This week school was a bit lite. We did jump into so letter activities and started with the letter A.
One fun thing we did was play with play-doh using our Letter A Play-Doh mat ( from Homeschool Creations)
She did not get how to make the play doh A's but it was all about exposure. I made the a's for her and the whole time we played with the play doh we talked about letter A.
We took a little field trip to the zoo. We have had passes this year and have thoroughly enjoyed our trips out to see the animals.
That is all I have to share this week. I know it is a short week and a day late to be posted at that!
I love going to consignment sales. I am able to find all kinds of clothes for the upcoming season for baby bug at really good prices. I went to a great consignment sale today and found a lot of great outfits for this fall and winter. I was also able to score a winter coat for $2.50!! Below you will find my top 5 tips to consignment sale shopping, these tips will help you get the most out of your consignment sale shopping!!
Top 5 tips to shopping at a consignment sale
1. Most consignment sales have half off sales the last day the sale runs unless you really need something specific save your clothes shopping for this day.
2. Buy strollers, car seats and bigger furniture early. These items go fast so these are the items you want to focus on the first day of sales.
3. Put items in the sale. Many sales have pre-sales for people who have put things in the sale this is a great way to have a chance at the best things at the sale.
4. Leave the kids at home. If you have someone to watch the kids you will do better to leave the little ones behind. To get the best deals you need time to search the tables and racks of clothes this is hard to do with little ones begging to go home or to buy every toy they see.
5. Check the clothes you pick out for stains, tears, or missing buttons. These things are usually checked when items are bought in but can be missed there is nothing worse then getting home with the cutest outfit ever just to realize it is missing a button.
This week we made finger paint. I found a great non toxic easy recipe at Logan and Kalia's blog.
The only ingredients are water, flour and food coloring.
I started by adding some water to a little bit of flour. I did not go by the measurements just mixed till I got it the consistence I wanted. I put the mixture in three applesauce cups and added food coloring.
Baby bug had a ball!
I was surprised at how well she did with this, she never once tried to eat the paint and for the most part stayed on the paper!!
We also painted with shaving cream this was a lot of fun she loved spreading this across the tub walls!
I just added food coloring to the shaving cream.
We took another trip to the library little loves the big box of board books!! She would take one out give to me listen to a page or two then go for the next book. I think we went through a good 15 books this way.
To see more adventure in toddler learning check out:
This CD is a great collection of music, from a live show in Lexington. At this concert on July 11, 2008 they played songs from all six of their previous albums as well as some of their favorite cover songs.
"Ben Rudnick &Friends take great pleasure in introducing kids and families to music that is an important part of America's Cultural fabric. Rather than playing down to kids, Rudnick assumes that children enjoy listening to a variety of music, much of which would not necessarily be labeled as "Kids" music."
When received a copy of the CD I was excited to listen to it and see for my self what I thought of Ben Rudnick. I put it in the CD player and went about my chores. I must admit at first I was kind of so so about it. It was not my favorite but easy to listen to. Baby Bug and I listen several more times and the CD started to really grow on me. I started to realize that I was singing along and enjoying the music as we listened. I think one thing I have come to appreciate about this CD is that it is not excessively kidded out. I can listen without that annoying feeling some kids CDs leave you with. I also like the fact that the music is so diverse. Their are several styles of music present on the CD and that helps to keep it fresh!! I am glad to add this CD to our collection of CDs I am sure it is one we will be listening to for years to come.
The CD is set to release August 30, 2011 you can reserve your copy at the Ben Rudnick website.
Want to hear some exciting news?
One Learning to be Thrifty Viewer will have the opportunity to win a copy of this CD.
Give away will in August 30, 2011
Open to US and Canada Residents. Must be 18 years or older to enter.
Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of the CD for review purposes. The opinions in this post are my own and are not influenced by the company.
Ok since I posted before about revamping my system I have put together my new simple plan.
I took a file folder box and put in some hanging files and some regular file folders.
Each Hanging file folder is a week. Then within that file I have a folder that has the insert name and date on it. This way when I start planning coupon trips I know exactly which folder to look in for my inserts!!
I think this system will work much better for me. I will keep the notebook and baseball card categories for coupons that did not come in inserts.
I am very excited to have a plan that will work for me!! I was a little afraid I was going to have to give up the couponing fun just because I did not have the time to cut coupons each week!
Check it out my sister just opened an Etsy shop. Allimagz
Right now she has some adorable burp clothes
I love th hello Kitty one!!
She is also willing to work with you if you want some thing specific!!
She is also carrying hair bows. These ponytails are great to add some fun to a plain ole' ponytail.
I am really excited for her she is so crafty!! Her prices are really reasonable and her craftsmanship is of good quality. She will be adding more as time goes on!! Check out her shop and see for you self all her cute products!
I think this piece would be so practical in our house, we seem to be at a loss for counter space a lot of evenings when it comes time to prepare our dinner. I have always thought an island would be a nice thing to have in a kitchen, but their really is not enough room in our kitchen for an island. A smaller mobile unit like this would fit very nice.
Another piece I am drooling over tonight is this display Cabinet.
I would love to have a piece of furniture like this to display special things in. To be honest I do not have a lot to put in one of these, but it would still be nice to have one to start filling up. I like how large this one is. It has three glass doors on top and three wooden doors for storage below. It would be nice to not only be able to display the pretties up top but also have some hidden storage below for things like linens and decorations.
Disclosure: This post is in association with K&Co Store. All opinions are 100% mine.
I have been doing more coupons for about 2 months now. I started with a notebook where I have been cutting the coupons and storing them in baseball card holders by categories. I must admit that I have gotten overwhelmed lately, having trouble staying on top of my coupon cutting each week. The week that really got me behind was the last week in July where where were four different inserts in the paper- which I loved but I still have not gotten these coupons caught but and organized!! I have decided I am going to have to go to a hanging file system. With this system I will keep the inserts intact and just date them and file them away. Then when planning a trip I will just cut the coupons I need. I will keep the notebook for loose coupons or coupons that come in the mail but it will be way scaled back. The main draw back to this plan is I will not have my coupons on hand when at the store, but to be honest I had so many in there I did not ever go digging for extras unless they were ones I had already planned and pulled out. I still have some details to work out but I think this will be a more reasonable system for me.
Did you know Coca-Cola has been around for 125 years?
To celebrate their anniversary they have made a summer long program available through My Coke Rewards.
It is created to provide summer fun for families through a big variety of rewards through an interactive summer treasure map. When you enter codes found on 15 different Coca-Cola brands on My Coke Rewards, you gain points that can be spent later on prizes including sweepstakes, instant win prizes, supporting a good cause- Like donating to your child's school and bunches more.
If you are not a My coke Rewards Member it is easy to long on to www.mycokerewards.com
- just follow the prompts for new member registration.
Want to hear some more good news? Coca-Cola is also offering "Park Kit" to one lucky Learning to be Thrifty Follower. The kit is valued at $50 dollars and includes:
Coca-Cola tote, Sunglasses, Sports Bottle, Sunblock Kit, LED lamp (for nights when you’re just not ready to go inside), Football, Frisbee, Reversible ball
One winner will be choosen via Random.org after the contest is complete. Please use the rafflecopter box to enter the giveaway. Entrants must be 18 or older and located in the US or Canada only. Winner to be chosen at random.
Disclaimer: The prize was provided by The Coca-Cola Company but The Coca-Cola Company is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of The Coca-Cola Company.
We had a very busy week last week so I did not do any new activites at home. We did repeat many of the ones we had done in the previous three weeks. We did Play-doh and our water sensory bin.
I recieved a package that included some bubble wrap. Baby Bug had a great time exploring that.
We also had some great learning field trips this week.
We went to the library one afternoon. Baby Bug loved their computers she charged right for them when we got their. I love that they have kid size headphones and mice and the cutest little color coded key boards. They had games meant for toddlers and Baby Bug loved it. Their were games that encouraged her to move the mouse to make things happen on the screen as well as games that encouraged her to press keys on the keyboard.
We also checked out their Thomas the train play table and the big box of board books. We had alot of fun their and I am planning to take her back one day this week.
We went the lake for a swim. This was her first big exposure of sand at first she was very unsure about it, but after a few minutes she was all about picking the sand up over her head and letting it fall down her back.
Our last learning field trip was to the fair last night. Our church held a service their yesterday evening so we went for that and then explored the sight and sounds all around. They had a very neat interactive section on agriculture. She got to play on John Deer tricycles, jump in a big vat of biodegradable peanuts, and pet several farm animals. We also got to walk through an area that is set up like an old town, many older building from the area have been moved on site and this was quite an adventure we saw all kinds of neat things and even bought a little dried gourd to take home with us. It make a really good shaker I am thinking about letting baby bug paint it this week.
This book contains three amish novellas: Healing Hearts, A Change of Heart, and A choice to Forgive.
A choice to Forgive tells the story of Lydia who has loved two men in her life Daniel who disapperd into the Englisch world and Elam his brother whom she was married to for 15 years. Elam has died and Daniel returns she must make a decision can she find in it her heart to forgive him?
A Change of Heart - Tell the story of Leah a writter in a world that does not encourage such pastimes. Leah also lacks the skills needed to be a good Amish Fraa (Wife). Arron is captured by Leah even though she does not possess the important skills needed to be a good Amish Fraa. Will Leah be able to make it in the Amish community and still be able to write the stories that fill her heart?
Healing Hearts- Levina and Naaman are empty nesters alone in their home for the first time in 30 years. Naaman leaves to visit cousins in Ohio and is gone for a year. He's back can Levina and Naaman rekindle the relationship they once shared?
I love these stories. Each one had be connected and involved from the start. I really liked that two of them were about older women you don't find that much in inspirational romance. Wiseman has a way of writing that really draws you into the stories. You feel these women's pains, frustrations, joys, peace, turmoil, and excitement. I must say Leah in A change of heart was my favorite of these characters. I longed to see her both succeed as a good Amish Fraa as well as see her writing be accepted and cherished. I felt her heart ache as she longed to be able to do the chores and cooking properly, but always seem to fall just short. I rejoiced when Aarom came into the picture and was able to over look her imperfections in the domestic department.
I enjoyed that the book used some amish words and provided a glossary with the words and their English meaning. I enjoyed trying to guess the meaning of the words before looking them up in the glossary.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars it is a must read!
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the company for review purposes, all opinions in this post are mine and were not influenced by the company.
This book tells the tale of Andrea Henderson a woman who moves home to Mose Lake, Texas to build a new life for herself and her son. It tells the story of Game Warden Mart McClendon at Mose Lake to forget a tragedy for which he can not forgive himself. It also tells the story of a mysterious little girl and a town recluse.
I admittedly took some time to warm up to this story. I did not immediately feel a connection with Andrea, I struggled to see things from her view point at first and understand where she was coming from. It was much easier for me to relate to Mart. His outlook on life was easier for me to understand to connect with in the beginning. But somewhere in between the beginning and the end I began to really enjoy the storyline and connect with both main characters in their struggles. It became one of those books you don't want to put down because you want so bad to know how it will all end. By the end this had became one of my favorite books. I do not read a lot of present day setting books so this was a nice change from my usual historical fiction.
Overall I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book from the company for review purposes the opinions in this post are mine and were not influenced by the company.
Review: Aquarium Shape Sorter from Educational Toys Planet.
We received the Aquarium Shape Sorter from Educational Toys Planet for review a few weeks ago and it has quickly been added to our favorites list. I love that it is so good for Baby Bug's development with the shapes to put in the box, Baby Bug loves how the shapes have pop out fins and other fun sea life body parts on them. We love the bright colors and cute little animal shapes I think the little pink crab is my favorite.
The only down side I have found is that baby bug can open the front to take the toys out but has a hard time latching it back together this can really frustrate her when her shapes keep falling out.
As many of you know I have recently started doing tot school with Baby Bug, this toy is the perfect toy for our school time. It can be used to teach shapes, colors, and sea animals, as well as work on fine motor skills as she matches the shapes with their slots, and when she presses the buttons to make their fins and claws pop out. I really like that this toy is small it does not take up a lot of storage room which it important since baby bug already has more toys then we can fit in her room! Educational Toy plant has many other great selections in their Math Toys sections to work on many different skills.
Overall I think this is a great educational toy and one I am happy to have among our learning toys.
Disclaimer: I was provided the product reviewed in this post by educational toys planet for review purposes. The opinions in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.
Check out the new Helping Hands Linky Button- Feel free to add it to your blog!!
It is time for us to share a bit of love and help each other out!!
The helping hands linky
This is a linky of helping each other. You put in a request of something you want done such as someone entering your giveaway, following your on twitter, facebook, or some other blogging need. Then you full fill the requests of the three people before you on the linky. This way we can all reach out and help each other. When starting a new linky I will add the last three requests off of the old linky so those requests can still be met. Please do not add your request to the linky unless you plan to meet the needs of the three people in front of you. Also I know at times you may not be able to meet their requests such as when it is a giveaway entry and you have alerady entered please find some other little way to help them out!
I used to participate in a linky similar to this one over at Ten Talents she used to run a linky called This for That which had the same type of theme of helping each other.
Here are some sample entries:
* Please follow me on twitter - (Linked to your twitter account)
*Please enter my giveaway (linked to the giveaway)
*please follow me on facebook ( linked to facebook fan page)
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Recap:
List your need in the linky and fulfill the needs of the three people above you in the linky
Do not list more then one need in a row as you would be one of the three people under you who would be there to fulfill your request. But after three more people have put in requests it would be fine to add another request.
* Please Note only list one thing at a time so that there will be people under you to help you and so that the people above you can have three different people to try and help them out.
-It's time for another Wandering through Wednesday!!
This is a blog hop with only one rule please follow either my blog or Katie's Blog - Life with the Dietrich's! Or if you want to you can follow both :)
If you do start following me, leave me a comment letting me know and I will follow you back!
I made baby bug a new sensory bin. This time we went for a water theme.
I used a roll of blue streamers rolled up into balls as the water, then added blue pom poms, squeezy from the $ tree, a dolphin eraser, a seahorse water squirter, and two boats.
She really enjoyed this bin. After she had explored the box for a while I gave her a spoon and cup to work in some extra fine motor.
Play-doh was fun again this week:
We also had lots of learning time while playing with our toys. One of the favorites was the leap frog fridge magnets.
She loves hearing the song and dances with them. She also loves to pull them all off the fridge and scatter them around the kitchen so we had the life lesson of learning to clean up after our selves.
Score at the home depot tonight. We went to the home depot tonight so I stopped by the paint section to get some mickey mouse shaped paint cards. I am not for sure what I will use them for. There are so many possibilities. Any one have some suggestions?
Check out these linkys to see what other tots are up to.
This book is not my normal Christion Fiction that I read so often. This book was all about Losing Weight and get fit in a way that pleases God.
The first section of the book was about why it is important that weight loss be a commitment to God. Chantel shares her personal struggles with weight loss, her yo yoing dieting ups and downs. Then she describes an event that lead her to giving her weight loss to the Lord and committing to loss weight with God's help and guidance. I like how this book is laid out the first section as mentioned above talks about committing yourself to the lord and figuring out what your deal is, what is keeping you from weight loss. This section is very motivating to get up and get moving. Then the book goes on to lay out an eating plan. It educates you on the food your body need and why. I learned more about the way the food works from this book then I ever had. Her guide line for a happy balance is 80/20 80% of the food you eat should be for health reasons only and 20% be the food you love. The book also has a section on fitness and exercise. This section includes several great exercises that can be done right at home. Chantel says in this section that "Exercising is as important as brushing your teeth." It is a must to healthy weight loss and maintaining the loss.
I really enjoyed this book I thought it was laid out in an easy to read manner and I learned a lot about the foods I need to eat for healthy living.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated for this review. WaterBrookPress did send me a copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.
I have been debating bringing back the helping hands linky for some time now, I really enjoy the concept and it can be such a helpful linky for all involved. I decided to give it another go, I stopped when I did because it was such a small number of participants and a very busy time in my life, but I think I am ready for another go at it. Ready to join me for a fun Linky?
Check out the new Helping Hands Linky Button- Feel free to add it to your blog!!
It is time for us to share a bit of love and help each other out!!
The helping hands linky
This is a linky of helping each other. You put in a request of something you want done such as someone entering your giveaway, following your on twitter, facebook, or some other blogging need. Then you full fill the requests of the three people before you on the linky. This way we can all reach out and help each other. When starting a new linky I will add the last three requests off of the old linky so those requests can still be met. Please do not add your request to the linky unless you plan to meet the needs of the three people in front of you. Also I know at times you may not be able to meet their requests such as when it is a giveaway entry and you have alerady entered please find some other little way to help them out!
I used to participate in a linky similar to this one over at Ten Talents she used to run a linky called This for That which had the same type of theme of helping each other.
Here are some sample entries:
* Please follow me on twitter - (Linked to your twitter account)
*Please enter my giveaway (linked to the giveaway)
*please follow me on facebook ( linked to facebook fan page)
Etc. Etc. Etc.
Recap:
List your need in the linky and fulfill the needs of the three people above you in the linky
Do not list more then one need in a row as you would be one of the three people under you who would be there to fulfill your request. But after three more people have put in requests it would be fine to add another request.
* Please Note only list one thing at a time so that there will be people under you to help you and so that the people above you can have three different people to try and help them out.
It time to lend a helping hand and get a hand. Add your request and complete the three requests above yours.
-It's time for another Wandering through Wednesday!!
This is a blog hop with only one rule please follow either my blog or Katie's Blog - Life with the Dietrich's! Or if you want to you can follow both :)
If you do start following me, leave me a comment letting me know and I will follow you back!
It is called Bee Silk Hard Lotion- It is just that it is a bar of lotion.
Here are the detail from their Site:
What is hard lotion?
Hard lotion is lotion that is solid at room temperature. It is designed to specifically protect hands and feet from cracked skin and extreme dry skin.
What's in the hard lotion bar?
The hard lotion bar has three simple ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil and beeswax. That's it! Shea butter and coconut oil are known edible emollients. They soften and soothe dry skin and are gentle enough to rub over skin cuts and cracks. The beeswax emulsifies the other two ingredients to create a beautiful combination to smooth your skin. You'll be surprised to learn that this is all you need to get your hands back to work.
Why is "hard" better?
Hard lotion is better because it uses beeswax to leave a gentle, protective coating on the skin. The beeswax works to seal in the ingredients for longer-lasting absorption. No water necessary.
How do you apply it?
You gently rub it in your hands to apply hard lotion. Your normal body temperature causes the lotion to soften on contact with the skin. The ingredients will start to immediately meld into your skin. It only takes a few seconds to coat the skin and only a small amount of the lotion bar is necessary.
Who is it for?
Hard lotion is for those with cracked skin, split heels, alligator legs or rough elbows who have been frustrated with the lack of effectiveness of off-the-shelf lotions. It's also for those who are concerned about the excessive use of steroids to control their skin problems and are looking for natural relief. It's for both men and women who appreciate applying lotion that doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky.
My Thoughts:
I really like the bar of hard lotion. It is easy to apply and does not leave my hands covered in greasy liquid like traditional lotions. I have been using the Hard Lotion on my dry feet and have noticed that they are staying softer. I like that I can put the lotion on and slip right into my sandals without all the gunk of normal lotions. My feet are all ready to go as soon as the lotion is on. I also like how far the bar goes I have applied it to my feet several times and have used very little of the bar.
I was also sent some Peppermint lip balm. I love the stuff it keeps my lips moist and the peppermint reminds me of Christmas candy canes.
Bee Silk can be purchased on the MadeOn Skin Care Product website. It comes in two sizes - Family Size and Pocket Size. You can also order a 3 pack which includes one Family size hard lotion, one pocket size hard lotion and one lip balm for $17.75
Good News!! One Lucky Learning to be Thrifty reader will win one a 3 pack of their very own!! Giveaway Ends 8/16/2011
Disclaimer: This review was not monetarily compensated. I was sent a pocket size Hard Lotion and a lip Balm for review purposes. This review is fully my opinions and was not influenced by the company.
Recently I was given the opportunity to review two great books from Te Complete Idiot's Guide collection:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegetable Gardening
And
The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Best Family Destinations
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegetable Gardening is a perfection addition to our home as this year is the second year we have had a garden. There are so many things to know when it comes to gardening. I find we are learning so much as we go along. Last year our garden turned out well kind of puny. This year we have done better and have enjoyed great tomato and pepper crops!
I love are the details that are in this book and I used it to solve a problem the very day it arrived. We were debating how to store our extra tomato so I turned to the proper section in the book and found out that tomatoes can be frozen raw, blanched or after fully cooked. The book has every part of veggie garden covered from where to plant, what to plant to what to do with the produce after it is picked.
I know this is a book I will reach for time after time to answer my gardening questions.
I also really like the straightforward simplicity of the book. I can understand what the book is talking about everything is in beginners terms. I have picked up many gardening books and not understood what they were talking about, but that is not the case in this book it is very easy to read!
The Complete Idiot's Guide to The Best Family Destinations is a great place to start planning a family vacation. I could sit and dream about are the great places listed in the book for hours.
First the book is laid out by regions - The Northeast, The South, The Midwest, The Southwest, The West, The Northwest, Mexico, and Canada. Then under each region their are areas to check out such as at the beach, Mountain Towns, Outdoor adventures, City Style, or Cultural appeal.
Knowing that I would like to take a Beach Vacation some day I started by looking under the At the Beach section in the southern region. Did you know that Gulf Shores, Alabama has a place called The Weeks Bay Estuary Reserve where you can spot alligators? Or that At Virginia Beach, Virginia you can go th First Landing State Park to take a free monthly education class.
This book is a great book to use to start narrowing down the next family vacation. I really like the fact that the book adds in contact information for the destinations so that when you do pick your destination of choice you will know how to go about getting everything set up.
Want to hear so good news? One lucky Learning to be Thrifty reading will win 1 copy of each of these book.
Disclaimer: I was not monetarily compensated for this review, was was sent a copy of each of the featured books to review. The opinions in this review are my own and are not influenced by the company.
This week I went to CVS and Walgreens with coupons in hand. I spent a little more out of pocket then usual but I bought some items that we needed and are good deals for my family because they were things I buy on a very regular basis.
Walgreens:
two packs of crayola markers the skinny kind
two packs of highlighters- 6 per pack ( these were filler items at 39 cents a pack)
two packs of hair clips
DHA supplement for children.
4 boxes of cereal
Two bottles of dawn washing liquad
Started with 4 RR
Total out of pocket: 9.18
ended with 4 RR
Total Saved: 48.31
CVS: 3 shampoos, 5 deodorants
2 skinny cow treats ( 1 not pictured baby bug and I ate it on the way home opps :) )
Started with $10 ECB
Total spent: 2.07
ended with 4 ECB
Total Saved: 13.55
I hated to not turn that 10 ECB for a larger sum of ECB but the suave is a product we needed and will use so I guess that it was ok, I also wanted to do a second transaction for a free razor but they were sold out of those!!
