Reviews by Heidi - Homeschool Blogger

Carolina Pad's Ghostline Products

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:01:00 -0600

OK, I admit it, I'm a total school supply junkie! I'm a sucker for notebooks, folders, pencils, etc. We don't even have to need them - sometimes we just WANT them. Yes, I say "we" because I've passed this fascination/addiction with school supplies on to both my girls, who are constantly begging for new pencils, notebooks, etc.

Carolina Pad is one of my favorite school supply companies! I can always count on them to have great-looking products that are fun to use. One of my personal favorites these days is the Kendall Collection. I've got this lapbook bag (which I think is just too fun!) and these folders and dividers (which make my homemade organizer for work and home look very put-together). Another favorite pattern/collection is the Hot Chocolate collection. I've got several notebooks from this collection, and Ashley has a binder.

I was recently asked to help Carolina Pad celebrate the 13th birthday of their Ghostline products. I received a selection of Ghostline products to review and was beyond thrilled! You see, in addition to my obsession with school stuff, I'm also a stickler for neatness (otherwise known as a "paperwork perfectionist"). I so wish these products would have been available when I was in high school and was making posters for pep rallies! Why? Because the Ghostline products have very faint gridlines on them, making it amazingly easy to write and keep things straight!

I used the large display board kit to make this memory board for Ashley's 16th birthday:

I think it turned out really cute and you can't even see the lines unless you look very closely. I would definitely recommend the Ghostline products to anyone needing posterboard or display boards for school or work-related projects.

Carolina Pad is having a contest this month, in honor of Ghostline's birthday. Go here to enter. You need to leave a comment in order to be eligible to win. So, be sure to head on over and say "Happy Birthday" to Ghostline!

NOTE: I received free product from Carolina Pad in order to write this review. I used the products in my home, and the thoughts shared herein are definitely my own, based on my personal experience.

Ashley is 16!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:54:00 -0600

It's so hard for me to believe that I have a 16-year-old! Wow - time really does fly when you're having fun - and we've had 16 VERY FUN years with this girl! I don't mean to brag, but she is just THE BEST and has put so many smiles on my face over the years.

I'd love to share pictures, but they're all saved on the other computer. If you want to see them, check out my Facebook page - I've loaded several of them up there. (If you're not already my friend, just request and I'll accept! )

We had an all-day Open House (on Sunday from 1-8). I thought it would go in spurts with the guests, but we had a steady stream of visitors during the entire day. There wasn't one time, during the 7 hours, when there wasn't someone here. It was so nice to see all the people who love and care about Ashley and to be able to spend some special time with them. (I'm still eating leftover dip, though - and am sure I'm going to turn into a bowl of dip by the end of the week!)

I realized, after all the festivities were over and the gifts were put away, that we didn't get a single picture of Ashley with Brian & me. We took her picture with all of her guests, but none with her parents or siblings.

Now, she is looking forward to a visit from a good friend from NY this weekend!

Happy Birthday, Ash!
I love you!

a postcard from God

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:07:00 -0600

A few weeks ago, my friend Jodi posted on her blog about a "postcard from God". She shared it because, not only was it special to her, but she felt that God was prompting her to share it with someone who needed it. I felt that it was meant for me - I needed it right then - and I need it right now.

Jodi was sweet enough to share the postcard with me so that I can share it on my blog:

Awesome, isn't it?

Maybe it's just what YOU need today too.

more favorites and recent discoveries

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:10:00 -0600

I thought I'd share some of the things that are making me happy these days - along with some new discoveries that have made our lives simpler (and/or more fun!). . .

First off, I bought this blanket at Wal-mart this past weekend (because I was returning this couch cover, which I would NOT recommend). The website lists the price at $29.88 - if you're interested, you might want to check your local store - I got mine on sale for only $25. Even though we have a queen-sized bed, I bought this blanket in the king size. It's big enough and attractive enough to use as a bedspread. It's light-weight but very warm and cuddly. I love it! (Maybe I'll actually take a real picture to share - once I get my bedroom painted and some new curtains on the windows!)

We're getting ready to do some painting at our house. I've chosen a honey-colored paint for the dining room walls. My mom and I went curtain shopping on Saturday. I have these tie-back curtains in my bathroom and I love them! I wanted something similar, with the same country-feel, in my dining room; but I didn't want the same pattern (thyme). After looking at several, I decided on the saffron print this time. I'll be going with the tie-backs again, but will also be adding valances to the top (our dining room windows are very long and the tie-backs alone won't cover them). Again, hopefully I'll have pictures to share one day soon.

Do you have children with allergies? Gracie has pretty much outgrown her asthma problems, but she still has times when she needs some allergy medication. In particular, when she spends too much time with my parents (it seems she is allergic to their cat). I've purchased the melt-in-your-mouth Benadryl for her and she seems to be fine with that. Recently, though, I've discovered ZYRTEC^® PERFECT MEASURE^™. This stuff is awesome! Ordinarily, I wouldn't go for a liquid medication for her, simply because I have to worry about finding a dosing spoon or something to measure it out with. This is already premeasured in single-serving "spoons" - I just need to break off the seal and hand it over to her. Perfect Measure is for children ages 6 years and up, is sugar and dye-free, and available in most major retailers. They are grape-flavored and Gracie gives them 2 thumbs up! If you'd like to try it, I have several $3 off coupons - shoot me an e-mail and request one (be sure to include your full name and mailing address). NOTE: I receive this product free as part of a Bzzz! campaign. My thoughts on it, though, are honest and true to our experience.

A few weeks ago, I realized that I had a sensitivity in my teeth (I'll admit, I was gritting my teeth while snuggling with my dog!) I was glad when I got an offer to test some Sensodyne Iso-Active toothpaste. I admit, I was a little skeptical at first. How could a toothpaste help that? But, after just a few days of trying it (once a day - I still use my regular toothpaste at night), I see great improvement. It works! If you have a sensitivity to heat or cold, or to gritting your teeth while you squeeze your dog or baby, you should seriously check this stuff out. It comes out as a gel, but quickly turns into a foam with LOTS of great suds-action. I'll definitely be buying more of this stuff!

And there's one more favorite that my kids have been enjoying lately (two, actually). It is the Life on the Farm games by We R Fun. We have both the original and the preschool versions (thanks to my work with the TOS Homeschool Crew, who will be reviewing these games here). Though I find the original version to be a bit long and tedious, Gracie just LOVES it. And we're all impressed with the preschool version! Ian is constantly saying "how about I set up my farm game for us to play?" Too cute! If you're looking for some high-quality, educational games for your family for Christmas, do check these out as options!