Half-Pint House Handouts

Getting Pipe Crafty

I'm fairly crafty (in the glue and fabric sense, but not so much in the sneaky sense) but I've never really delved into the world of crafting with PVC Pipes. Now that I'm hunting around online, it makes all kinds of sense and the things I'm seeing are really cool, but the whole cutting pipe thing scares me a bit.

Still, I can enjoy the handywork of others, no?

Here's an organizing idea using PVC pipe that looks pretty manageable and might actually make sense of the tons of plastic boxes of off-season clothing I have stacked up in the hallway right now. Ahem.

And how cute are these striped PVC Pipe vases?

And then there is this piece of awesomeness right here:

It's the 8 Bar Tranquility Towel Rack from Etsy. This is genius right here! We just put up a big above ground pool for the summer this past weekend and over the course of three days I've probably done 4 loads of towels because I can't seem to convince my kids to hang them up and reuse them. I know. We need to work on that, stat! But oh, if we had one of these towel racks outside maybe they would remember. *grin*

I'm not too hip on where to find PVC  duct pipe these days, but I'm guessing there are plenty of CIS manufacturers out there like Lasco. I guess, like everything else, the important thing is to do your homework on the front end and know what you are getting yourself into before you start. Cutting pipe is probably some pretty risky business, but if you learn to do it, you've just opened up a whole new world of crafting possibilities for yourself and that's awesome!

Note: This is a compensated post on behalf of the PVC pipe folks and I don't plan to become pipe crafty anytime soon. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy looking at the pipe crafty goodness of others for a bit, no? I keep a proper disclosure statement available here.

Giveaway: Here's Lily by Nancy Rue

Here's Lily by Nancy Rue is the first in a long line of really great books for young girls.

The whole series is a fun work of fiction that deals with issues tween girls face. The stories are told in an engaging, charming "not-so-perfect" way - in short, in a way tween girls can relate to.

Now for my true confession: I got SOOOOO excited when I saw this book being offered for review this month because my 11yo in particular LOVES the Lily books.

I have proof. Take a look:

 

 

I maybe shouldn't show this picture because these are from a different publisher. Okay, I mentioned a confession above, but haven't really made it yet. Here it is: I didn't realize that we already own this book, but in the previous publisher edition. I just went in to my 11yo and gave her the book. She got super excited because she thought it was a new Lily book. Five minutes later she brought it back to me and told me we already had it, just with another cover.

Ah ha. Now that makes sense, I just didn't realize the publisher switch there. All that to say this: My 11yo has already read this and still stands behind it. She gives it her hearty recommendation and the only thing that would make this better is if Nancy Rue would write some MORE Lily books!

Here's the flipbook version for you to see right here.

Super fun. I'm glad we have a collection of these and am happy to have another copy on hand to give as a birthday party gift!

One of you can win a copy of this right here through the Rafflecopter form below.

Be sure to check out my other current giveaways right here!

Giveaway: Swipe by Evan Angler

I'm pretty interested in the premise behind Swipe by Evan Angler. It's being described as "apocalyptic dystopian fiction" and "Left Behind meets Matched for middle-grade readers."

Here's the main reason I'm interested - I read the Left Behind series back when it first came out. My own views on the end times were still pretty steeped in that sort of thinking at that time.  I can't say I still see things that way anymore, thanks in much part to a better understanding of eschatology from a reformed theological perspective. Nevertheless, our kids have read The Hunger Games and I don't agree with that view either, so I'm not opposed to letting them read this so we can discuss it through the framework of our worldview later.

Here's the general gist of the book: Swipe – Everyone gets the Mark. It gives all the benefits of citizenship. Yet if getting the Mark is such a good thing, then why does it feel so wrong?

It's being marketed toward the 8-11 age group. Without having read it myself yet, I'd put a strong hold on the younger end of this group, not because of readability, but because of content.

You can see the flipbook version of it here. Also, here's a video trailer for the book:

 

So there you have it: Swipe! One of you will win it through the Rafflecopter entry form below.

Be sure to check out my other current giveaways right here!

Giveaway: Mother's Love by Melina Gerosa Bellows - 3 Winners!

Mother's Love: Inspiring True Stories From the Animal Kingdomby Melina Gerosa Bellows is a seriously cute book of photographs, quotes, and story shorts about, well, animals! There are so many beautiful photos of animal mothers and their babies and they are matched with meaninful quotations or paired with some thoughts and commentary from the author.

Here's a bit more about it:

From a mother duck who tugged at a pedestrian’s pant leg with her beak to get help for her ducklings who had fallen through a sewer grate to an elephant that stood on her hind legs to lift her baby to safety in a flooded river to the cat that ran into a burning building five times to rescue her month-old kittens — despite singed fur, scorched ears and blistered eyes — MOTHER’S LOVE tells of heroic and touching animal feats that prove humans are not the only ones who go to elaborate lengths for the sake of their young.
 
In her introduction, Gerosa Bellows writes, “Perhaps these stories touch me so deeply because they illustrate the common bond of moth-erhood. They show that mothers are mothers, no matter what species. Animals and humans alike have the natural ability to distinguish the unique cry of their own offspring from the cry of other babies. We are hardwired to love, protect, and care for our young. After all, the survival of each of our species depends on it. 

 Here's a photo of one of the spreads:

It's so cute. My oldest daughter snatched it from my hands immediately and has enjoyed looking at it several times. I had to ask her where it was to write this post!

It's selling for $9.95 from Amazon right now.

I'm able to give away three copies of it right here. Entry is through the Rafflecopter form below.

Be sure to check out my other current reviews and giveaways right here!

Giveaway: Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler

I confess: My family goes in and out with recycling. Sometimes it's ALL we can do to just get the house clean and if that means tossing things quickly into the garbage, so be it.

I'm not necessarily proud of this, but there you go. We have a horrid big blue plastic container that the city picks up recycling from once a week, but there's no good place to store it that isn't an unsightly mess. Right now it's in a closet that isn't anywhere near the kitchen. Maybe you see where this is going?

We recently received the Rubbermaid Hidden Recycler which I attached to the wall next to the back door by the garage (ie: close to the kitchen, but not IN the kitchen):

I was planning to hang it over the door to the laundry room which is right next to where we keep the trash can, but the silver over-the-door hangars that came with it weren't the right size for my door. I ened up needing to nail it in, so this wall was my best bet.

If you have a door or cabinets that are the right size, I like the idea of hanging it that way instead of nailing it.

The idea behind it is that it stays hidden, but close so you can keep your recyclables out of sight, but, you know, ready for recycling.

The bag is made out of a durable, recycled material and it machine washable. Here's what it could look like under the sink:

Here are some other tidbits:

• Hinged lid attaches to cabinet door with over the door hooks or screws
• Bag is made from 65% post-consumer resin
• Bag is machine washable
• Comfortable handle for transport
• 5 gallon bag holds 36 uncrushed cans and is large enough to fit 1 gallon milk jugs
• Great for single stream recyclers
• Great for apartment living

It retails for $17.59 from the Rubbermaid website.

I have one to give away to one of you right now! Entry is through the Rafflecopter form below.

Be sure to check out my other current reviews and giveaways right here!

Heritage History: British Middle Ages

From the very first of our homeschooling experience, I've prefered a living books approach to the study of history rather than a textbook one. I believed then and still believe now that when books are engaging, interesting, and draw the reader in, they do a better job of transferring context and intent to the reader than a chapter of blah blah blah blah blah...wait...was that the answer I was looking for?...blah blah...better highlight that I guess...blah blah blah.

You get the idea.

Heritage History agrees. Here's what they say about themselves: "The Heritage Classical Curriculum is a study program based on classical children's history books. It was founded on the belief that well-written, age-appropriate history books could be of such natural interest that with sufficient guidance, many students can actually "teach themselves" history...The Heritage Curriculum focuses squarely on intermediate and general-interest readers, containing neither picture books for small children nor analytical texts for college students. Instead, it emphasizes story-based history told in engaging prose from introductory to advanced reading levels."

We were recently sent this British Middle Ages Curriculum CD:

This CD alone contains 55 books, more than 60 maps, teaching aids, and a study guide. There's a whole file of images to go along with the selections as well. Images like this one:

The books included on this disc cover 5th through 17th century Europe and the British Isles. Historical topics include:

• barbarian invasions
• Christian conversion
• feudalism
• medieval war-craft
• church-state conflicts
• The Reformation

When you purchase the curriculum CD, it comes with the PDF version of the study guide. The CD costs $24.95.

I've enjoyed playing around with this tonight. I did have trouble getting the books to transfer over to my iPad. The instructions given are for PC users. Mac users usually have an easier time with this sort of thing because our computers are pretty intuitive, but I had trouble with the directions included on the CD. I ended up having to copy the book files onto my desktop and then dropping them in an email to myself. I opened the email from my iPad and from there was able to access it from iBooks. That part was easy, just takes a bit of time.

The eBooks alone cost $1.99 from the Heritage History website, so this CD is worth it just for the savings you get on all the books, not to mention all the other extras provided as well.

I think I was just expecting an outline/study guide to go along with books I would have to obtain on my own. I was pleasantly surprised to realize the books were also included.

It's nicely put together and the price is great. They have several other historical periods available in the same format, so if you are looking for an electronic alternative to studying history via living books, Heritage History is just the ticket.

See what others had to say about this and other Heritage History Curriculum CDs here!

 Disclaimer: The product was provided for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own. I keep a proper disclosure statement available here.

Review: Nature's Sleep Memory Foam Slippers

I tend to be fairly hard on slippers and they can get dirty pretty quickly. That's the reason I requested brown when I was recently given the opportunity to review these memory foam slippers from Nature's Sleep.

They come in two styles: open and closed toe. The open toe slippers are sold for $25 and the closed toe version are sold for $30. These slippers are part of the Nature's Sleep product line in which the focus is on total heath and well-being. They are washable, anti-microbial, anti-dust mite, anti-bacterial, and allergen resistent.

That's a big load for a pair of slippers. But - they are pretty comfy too.

Please pardon my chipped nail polish - note to self...

As you can see, we have hard-wood floors and I've taken to wearing my sandals around the house most of the time. It's pretty nice to have a more comfortable option available for me now that is a true "house" shoe.

I haven't had any experience with any of the other Nature's Sleep products, but after trying these slippers out, I'm interested. I'm kind of picky when it comes to pillows, mattresses, and slippers, so if something isn't comfy for the long haul, it's definitely not worth my time.

These slippers are nice and make me think the rest of their line is as well.

Want to try these or another Nature's Sleep product out for 50% off? Use the code BEARS50 when you check out.

The product was provided for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own. I keep a proper disclosure statement available here.

What's with the duck?

WriteShop Review

I know we're not supposed to judge books by their covers, but...I do. First impressions, you all. They are everywhere.

So I was very pleased to get this set of books in the mail recently from WriteShop:

I received the following three components:

• WriteShop Junior Book D Teacher's Guide

• WriteShop Junior Book D Activity Pack

• WriteShop Junior Book D Time-Saver Pack

WriteShop is a writing curriculum designed to put fun back into writing. Appealing to various learning styles, WriteShop is a guided writing experience which utilizes games and activities. The set I received, Book D helps kids come up with ideas, brainstorem and organize those ideas before writing, choose more interesting words, and learn to self-edit.

Sign me up!

This particular level is primarily for kids in 3rd and 4th grade, but may also be used with reluctant 5th and 6th graders.

You can find out more about WriteShop Junior here, as well as see a Book D sample lesson.

This book covers the following:

 

• Letter of Invitation
• Humor
• Adventure
• Science Fiction
• Mystery
• Poetry/Haiku
• Folktales
• Historical Fiction
• Personal Narrative
• Expository Writing: Factual Article

These are the skills introduced in this book:

• Identify and use proper grammar and punctuation
• Narrow a broad topic to a specific topic
• Brainstorm before writing
• Structure a sentence
• Write a paragraph
• Choose strong words instead of weak ones
• Write sentences of different lengths
• Use emotion words to develop voice
• Use the five senses to add descriptive detail
• Self-edit and revise their work
• Creatively publish their final drafts

It is a soft-cover, plastic-coil bound book which lies flat to allow for easier use. It is important to note that this is not an independent course. It is designed for the parent and student to work together.

I love how it's organized inside with a couple of scheduling options, putting the parent in control of when things get covered and at what pace. Here's an example of one of the outlined options:

The lessons are explained well and laid out in a very user-friendly format.

The activity pack consists of two components: the student worksheet pack and the fold-n-go grammar pack.

Here's a better picture from their website of how this pack can be used in the flip-style:

The student worksheet side contains 60 activity pages the child uses in conjunction with the various lessons. These activities include:

 

• Pre-writing Activities
• Skill Builders
• Journal Prompt Pages
• Brainstorming Worksheets
• Reading Log Forms
• Self-editing Checklists
• Writing Skills Evaluation Charts

The fold-n-go grammar pack contains:

• 10 Fold-N-Go Grammar Guides printed on colored paper
• 20 Fold-N-Go Bookmarks for quick review
• Assembly Instructions
• Answer Keys

With these items, the student will make 10 grammar and writing guides om a set of portable reference folders.

Make 10 grammar and writing guides, each devoted to a different skill. Simple rules, engaging examples, and practice exercises make learning or reviewing grammar fun! By the end of Level 1, your child will have his own set of portable reference folders. Something like this:

I also love it when resources include extra activity and game ideas and always think I will get around to creating whatever it is they are talking about. Truth is, though, I seldom get around to doing that. I love it when these extras are offered on the side. They truly are a time-saving life saver!

I also really appreciate that photocopy priviledges are granted within families. School and co-ops need to purchase additional materials, but for families, we can make copies. Love that.

Our own school year is wrapping up this very week. As such, I have not had a chance to try this out with my kids just yet, but plan to over the summer. I have friends back in St. Louis who used this program and loved it and I like what I see so far.

The WriteShop website is very VERY informative as well. Usually I have to hold the materials in my own two hands to get a good grasp of what's what, but I really got a sense of what this program is about simply by perusing their website. Very well done.

Both the hard copy teacher's guide and the activity packs are $39.95 each. The time-saver pack is $13.95. These are reasonable prices for both the content and physical resources we received.

I comment WriteShop to you for your consideration as you go about selecting a writing program for your kids in the future. I'm thrilled to have this one in my possession right now!

See what others had to say about this and other WriteShop books here!

Disclaimer: The product was provided for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. All thoughts are my own. I keep a proper disclosure statement available here.

Whitney Farms® Organic Plant Food

This post brought to you by Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.

Okay, I, personally, have been banned from the whole do-it-yourself garden thing because after three years of attempting it, we just all realized I wasn't any good at it. It didn't help that we had horrid squirrels thwarting my every move...

I have come to rest in the fact that all successful crop growing in our family will remain firmly in the hands of Farmer Grandpa Rog. Case in point:

But. If I *were* to take another stab at it again (and I might, just not to the full-scale attempt I tried in the past), I would consider using Whitney Farms® organic plant food. This is a line of 100% natural plant foods and organic soil with no additives and nothing artificial. It just contains ingredients from the Earth.

The end result? Big, beautiful flowers and veggies. Sounds good to me!

Whitney Farms has over 25 years of experience and over those years have improved their products so that they now:

• have low to no dust

• have no manure odor

• are easy to apply

• contain beneficial microbes

• have specially designed protein-based blends to provide your plants with both the macro and micronutrients they need to grow and thrive

Does this sound good to you? How about a $3 off coupon for any Whitney Farms® product to get you started?

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Fun with K'Nex!

A few weeks ago this box of fun came in the mail and my girls squealed with delight! What was in the box? Check it out:

• Mario Kart Wii Mario vs Piranha Plant 
• K'Nex Rally Sport Racer
• K'Nex Strike Force Bomber
• K'Nex Monster Jam

At first brush, these might look like toys for boys (and they probably are) but that doesn't mean girls can't enjoy them too! Or dogs...

Yep! My girls opened all of it and spread out all over the floor of my husband's study. He didn't mind because he's a K'Nex guy at heart too.

I do believe this was my girls' first experience with K'Nex, though, and it was mine too. It did take us a while to figure out how to get everything to work.

And I could just kick myself for not snapping a photo of the finished plane they did - it was really amazing! You'll just have to take my word for it - these are building blocks with brains.

And we're happy to have added them to our stash of building toys - for girls AND boys!

For more information, check out K'Nex online!

• K'Nex website

• K'Nex on Facebook

The product was provided in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. I keep a proper disclosure statement available here.