Mommy Octopus

We can all use a few more hands

#DisneyKids Preschool Playdate!

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

We received this party pack from Walt Disney World Resort through MomSelect.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Screen Shot 2016-03-21 at 3.06.46 PM

We were so excited to be invited to participate in the #DisneyKids Preschool Playdate with Disney World this year.  We hosted a #DisneyKids party last week and had a total of 9 kids show up to learn about Disney World and have a ball.

disneykids3

Check out the wonderful goodies we received from our sponsors!

Sponsors included:

  • Walt Disney World Resort
  • HP
  • I Love To Create
  • Banfield Pet Hospital
  • GLAD
  • all
  • NESQUIK

DisneyKids1

 

We started off the party with the party hats.  One side had a pirate theme and the other side was Sophia the First.

DisneyKids2

Next we started reading the book that came with our kit, My Very, Very Smelly Breath!  What a silly book!  It had some scratch and sniff spots and WHEW was that dog’s breath stinky!  The kids just loved it!  It talked about all the important things we need to do to care for dog’s teeth.  It was a hit!

 

Screen Shot 2016-03-21 at 1.03.22 PM

Next we played a version of the game Four Corners.  Each corner was a Disney park – Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.  We also played a game of charades!  It was hysterical!  Even the parents got involved!

Can you tell which character my husband was being here?  LOL!

Screen Shot 2016-03-21 at 2.05.23 PM

Next was Bingo!  The kids loved this!  I wish I had taken more pictures but I got wrapped up in all the fun and forgot!

After all the games, we had a lovely lunch of Chick-fil-A, NESQUIK and snacks while we watched the Disney Vacation DVD.  We ended with a puppet show made with puppets from I Love To Create.  It was a fun project and everyone made their favorite Disney character.

As a party favor, each child was giving a Disney World bag filled with goodies including The Lion Guard poster, tattoos, and more.

What a joy it was to be part of the #DisneyKids playdate party, especially with our own trip coming up next week!  This really got the kids in the Disney spirit and has our friends ready to go back!  Huge thank you to Disney World and all of the sponsors for providing this great party for us.

Interested in visiting Disney?  Visit http://disneyworld.com/preschool for great information on planning a Walt Disney World Resort vacation with preschoolers.

We received this party pack from Walt Disney World Resort through MomSelect.

Review & Giveaway: Glimmer Girls by Natalie Grant

By 1 Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

Glimmer Girls

If you listen to Christian music, then you’ve most likely heard of Natalie Grant.  Natalie Grant has come out with a FaithGirlz book series called Glimmer Girls.  In Glimmer Girls, you can join twins Mia and Maddie and their little sister Lula as they travel the country finding adventure, mystery, and mischief throughout their journeys.  Grant says “We all have a light on the inside and depending on the day, sometimes it’s bright and sometimes it’s dim.  That is the message I wanted girls to get from this book.  You don’t always have to be shining bright, some days are going to be more difficult than others, but Jesus has put a light in you that will never go out.”

Geared toward 9-12 years olds, we have found Glimmer Girls to be good, wholesome reading.  My oldest has been reading the Glimmer Girls books the past few days and really enjoys them.  She is looking forward to reading more in this series.  The next book is set to come out August 2, 2016, so we do have a little time to wait, but it will be right in time for her birthday.

About the Books:

  • In London Art Chase, the first title in the new Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, readers meet 10-year-old twins Mia and Maddie and their adorable little sister, LuLu. All the girls are smart, sassy, and unique in their own way, each with a special little something that adds to great family adventures.There is pure excitement in the family as the group heads to London for the first time to watch mom, famous singer Gloria Glimmer, perform. But on a day trip to the National Gallery, Maddie witnesses what she believes to be an art theft and takes her sisters and their beloved and wacky nanny Miss Julia, on a wild and crazy adventure as they follow the supposed thief to his lair. Will the Glimmer Girls save the day? And will Maddie find what makes her shine?
  • In A Dolphin Wish a three-night stop in the city of San Diego seems like it might be just the break the girls need—lovely weather and great sights to see. That is until they hear animal handlers at “Watery World” talking about the trouble they’ve been having keeping the animals in their habitats. Mia and her sisters cannot resist a challenge and they talk Miss Twist into another visit to the educational amusement park to search for clues as to what or who is helping the animals escape.

Giveaway:

Our friends have provided us with a copy of both London Art Chase and A Dolphin Wish to give away to one of you guys!  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Meal Plan Monday

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

MO-monday

 

What a beautiful weekend it was here in Georgia!  We spend most of it up in the mountains enjoying some family time.  Always refreshing to enjoy God’s creation.  This week, I’m going to use a lot of what we have on hand because we are going to Disney next week!  YAY!  Here’s what we are making this week:

Monday: Eggs, Canadian bacon, biscuits

Tuesday: Kielbasa, potatoes, broccoli

Wednesday: Salsa Chicken, brown rice

Thursday: Hamburgers, veggies

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Leftovers or cereal

Sunday: Traveling!

What are you making this week?

Review: Timberdoodle’s Laser Maze JR

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

LaserMaze1

My son was super excited about the latest item we reviewed from Timberdoodle’s review team.  It’s the much talked about Laser Maze JR.

Laser Maze Jr. is a single-player science logic game with 40 challenges from easy to super hard and is geared toward ages 6 and older.

The concept of the Laser Maze Jr. is fairly simple.  There are cards with challenges on them and you need try and use the mirrors to make the laser go to the rocket.  If you are successful, the rocket lights up to show a win, as you can see in the photo below.  If you get stuck, the answers are on the back of the cards and we have found that there is oftentimes more ways than one to solve the problem.

 

LaserMaze2

Steps to play:

  • Select a Challenge Card
  • Insert a Card into the Game Grid and set up the tokens to match the challenge
  • Add satellite mirrors to guide the laser’s path
  • Position the mirrors so the rockets light up
  • You win!

My son is 9 years old and he whizzed through most of the challenges, only needing to sneak a peek at the answers on some of the harder ones.  He has loved playing with it and is now asking for us to get the more advanced Laser Maze.

You can order the Laser Maze Jr. from Timberdoodle for $27.99.  It’s also a part of Timberdoodle’s 2nd Grade Curriculum Kit.  Timberdoodle is a great resource to help your children play and have fun while also learning.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Available April 5 + Giveaway!

By 15 Comments
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

Star Wars The Force Awakens Title Treatment

I’m sure most of you know already, but if not,  STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, is coming to Blu-ray™ combo pack, Digital HD + Disney Movies Anywhere starting Tuesday, April 5th, 2016!  It will be available everywhere that movies are sold.

My husband and son went and saw this in the theatre and loved it!  They are really excited about it coming out soon!

SWTFA_PRCard_Presenter_Card

 

Visionary director J.J. Abrams brings to life the motion picture event of a generation. As Kylo Ren and the sinister First Order rise from the ashes of the Empire, Luke Skywalker is missing when the galaxy needs him most. It’s up to Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, a defecting stormtrooper, to join forces with Han Solo and Chewbacca in a desperate search for the one hope of restoring peace to the galaxy.

Our friends from Disney have offered to give away a digital download code for  STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS!  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!  

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Math-U-See Pre-Algebra #MathUSee #HSReview

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

Demme Learning Math U See Review
Math has always been somewhat of a struggle for my first born.  This year we started pre-algebra using a different curriculum and it just wasn’t going so well.  She had a hard time grasping the concepts no matter which angle we tried, and we tried everything!  Supplementing with other programs, watching youtube videos, nothing seemed to help.

I was very excited to have the opportunity to review Math-U-See with the Schoolhouse Review Crew the past few weeks.  I’ve been wanting to put my hands on this material and check it out, so this was the perfect opportunity.  We packed away my daughter’s current curriculum so we could focus completely on Demme Learning’s Math-U-See Pre-Algebra Digital Packs.  We were so glad we did.

Demme Learning Math U See Review
Math-U-See is a hands on math program that utilizes math manipulatives and has instructional videos for children and their parents to watch together.  Steve Demme has a passion for helping people understand difficult concepts and a desire to promote a lifelong love of learning.  He created Math-U-See over 20 years ago!

Math-U-See is now offering an enhanced version of their Instruction Packs online!  With the Digital Packs, you can purchase a 12 month subscription to access to streaming instruction videos and Instruction Manual PDFs, accessible through any internet browser, plus an online version of the Digital Manipulatives.  Math-U-See is perfect for on the go learning.

Other free online and downloadable resources are included with each level, as appropriate.  It’s important to note that the Digital Packs do not include workbooks.

Math-U-See Pre-Algebra covers the following concepts:

  • Negative Numbers: Addition
  • Negative Numbers: Subtraction
  • Negative Numbers: Multiplication
  • Negative Numbers: Division
  • Whole Numbers
  • Integers
  • Number Line
  • Exponents
  • Place Value
  • Expanded and Exponential Notation

The Digital Pack features 30 lessons and an introductory lesson where the teacher fully explains the concepts and provides sample problems.

Pre-Algebra Digital Pack includes:

  • 12-month access to Pre-Algebra streaming instruction videos
  • Instruction Manual PDF
  • Lesson solutions
  • Skip Count Songs MP3s and Songbook PDFs
  • 12-month access to digital manipulatives, using Chrome or Safari browsers

Demme Learning Math U See Review
In just the few short weeks that we have been using Math-U-See, I have been watching my daughter gain more confidence in math.  The lightbulb is now on, so to speak.  I remember a day that she was watching one of the Digital Packs online and suddenly things clicked!  No matter how many times I had explained it before, she just didn’t quite grasp the reasoning and such of what we were doing.Demme Learning Math U See Review

With the Digital Pack and the Math-U-See Manipulatives, she finally understood the why!  This program is wonderful for more visual or tactile learners like my daughter.

Screen Shot 2016-03-16 at 9.29.32 AM

 

I asked my daughter what she thought about this Pre-Algebra program and his response floored me.  “It’s easy, Mom”.  It’s Easy.  For a child who struggled with math and “hated” math.  It’s Easy.  Things are clicking and I couldn’t be more happy!

We have actually officially switched her over now to Math-U-See and I’m exploring it for our other children as well.  Who knew math could be understood so easily using blocks and manipulatives!  It’s a winner in my book, for sure!

You can find out more about Math-U-See on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also click the banner below to read more reviews on Math-U-See on other levels.

Demme Learning's Math-U-See Review
Crew Disclaimer

Meal Plan Monday

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

MO-monday

 

It was Bountiful Basket week here in Athens again!  Oh how I love getting so much produce!  I love the challenge of trying new recipes!  This week, here is what I’m making:

Monday: Egg roll in a bowl

Tuesday: Jalepeno Popper Burgers

Wednesday: Pasta with Rainbow Chard and White Beans

Thursday: Grilled Chicken + Salad

Friday: Black bean burritos

Saturday: Nachos

Sunday: Grilled cheese, fruit

How to Sell Used Homeschool Curriculum

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

How to Sell Used Homeschool Curriculum

 

Every Summer, I love attending used homeschool book sales.  I’ve found some fantastic deals on materials I needed and have been able to thumb through curriculum that I was interested in purchasing.  Sometimes actually putting my hands on the homeschool materials helps me decide if it’s right for our family.  There are many places online and offline that you can use to sell homeschool curriculum.

Before you sell, there are a few things that you want to consider.

Condition of the item:

When you are selling, be sure to be honest about the condition.  If it has highlighting, mark it as such.  If it has been written in pencil, mark it.  Nothing worse than thinking you’re getting a blank workbook than receiving one that is completely filled out.

Fair Price:

I usually do a little research before I price an item.  Unless it is completely brand new, I don’t ask near the original list price.  Brand new you may be able to get full face value since the buyer will not have to pay extra for shipping if the transaction is local.  If you’re selling online, consider the cost of shipping and make sure it’s not overpriced once shipping is added.  I typically mark things down about 1/3 off or 1/2 off the original cost depending on condition, age, and popularity.

Book Edition:

Double check the edition of your book and be sure to label your listing with the correct edition.  Book companies tend to revise their curriculum several times throughout the years.  It can be hard to find consumables for older books and therefore the older books aren’t usually worth as much.  Consumables and books need to match up for optimal learning.

 

file0001325059646

 

Now Decide Where to Sell:

HomeschoolClassifieds.com

This is a very basic site but is fairy easy to sort through.  I suggest searching for the exact item that you need to sell and price competitively.  I’ve bought and sold on this website without any problems in the past and find it to be the best place to sell homeschool curriculum in my opinion.

Ebay:

I’ve had good luck selling on eBay.  Make sure to post the description very thoroughly to prevent and problems.  There are stipulations regarding selling teacher’s manuals, though, so be sure and familiarize yourself with their rules in order to continue selling homeschool curriculum on eBay.

Facebook:

Find your local homeschool page or even local yard sale page and list what you have.  As always, meet up in a safe place.

Amazon:

I’ve never sold on Amazon, but I have several friends that like to sell textbooks on Amazon and have done so successfully.  Depending on the textbook, you could get up to 80% of the cover price!

Homeschool Legal Defense Curriculum Market:

Anyone can list on this site, but you must be a member in order to buy.  If you are a homeschooler, I highly HIGHLY recommend joining the Homeschool Legal Defense.

Local Co-ops: 

Reach out to local homeschool co-ops and find out if they will be having a sale.  Even if you do not attend a co-op, they may be willing to let you set up a table during their used curriculum sale.

Create Your Own Sale:

Find a church or location and create your own sale with friends.  Advertise on homeschool groups to bring in other sellers and charge a small flat rate per table to donate to the hosting location.

Garage Sale:

I’ve found that generally homeschool supplies do not do well in a yard sale unless you advertise it as such.  Even still, it will be hit or miss to find the right buyer for your supplies and generally people will want it for a super bargain.

 

In a Nutshell:

Selling your no-longer-needed curriculum items is a great way to minimize and declutter the shelves.  It’s amazing how much stuff we can accumulate and never use.  I encourage you every summer to purge your shelves.  Get rid of the things that all the kids have outgrown.  Rehome the materials that you’ll never use because you don’t like it.  Might as well put a little money back in your pocket during the process.

Do you have any favorite tips for selling used curriculum?  Leave a comment and tell me!

 

$5 Rebate on Luvs From iBotta #ShareTheLuv

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.39.26 PM

 

Most of you know that I am an avid iBotta user.  I love going to the grocery store, getting the things that I need for my family and then coming home and getting cash back on some items from iBotta.  Now that we are buying diapers again, I’m always looking for extra ways to save.

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.45.52 PM

 

Right now iBotta is offering a $5 rebate on any boxed variety of Luvs diapers, 54ct. box or larger!

To sign up, head on over to iBotta and create an account.  Then download the app via iTunes or Google Play.  It’s free!

Once you have the app, check out all the great items available for cash back.  Then head to the store.  Make your purchase and then take a photo of your receipt using the app.  It will also ask you to verify your purchase by scanning the barcode with your phone.

Once approved, you’ll get your cash back!  I save mine up to get Amazon gift cards.  This offer is available for a limited time.

Luvs diapers are available from newborn through size 6 and are available at a variety of retailers.  They even offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their diapers!  That’s a pretty awesome offer!  You can save up to $150 a year by just switching to Luvs!  For more information on Luvs diapers, visit their website.

How to Save Money on Your Disney World Vacation

By Leave a Comment
By clicking my links, I may earn a small commission to support this blog. Please see our Disclosure Policy.

As you all know, we are gearing up for another Disney World trip for our 14th Anniversary.  My friend Jennifer has been hard at work making sure our trip is good to go and everything is lined up.  She’s a vacation planner with Destinations in Florida!  I love using her service since it doesn’t cost me a penny extra and she makes sure that I get the most for my money AND that we have everything lined up just the way we want it.  We planned this trip just a week or so ago and already it’s lining up to be just the way we want it!  Below is an article that Jennifer has shared with me that I think you all will be interested in on how to save money on your Disney World Vacation.  Enjoy!

Screen Shot 2016-03-10 at 1.20.47 PM

If you are planning a  Walt Disney World vacation, you probably know that it will cost a bit more than a trip to the beach.  Here are some tips to help you save!

  • Know when to go!  Disney offers lower rates a certain times of the year based on season.  Try planning your vacation for September or January for the lowest rates on resort rooms. This will be your best bet to avoid the crowds and lower the cost.
  • Cut travel costs!  Always compare prices with different airlines if it is not feasible for you to drive.  The cost of airfare could be less than driving for couples but is likely more if you are traveling with a family of 4 or 5.  Consider the cost of gasoline, food and overnight stops along the way if you’re driving.
  • Save on lodging!  Stay at a Disney Resort Hotel if at all possible.  While cheaper accommodations can be found “outside the World”, there’s just something magical about staying on Disney property.  You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your room will be clean and comfortable.  In addition, you will have free use of Disney Transportation or free parking at the theme parks if you want to drive.  Another great benefit is the Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks you receive as a Disney resort guest.  If you fly into the Orlando International Airport, you will also have free roundtrip airport transportation on Disney’s Magical Express.  All of these benefits are available to you as a Disney Resort guest whether you choose a Value Resort or Deluxe Villa accommodations. A Value Resort can be just the ticket for families wanting to cut costs.
  • Save on food!  Did you know that you can take food and drinks into the theme parks?  It’s perfectly acceptable to pack a lunch or take snacks into the parks- no glass or alcohol, please.  Or, save money by purchasing a Disney Dining Plan in advance and your meals will be covered.  If you pay out-of-pocket for meals, you might consider sharing a meal as the portions are quite large!

Always use a Disney Vacation Planner who watches for discounts and saves you money, even after you make a reservation.  With some creative planning, your family can have the vacation of a lifetime without breaking the bank!

Interested in booking a trip?  Contact my friend Jennifer.  Jennifer is a Disney Vacation Specialist with Destinations in Florida.  Get the best price on your Walt Disney World Vacation Package… Guaranteed!  There is absolutely no cost for her service and it’s booked right through Disney.  She can help make all your dining arrangements and include some special magic along the way.  We’ve used this service before and it was an awesome experience!

Privacy Policy | Disclosure