes, vases or teapots. Painted milk cans can hold umbrellas.
In the bathroom install shelves to set on or above the tank of the commode for additional space. Every bathroom can use more storage and this is an excellent space to use.
Use a hanging shelf that slips over the shower head to hold shampoo, conditioner and razors.
A shallow overhead shelf or two up high at the end of the bathtub is another possibility.
Slide under-the-bed boxes -- where else but under the beds! I'm sure you can think of something to store in those (gifts, out-of-season shoes or clothing, etc.).
Have you thought of storing things under sofas and chairs with skirts? Yes, even there!
A shallow cabinet (about one or two inches deep) would be sufficient to hold necklaces and bracelets with cup hooks or even push pins to hold them. Hang it behind a bedroom door where it would be protected by a rubber door stop. A beautiful painting could even be attached to the front. Or use the space in the back of your bedroom closet to hang necklaces and bracelets. Many closets have wooden strips around the wall for the shelves. Insert push pins into the wood to hang necklaces and bracelets. This works great and keeps them out of sight.
Hang bookshelves along the wall above a desk or computer to make good use of that unused space.
In many homes it would work to enclose the area under the stairs for storage, with a door. It's amazing how much can be stored there.
Inside a closet door, attach lightweight plastic-covered wire shelves designed to slip over the back of a door or fastened onto the inside of the door. This will hold so much and keep all the contents right at your fingertips.
If a closet has too much empty space between the shelves, add another shelf or two for more
organized storage and better use of the space.
Look carefully at each closet and find a way to use all the available space. By using baskets, square plastic tubs or plastic shoe boxes (with lids) on closet shelves, they can be stacked to maximize the available space. Be sure to label all containers to make it easy to locate various items.
Under-the-shelf storage can be purchased in plastic-coated wire to be slipped on a shelf to make use of that unused space under the shelf.
Building shelves directly above your washer and dryer is a great idea, because that is normally wasted space. Use either open shelves or enclosed cabinets for laundry supplies and many other items.
Stacking makes use of extra space. At least three six drawer organizers (without the wheels attached, of course) can be stacked to provide organized storage for papers, audio tapes, office supplies, scrapbooking supplies, rubber stamping supplies, sewing supplies, crafts, etc.
Add an extra shelf to the floor of a closet, simply raising the shelf up with two bricks on each end. This will provide extra storage space for shoes. Use a board that you stained, painted to match the room or covered with matching contact paper.
In a child's room, stuffed animals could be stored and displayed in mesh, hanging from the ceiling in a corner of the room. You can find fish netting in stores for this purpose.
Shelves built around one or more walls about 12 to 18 inches below the ceiling of a child or teen's room provide not only storage, but decoration as well. The personality and interests of your child can be displayed for your enjoyment and theirs.
Continue looking for unused space in your home. Hopefully these ideas of finding bonus storage space in your home will help us all to be more organized.
This article was included in the Heart to Heart Newsletter whose purpose it is to bring practical encouragement to women through creative ideas for the Christian family – regarding homemaking, marriage, children and much more. You may receive this bimonthly newsletter by sending your name, city, state, country and the name of the person who referred you to Lois Breneman at jbreneman@juno.com. A Welcome Letter, "Start-up Kit," and recent newsletter will be sent to you upon subscribing.
Feb. 5, 2009
Heart to Heart: A Free Christian Home and Family Newsletter
Posted in Promos
Hello Everyone!
I thought I'd just take a moment out from my usual posts and reviews to let you know about a wonderful newsletter I have been getting for some time now called Heart to Heart.
Lois Breneman is a lovely Titus 2 woman who uses this newsletter to bless us younger (he he, I'm gonna include myself here!) women and to encourage us in our lives as homemakers, wives and moms. Read below to find out more!
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A FREE CHRISTIAN HOME AND FAMILY E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
Encouragement and Blessing for Wives, Mothers and Single Women
Ten years ago the Lord began an e-mail ministry using Lois Breneman to encourage young wives and mothers. Lois has been married for forty years to John, and they have three grown and married children (a daughter and two sons) and three precious grandchildren (two grandsons and a granddaughter - so far).
After graduating with a major in home economics and a minor in education, Lois taught elementary school and later high school home economics for a short time, before working at Penn State University as an assistant food service supervisor for several years. But being a stay-at-home wife and mother has been the joy of her life, ever since the birth of their first child.
In previous newsletters, sent twice each month, Lois has shared tips, ideas and information on saving money, housecleaning, organization, activities to do with children and the entire family, marriage, family, parenting, homemaking, home decorating, crafts, gifts, romance for husbands and wives, nutrition, gardening and birds, being a stay-at-home mom, jobs that can be done at home, juggling a job and a family, children's birthday parties, along with kids' quotes, other quotes, humor, recipes, stories, testimonies, Bible studies and devotionals. Special editions for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter and Christmas have also been included.
It is an honor to currently have many women receiving "Heart to Heart" in all 50 U.S. states as well as ladies representing a total of 61 countries. It is Lois' prayer that the Lord will continue to use her to encourage wives and mothers who would like to be motivated and encouraged in the most valuable job they could ever have -- that of being a godly wife and mother.
The purpose of the Heart to Heart Newsletter is to encourage women and build biblical values into daily living through practical creative ideas for the Christian family regarding marriage, children, homemaking, and much more. Receive this free bimonthly newsletter by listing your name, city, state, e-mail address, and name of your referral person and sending it to Lois at jhbreneman@juno.com. New subscribers will receive a Welcome, a "Start-Up Kit," and a recent newsletter.
Jan. 24, 2009
WRITING CONTEST!!!
Posted in Promos
Thought I'd pass this along!
Exciting News from TOS!
Attention writers!
Grab your pencils and get those creative juices flowing!
The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is hosting our second Storytime Writing Contest! We have two creative fiction categories: adults (16 and up 2,500 words or less) and children (15 and below 1,500 words or less). Deadline to enter is March 16, 2009. $7.95 fee per entry.
Grand prize winners in both the adult and child categories will receive prize packages valued at over $1,000, publication in the Summer 2009 issue of TOS, and publication in our Storytime 2009 Compilation E-Book. Eleven Honorable Mentions from each category will also be included in the E-Book in addition to receiving gifts from top homeschool companies.
We look forward to reading your entries!
For a detailed list of prizes, official contest rules, to meet our judges, and to upload your story, please visit: www.TheHomeschoolMagazine.com/Short_Story_Contest.php.
Need help teaching writing? We have over 200 writing products in the Schoolhouse Store!
Jan. 24, 2009
Check out The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Digital Edition!!!
Posted in Promos
All I seem to hear about lately is that everything is going digital. Digital radio. Digital TV. Digital everything. Well, how about a digital version of a great homeschool magazine?
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has gone digital! (Actually, it's been a year!) Don't worry, you can still get the printed version, if you'd prefer, but for those of you who like all things digital, this is for you!!!
There are lots of advantages to the digital version:
* No waiting for the mail
*Huge savings
*Helpful links (Just click and you're there!)
*No rips, coffee stains, or misplacing your magazine!
*Better for the enviroment
*Plus More!
And you get 5 free e-books with your purschase!
I actually get both the hard copy and the digital versions. I would recommend either one! I do like the fact that the digital versions are right there on the computer for me. As much as I like to curl up with my magazines, I always seem to lose them. Or they get rather beat up from use. Plus, if I want to check out an advertiser, I have to get up, go to the computer, and type in the link. (Ok, so I'm lazy!) However, with the digital version, all I have to do is to click on the link and I'm there. I am finding that I like the digital version more and more. It's especially nice if you have a lap top, 'cause you can still relax in bed and read! That's what's really important. :) Now you just have to find the TIME!!! (Of course, it's a homeschool magazine, so, it's for the kids after all! Go ahead, you can find the time, you have to!)
So hurry up! The sooner you order, the better the price!
Click here for details!!!
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs093/1101381905269/archive/1102415709495.html
Dec. 14, 2008
I'm Having a Contest!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Posted in Promos
Contest Update!!! I am extending the deadline to post until Sunday the 14th at 11:59 pm, Eastern Time. Also, if you post a comment about any of my recent reviews, I'll give you an extra entry, and most importantly, DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR NAME!!!
I'm Having a Contest!!!
The time has come! I have always been a contest junkie, my kids have won over $1000 from entering contests, and just today my husband got a Screen It game in the mail that he won. (Want to buy it? It's the Disney Channel version and it's of no use to us; we don't have cable! Plus we are trying to make some $$$) BUT, this time I am HAVING the contest!!!
I'm actually very excited about this!!! I am giving away a free copy of the e-book, What About Socialization? to one of you, if you leave a comment that is.
Check it out here.
Now, to make it more interesting I am going to make it a little bit of work for you. I want you to tell me how your kids socialize.
BTW, did you hear what Joy Behar said recently on The View? She said a lot of homeschool kids are demented! (I found this blog that has the You Tube clip. I haven't figured out how to do it myself yet!) I'm sure your kids are not demented, so let me know about how well socialized they are. I will pick one random winner from all the entries.
Please leave a name with your post as I will post the name of the winner on my blog on December 12. It does NOT have to be your full name, but if your name is Jennifer or Debbie, you might want to think of something a little more original. Jen, mom to three in Ohio or something. OK? I will give the winner one week to get back to me with contact information. (If you are logged into Homeschool Blogger, you won't have to do this.)
I am looking forward to hearing from a lot of you!!!
Let the comments begin!!!
(Sorry, Mom, you can't win this one.)
Dec. 13, 2008
Check Out The Old Schoolhouse Store's December Module!
Posted in Promos
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? How about a little science fun? (They won't even know they're learning!)
 This month's module add-on from the Schoolhouse Planner is called "Let's be Scientists." (Just a note: you don't need to own the planner to use this. It's a stand alone product.)*
If you have never seen one of these modules, it's like a mini unit study. They have word searches, coloring pages, quizzes, copy work and more that revolve around the month's theme. As you might have guessed, this month's theme is science.
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Your kids will learn about weather, chemistry, biology and more. They'll even learn "grossology!!!" (The study of gross stuff about the body and the animal world! LOL)
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Plus, once you get past being grossed out, there are recipes to try. They always have recipes. I don't know why as they usually don't have anything to do with the theme, however, this time there are some related recipes. Like glowing Jell-0! Anyway, I guess no matter what you're studying you'll eventually get hungry! LOL I know I do. So, I'm not complaining here!
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One thing I like about these e-books is that you can print the pages, or view them right on the computer where you can click on all the links for even more fun stuff to do!!!
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Anyway, it's only $7.95, so check it out!
http://www.theoldschoolhousestore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=62_153&products_id=8014
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