Mommy Octopus

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Meal Plan Monday

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What a weekend! My brother in law got married, we had my husband’s grandmother here from New York, lots of busy busy busy! Definitely one of those times where you need a weekend from the weekend!  It was  great time, though!

I’m working with the kids to plan our summer bucket list and I can’t wait to see what they decide to do this summer.  Now on to the meals!

Here’s what we plan to make this week:

Monday: Pizza

Tuesday: Mushroom Thyme Chicken, salad

Wednesday: Grilled pork chops, brussel sprouts

Thursday: Black bean burritos

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Cookout with friends

Sunday: Fix your own dinner 🙂

Giveaway: Beauty and the Beast HD Digital Download

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Finally!  After what seems like forever, Beauty and the Beast is coming to Blu-ray™, Digital HD + Disney Movies Anywhere starting Tuesday, June 6th. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records.

I wasn’t able to see this movie in the theatre, although my daughter did and loved it!  I cannot wait for it to be available to watch in my home and I don’t have to wait much longer. I have heard great things about this movie!

Giveaway:

2 lucky readers will win a HD digital copy of Beauty and the Beast to add to their collection.  For your chance to win, please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: BAMBI Digital Download!

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I remember watching BAMBI as a kid and always wondering why my mom was crying.  I don’t know about the rest of you, but I think it’s impossible to get through this movie without crying as an adult!

Great news if you’ve been wanting to see BAMBI again!  The BAMBI SIGNATURE COLLECTION is coming to Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere on Tuesday, May 23rd and Blu-ray™ on Tuesday, June 6th!  Bambi remains a family favorite – now on Digital HD with exclusive new bonus extras.

Giveaway:

2 lucky readers will win a HD digital copy of BAMBI to add to their collection.  For your chance to win, please fill out the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Typing Coach

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The Typing Coach
I loved learning to type as a kid.  I think that learning while I was younger helped me to memorize the keys and become more proficient in typing speed and accuracy.  As my kids are getting on up in grades, I’m noticing us using the computer more and more for projects and typing essays.  To be honest, we haven’t really focused on typing skills until now.  Typing skills are essential nowadays in order to get the job done. I’m so thankful to have the chance to review The Typing Coach Online Typing Course by The Typing Coach as part of the Homeschool Review Crew.

About the Product:

Are you ready to learn how to type? Created by a veteran typing teacher, The Typing Coach is a self paced program that helps students in memorizing key positions so that they are looking at the screen instead of at their hands.  Although the course is self-paced, the option is also available for a more guided access program.  For self-paced, there is nothing to set up! Just start at the introduction and continue working through the course.

This program is priced at $17 per year and includes access to numerous audio, video, and written instructions on typing posture, hand positions, and more.  Printables are also included to keep record of progression.  By the end of the course, most students can type 10 words per minute and work themselves up to over 65 words per minute!

Courses also include slower pace recommendations for using with younger students.  When ready, students can test their progress with timed and scored proficiency tests.

My Thoughts:

We have been using The Typing Coach with my 8th grade daughter and she has been working her way through the self-paced course.  I recommend reading through all the instructions and printing all the needed materials a couple days before you wish to get started.  Being prepared and reading through the information will help it not seem overwhelming when you’re ready to begin.

The Tying Coach program is fairly easy to take a few minutes a week and practice typing.  My daughter doesn’t mind working on it and I am already seeing improvements in her confidence at the keyboard!  I also like their idea for “Typing Tickets” or opportunities for my daughter to earn incentives and rewards for working hard on the program.  Positive reinforcement is always a great thing.

I appreciate how thorough all the explanations are for teachers and for students.  If something is unclear, I have the option to email for help to clarify any confusion.  I am thankful we had the opportunity to check out this program and am definitely considering using it with my other children.

For More Information:

For more information, please visit The Typing Coach website.  You can also find them on Twitter.  You can read more reviews on this product and others by other members of the Homeschool Review Crew by clicking the banner below.

Interested in The Typing Coach but aren’t sure if it’s a right fit for you?  Check out their page, Try it First for Free, and see how it goes!

The Typing Coach Online Typing Course {The Typing Coach Reviews}
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Review & Giveaway: Thin Stix – Solid Tempura Paint

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My kids LOVE to do art projects, but I’m not always fond of the mess that they can bring.  Being completely honest with you guys, giant arts and crafts messes leave me a little bit stressed.  I’m always looking for products that allow my kids to be their super creative selves without compromising my sanity.  We were recently sent a pack of  Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors from The Pencil Grip, Inc to review for you guys and we have also been asked to host a giveaway!  I know you all will be excited about that!  

Thin Stix by KwikStix

About the Product:

Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors from The Pencil Grip, Inc is a remarkable product simply made from tempura paint sticks.  With Thin Stix, you can paint without worrying about a smock, water cups, brushes, or even big messes!  This product dries in a quick 90 seconds or less, while still giving the fun appearance of paint!  Thin Stix work great on poster board, cardboard, canvas, and wood.  Simply uncap, twist, and then paint!  This set of 6 Thin Stix includes yellow, red, green, blue, brown, and black, but different color sets are also available.

Thin Stix by KwikStix

Our Thoughts:

 

We have had a fabulous time painting on this dreary and rainy day!  We simply pulled out some drawing paper, set the Thin Stix on the table, and got to work.  My kids have their creative juices flowing and are as happy as can be!  I even joined in on the fun for a bit!  My kids have been “painting” for over an hour now and there is virtually no mess to clean up!  The colors are very bright and vibrant and seem to be great quality.

I asked my 7 year old what her favorite part about Thin Stix are and she said she liked how easy they were to use and how great her pictures turned out.  The kids are also asking to use them to create canvases for their room, so I think that will be coming up next on our summer fun list.  The 6, 10, and 13 year olds also enjoyed painting with these.  My toddler doesn’t have an opinion since we did this during his nap.  😉

The Thin Stix will be absolutely perfect for the summer days when it’s too hot to play outside or during days when it’s storming. I definitely can see us using these more throughout the summer and even getting a couple packs to give as gifts.  I highly recommend them for any little artist!

Giveaway:

Our friends at The Pencil Grip, Inc. have generously offered to give one lucky Mommy Octopus reader their very own pack of  Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For More Information:

For more information, please visit their website or check them out on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.   The Pencil Grip, Inc company has a lot more to offer than just the Thin Stix!  See their website to check out all the varieties and colors of the Thin Stix, a variety of therapeutic toys and products, fidgets, and pencil grips.  We own some of their pencil grips and they work great for helping my younger students with proper finger positioning for writing.  

Thin Stix are available on Amazon.com and are now available at ToysRus.comToysRus.com.

You can also click the banner below to read more reviews on Thin Stix 6pk of Classic Colors or other great homeschool products.  The review was done as part of the Homeschool Review Crew.

No Mess Art with Thin Stix Classic Colors {The Pencil Grip, Inc. Reviews}
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Meal Plan Monday

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Pretty good weekend here.  Nothing exciting, but I did get all the bathrooms cleaned, so that is a plus!  We got the kids a trampoline and they have been outside jumping pretty much non-stop.  That makes for some easy bedtimes!  I’ve been doing pretty good back on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.  I feel better, even if nothing else.  It’s amazing how much better you feel when you’re eating right.

Here’s what is on the meal plan this week:

Monday: Steak, salad, okra

Tuesday: Pizza

Wednesday: Tacos

Thursday: Grilled chicken, sweet potatoes

Friday: Dinner Out

Saturday: Smoked chicken, steamed broccoli, salad

Sunday: Low Country Boil at church

SwimWays: Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy

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This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

 

I’m so happy that summer is here!  We have a pool membership and utilize it as often as possible, especially given how hot it gets here in Georgia!  We’re already having days over 90 degrees!

Sometimes I struggle trying to get all of the kids to the pool, however taking all 5 doesn’t have to be chaotic once we are there!  The big kids are able to dive right in the deep end and I can tend to our 20 month old toddler.  He wants to swim like the big kids, however he’s too small for arm floats.  He is so much of a daredevil that he wants to be in the water and not in the kiddie pool area.

As a mom, I enjoy that I can push him through the water in this while I swim across the pool.  He’s happy and I’m happy that I’m able to get some exercise.

The SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy works perfect for our family since he’s in the water and able to kick around a bit.  I love that it has a shade since he won’t keep a hat on.  This float folds down easily and packs away in a little bag for easy storage and travel.  I can even just toss it in our big pool bag.

This product is Step 1 in the 3 Swim Training stages with SwimWays.  Geared toward children ages 9-24 months, it’s the perfect product to start introducing your baby to the water.  My son loves that he can carry some of his favorite pool toys on the float with him.  No wonder this is the best baby float on the market!   The SwimWays Baby Spring Float is available at Target in store and online.

 

National Learn to Swim Day:

Did you know that the 3rd Saturday in May is National Learn to Swim Day?  This day is dedicated to education parents and children about the importance of knowing how to swim and about water safety.  Saturday, May 20, 2017 will be the 6th annual National Learn to Swim Day, started by SwimWays.  I think we will celebrate this day by another trip to the pool!  Seems like that would be the best way to celebrate and we will be sure to take along our SwimWays float!

Be sure to visit the Teach Me To Swim website for more information.

For More Information:

Athens: New Summer Sunscreen Program

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This post is for all of my local Athens, Georgia readers!

I just received info on a very neat program that I hope lasts!  Just in time for summer, the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is launching a sunscreen pilot program to make sure that all Athenians know that “SPF is their BFF.”

Partnering with Piedmont Athens Regional and their Melanoma initiative, comes a new summer sunscreen program.  Throughout Athens at 5 of the Leisure Service Department facilities, you will find hands free sunscreen dispensers.  These locates include the Athens-Clarke County Tennis Center, Sandy Creek Nature Center, Sandy Creek Park beach and boat launch, and the World of Wonder Park at Southeast Clarke Park.

The free sunscreen is SPF 30 and is a hybrid that includes both mineral and chemical components to give the best of both methods. It protects a maximum of 80 minutes and starts when it is first applied.

This new pilot program will allow staff to gauge interest, cost, and maintenance of the dispensers. Once the initial quantity of sunscreen is exhausted, staff will determine whether or not to expand or suspend this program.

This sounds like a great program and I’m excited about it!  So many times we’ve gone to the park and have forgotten to throw our sunscreen in the bag!

For more information, you can visit the parks mentioned or contact the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department.

Homeschool Rescue – Breathe New Life Into Your Homeschool

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Only Passionate Curiosity Homeschool Rescue
If I were to be honest with all of you, I have been facing some major homeschool burnout lately.  At just the right moment, I was given the option to review the Homeschool Rescue program from Only Passionate Curiosity.  It sounded good in theory, but I had no idea how much it could change me in a few short weeks.

About the Program:

In just 60 days, Homeschool Rescue can help you go from stressed and broken homeschool mom to feeling more confident, organized, and passionate for homeschooling with more time for the stuff that you want to do.  Each lesson takes about 20 minutes or less of a video course and then some “homework”.  The homework is printable worksheets to start getting your thoughts down on paper and preparing to be more efficient in your schooling.  You can go at your own pace and do the program at your convenience.

There is also an online support group for homeschooling parents where “being real” is encouraged and frustrations and successes can be talked about with other moms.Only Passionate Curiosity Homeschool Rescue

There are currently 5 modules in the program.  Course content includes studies on the following:

  • Triage Your Homeschool
  • Time Management Systems and Organization
  • Curriculum Planning and Organization
  • Setting Students up for Sucess
  • Teaching Older Students
  • And More!

Prices start at $97 for the eCourse or $137 for the eCourse along with one-on-one coaching sessions.  This is the one time, lifetime access price!

 

My Thoughts:

Goodness I knew I needed this course!  With 4 homeschooling kids and a wild toddler, I have been thinking about throwing in the towel.  Some days around here are crazy!  During the course, I learned a few tips on toddler wrangling during our homeschool day, but most of all, I learned that it’s ok to have an off day!  I really enjoyed the tips on getting organized and so I’m already starting to plan, in detail, our next school year.

The lessons on pacing the homeschool subjects and eliminating ones that weren’t benefiting us was also helpful.  My biggest takeaway was remembering to look around my house and getting rid of things that do not bring any joy to our lives.  Decluttering and cleaning out household stuff and curriculum will help me be more relaxed and ready for each day.

I have also found the online support group to be extremely helpful.  I was able to ask questions and get feedback from other moms.  I  can learn from them and they can learn from me based on our prior experiences.  That’s how life should be!

Even if I wasn’t writing a review, this would totally be worth the investment for the encouragement, tips, and printables.  With the printables, I made myself a binder and as I worked through the course, I put the pages in the notebook so I could keep up with my goals.  I cannot recommend this program enough if you are a homeschool mom.  You can benefit whether you have all littles, all bigs, or a mixture.

For More Information:

For more information, please visit the Homeschool Rescue website.  Enrollment is going on right now to take the course this summer.

You can also find out more on their Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Google+.  You can also click the banner below to read more reviews on this product by other members of the Homeschool Review Crew.

Homeschool Rescue {Only Passionate Curiosity Reviews}

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Painting with Toddlers WITHOUT the Mess!

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My youngest is now 20 months old and he always wants to keep up with the big kids.  When they are painting, he wants to jump in as well, however I’m not quite fond of the huge mess that a toddler and paint can bring!  I remembered a trick that I learned when I was teaching preschool before kids on how to paint with a toddler without the mess.  Painting with toddlers doesn’t have to be a disaster!  If you don’t mind a little water, they can have fun, too.

First you need a piece of colored construction paper.  Pretty much any color will do and the brand doesn’t matter.  The darker the color, the more your toddler may enjoy watching the transformation.

After you have your construction paper, also gather a paintbrush and a shallow container with just a little bit of water in it.  Know that the water will likely get spilled, so I recommend keeping the water to the bare minimum.  For my son, I used about 1/4 inch or so.

Next, let them have at it!  When the water hits the construction paper, it makes the paper a little darker!  This gives your toddler the illusion that they are “painting” without actually using paints!  It’s a win for the toddler and a win for easy cleanup!

Afterward, you can even give your toddler a rag and encourage him to cleanup any spills.  Easy Peasy!  I’ve done this trick will all 5 of my kids and numerous kids that have been in our kid and they all love it!  You can set the paper outside to dry and then even reuse it a time or two.

This is how our family conquers painting with toddlers.  Do you have any other tips to add?  Leave me a comment and let me know

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