New Site for Fantasy Football Fans

A couple years ago my brother was telling me how he was fairing in football and I shot him a puzzled look... I'd never seen him play football and couldn't really picture him engaging in anything more than viewing the sport on television. He chuckled and said the words "fantasy football"... a world I knew nothing about, but something he was very active in... even to the point that he'd made some money. I still didn't totally get it, but could see the light in his eyes as he attempted to explain to me what it was and how it was played.

So... now that I sorta know what fantasy football is (lol), I thought he might appreciate a new website created by former Wall Street guys who opted to ditch their corporate jobs to pursue a passion for their favorite cyber sport. They took all they knew about fantasy football and compiled a website with all the tools and techniques imaginable to give players a winning advantage. With WaiverWire fantasy football fans can increase their odds of winning through fantasy forums, research and analysis, access to rankings and player comparisons, as well as over 100 Local NFL team news feeds. Wow... won't my brother flip when I share this with him!

For football fanatics... fantasy football is a little piece of heaven on earth. For my brother, WaiverWire will no doubt become a constant companion to his fantasy football addiction. Do you know a fantasy football fan? Be sure to pass along the news of this new site! You're favorite football fan will be so impressed that you knew of the site before he (or she) did!

Homeschoolers Who Work from Home

Are you one of those parents who does it all from home? Is your house not just a home, but also a science lab, an art studio, a cafeteria, a library, a computer lab, perhaps with walls decorated in world atlases, posters featuring the anatomy of grasshoppers, time tables and number lines, and do you also happen to have a home office? Do you find yourself creating lesson plans one minute, helping your son with his math the next, only to moments later find yourself preparing lunch while your daughter sets up for her next science experiment, just before being interrupted by a client on the telephone? If this sounds at all familiar... you might be a superhero. Check for a cape hidden under your blouse or t-shirt. If you don't see it, it's only because your eyes are too tired from lack of sleep and the mistaken illusion that you're just an everyday mom or dad.

I'm in awe of men and women educating their children from home, while running a business of any size at all! I've been there to some degree... working online while my kids work on reading assignments or study for their next spelling test, but honestly had a very difficult time finding a healthy balance between the two activities, which inevitably both suffered in the process. I've met families who can somehow pull of the incredible task of working and schooling from home. I think it takes a very special (and high-energy) individual to accomplish a successful homeschool along side any kind of business.

If I were to give advice on how to keep the balance healthy, I would simply suggest not to take on too much responsibility outside of your homeschool. You don't want what started out to be something exciting and fun... a time to learn with your children, into a task you have to get through so you can return to your work. Your kids will sense your thoughts are on your work and not theirs and the relationship you were hoping to build with your children will suffer.

I've met many families who truly do it all, and do it well. They seem to have a handful of things in common, including little down time, waking up early, sticking to a rigid schedule, cooperation from their spouse (working as a team), and I couldn't help but notice that a lot of their success depends on the personalities of their children. If you have a high-maintenance youngster at home, you'll likely find working from home somewhat of an impossibility... at least while they're awake! lol If you can squeeze in some work time after they're in bed, without sacrificing your own health through lack of sleep, you might be able to make it work.

What's your story? Do you work from home for income in addition to working as a home educator? What advice might you have for other homeschoolers? I'd love to hear from you! I'd even be open to guest articles on this subject. Email me if you'd like to participate!

Putting an End to Remote Control Chaos!

We've all been there... you go to the home of a friend or family member and they tell you to make yourself comfortable... "go ahead and flip on the tv" they say... Cool, but then you look at their coffee table to an array of magic boxes we like to call remote controls. Some are long and skinny, some short and squatty, all belonging to different components of a very impressive entertainment system, but not one of them comes with directions! lol

Maybe it's your entertainment system that leaves people intimidated (see my remote collection above?). Your neighbors all want to come over to your home because you have the biggest flatscreen in town, but if it weren't for your help, they'd just be sitting in front of a big black screen scratching their heads.

With all that technology getting in the way of our ability to quickly access our favorite satellite channel it took a technology giant like Yamaha to bring about a solution. Even if you know your remotes well, wouldn't you love to have one control for everything you own? Between your television, DVD, DVR, WII, cable, and stereo, where does the trail of remotes end? How many batteries do you have invested into all that technology you have littering up the place? The Yamaha neoHD IS THE SOLUTION! It's one remote engineered to handle your entire entertainment system. Yes that's right... JUST ONE REMOTE!

Not only has technology just solved a problem that well... it created, but it gets even better than that... you could actually win one of these little numbers for yourself! The Yamaha neoHD Sweepstakes Entry awaits eager entertainment system owners such as yourself who no longer want to grab for the wrong remote, a low remote, or hunt for a lost remote. With one remote life will be oh so much sweeter! Entering is simple... either with this Tweet “I just entered to win a #neoHD b/c I have too many remotes, visit (blog.izea.com) to enter” or make a comment on the blog post at Izea.com blog that shares this exciting sweepstakes opportunity. Pretty exciting!

So tell me... how badly could you use the Yamaha NeoHD? I'm thinking of about a hundred people that are going to want to know about this and guessing it's going to be a hot-ticket item come this Christmas! Leave me a comment and tell me what you like about this new doodad! I will say that we could definitely use this and I'm anxious to share what I learned today about the Yamah NeoHD with my husband who should be home in about 2o minutes! ; )

Oh and in case you hadn't noticed.... everyone is on Facebook these days... even my own mom! lol So why should Yamaha be any different? If you're a Facebook user visit them at Yamaha on Facebook and become a fan! If you're not a Facebook user, you should still go take a peak!

I Need to Sell Some Jewelry!

I have a confession to make and a little plea... I overspent this Summer out of the excitement of FINALLY having wheels (first time since being a mom) and well... the kids and I really had fun, but now I'm slightly broke! lol We drove to the parks, drove to the movies, drove to meet friends, drove to Bible study and church, drove to meet grandma for lunch, drove to the grocery store to buy something special for dinners, and drove to Quick Trip for smoothies and freezonies. lol

We had a blast, but now with Summer coming to it's end I'm left feeling a bit like I did in college when I got caught living above my means. Only difference is there isn't any student loan money on it's way in to save me! lol That's really not the way to go to college anyway... I've been out of school since '97 and I'm still paying those boogers off. lol Opps, getting off topic here!

I just wanted to announce that I'll be selling some of my home-made jewelry here soon. I have bracelets and necklaces, maybe some bookmarks too. They'll all be very reasonably priced and shipping on most items will just be $1.

I hope you'll all visit me again come this time next week when I hope to have an Etsy shop opened! You'd be helping me considerably! Hopefully I'll be helping you too... maybe with birthday gifts, thank you's, or a "just because" for a friend you can't live without!

My children, myself, and my gas-guzzling van thank you! lol

Bluelight Specials are Back at Kmart!

This post was sponsored by Kmart. All the opinions are mine. So, let me tell you what has me so excited this morning... Kmart has brought back the Bluelight special and today, Saturday August 8th is THE DAY to save on everything from patio furniture to jewelry! Oh... they have grills on sale too and would you believe we don't have one?

When I think of Kmart Bluelight specials the memories are usually of me and my mom shopping in Kmart, hearing the announcement of a Bluelight special and looking for that blue light! I remember the carts from every corner of the store gently barreling down the isles. lol

Today, August 8th, is THE DAY to save 70% on ALL patio furniture! Where else are you going to find a special like that? After you pick out your new patio set, grab your husband's hand and lovingly show him the way to the jewelry counter where you'll save and extra 10% off all their diamond jewelry that's already been marked down 70%.

Additionally, TODAY ONLY you'll find more than 40 Bluelight specials throughout the day at Kmart! This explosion of savings can be found in-store, but you will also find a number of offers at kmart.com today! So if you can't get out today to shop in-store, be sure to shop online... and you know... it's really not too early to start shopping for Christmas. You'll be so glad you did come December!

If my wildest Kmart dreams could come true, I'd love to enter the store today... which lucky for me is only about 3 miles away, and find back-to-school clothes on Bluelight special as well as laptop cases and maybe some pajamas for me. That would be a good day! Those of you who know me, know what a bargain shopper I am... few things get me as excited as finding a great deal on something I needed anyway!

Ok, I gotta go get ready to do some shopping! So, you'll have to excuse me for a bit. I just wanted to share one last cool Kmart fact... they're on Twitter! So if you're into tweeting, be sure to visit your favorite retailer at Kmart on Twitter!

Do You Follow the Five Second Rule?

If you do, you may want to think twice. Much to my horror I was watching a medical doctor on Fox News yesterday talk about the famous "Five Second Rule"... you know the mommy rule that states it's safe to eat anything dropped on the floor within 5 seconds time? lol

I was never a fan of the idea, but will admit that when in my own home, in my own kitchen, it really didn't seem like that big of a deal. We have no pets and for the most part we don't wear shoes in the house... well, I do, but no on else. So... I have taken vitamins and the occasional tortilla chip that made it's way out of my hand and onto the floor and yes, did stick them in my mouth. What we can't see can make us sick. I know this, but never did I expect to hear what this doctor shared.

Apparently there is more harmful bacteria in the average kitchen (meaning our household kitchens) than in a toilet and I don't mean the floor of your bathroom, I mean the toilet! Your kitchen floor is a breading ground for the germies so he suggested throwing anything out that hits the floor and believe me I can totally do that. lol Unless it's something I can boil, I will soooo throw it out.

I'm really horrified as last Summer a friend of mine came over with a young toddler and gave her dinner on my kitchen floor... without a plate! I made a face that said, my floor wasn't cleaned yet today and she said... "oh, she's fine." I thought, well... ok. The more I think about it the more I wonder how many moms do this? Not judging of course, I mean I didn't know any better either, but feel the very least I can do is to share what I've learned!

Here are a few other gross things I know that I almost wish I didn't... gas pumps handles are filthier than most restrooms (meaning more harmful germs), Women's restrooms are usually more germie than Mens, diaper changing stations are NASTY with germs, and finally, most men DON'T wash their hands after using the restroom.

Ok... enough already! lol I'll stop! Just remember... don't eat off the floor, any floor and be sure to wash your hands after certain everyday activities so we can keep the germies at bay. :o)

Branson... A Homeschooling Vacation Come True!

Wow... I was thinking Branson would be a great place to take the family, but just realized it's somewhat of a homeschooler's paradise! Seriously... I didn't realize how much there was to do in Branson that could be... well, educational? I mean that in only the best possible ways of course, because we all know homeschooling lends itself to a more fun-filled learning experience than does the traditional staleness of a classroom. So... with that said, what can you do in Branson to share the world with your kids?

Here are just a few of the awesome attractions I'd be first in line for... The Dinosaur Museum, the Discovery Center of Sprinfield (ok, not in Branson, but you're still going to want to see it), Branson Landing Cruises (your kids will love it), the Branson Auto Museum (bet your husband even enjoys this one), Cosmic Cavern and Fantastic Cavern (very cool, somewhat creepy, but very cool), Hollywood Wax Museum, ohhh and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum (I'd love to visit!)... finally have some fun at the Branson Family Fun Factory (for a little miniature golf and lazer tag). Now, don't get me wrong... there's more to do than just the handful of exciting ideas I've presented here, but this will hopefully give you a taste of what lies in store!

So, where will you stay? The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing will put you in close proximity to the Branson Landing Cruises and you'll have amazing accommodations, with pillow top beds, goose down comforters, flat screen televisions, a KITCHEN in your room, and gym quality fitness equipment in the hotel fitness room! Also, an indoor pool, which your kids will definitely want to check out! Are you excited yet? What if I tell you the Hilton Promenade has special Summer deals? That's correct! You won't believe the great rates available to those who book now!

The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel are found together, making it a hot spot for business and pleasure. If you have reason to be at the convention center, you have every reason to reserve your stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Convention Center Hotel! Two awesome hotels to choose from! If you don't have a reason to be at the Convention Center, you'll still want to check out these awesome hotels as they couldn't be located in a better place!

Oh, and if you bring grandma with you (just an idea), maybe you and your spouse can have a night on the town? Branson has a wonderful nightlife, with countless restaurants within the Branson Landing... then catch a show and do a little shopping! With over 49 live entertainment theaters, the hardest part of this vacation will be leaving!

Have a Craft? Wanna Donate to a Women's Event?

Oh, I can't believe I'm asking this question on my homeschooling blog, but ok... here goes. I'm directing a women's retreat at my church again this year (3rd and final year!) and we're looking for donations. Not monetary donations, but things that are handmade... things like those sold on Etsy... cute, feminine, and fun things. Perhaps a hand-knitted scarf or a throw pillow. Maybe a pair of earrings or a nice hand-crafted tote bag? In any case... just thought I'd try this approach! lol Can't hurt... right?

If you donate your homemade goody, we'd totally allow (and in fact encourage) you to attach your business card to the item and if you don't hand make anything, but let's say you sell Avon or Pampered Chef for example and would like to donate a little something with your card, that too is welcomed! We prefer hand-made, but welcome anything new and unopened. ; )

Our first attempts to gather donations always come from the women at our own church. This year we've thrown out the request in our women's newsletter, but I'm still looking for additional items because well... in my opinion you just can't have too many door prizes! I am hoping for a year when everyone gets something. We did very well last year, but didn't quite cover everyone. I know what you're thinking... what kind of event gives every participant a door prize? Well, I haven't a clue, but I certainly see no harm in that kind of event and that is totally my goal this year!

We anticipate as many as 200 women this year, so I'm looking for generous ladies to share a bit from their heart and their business... whatever their business might be, in order to minister to a woman whom they've never meant at a retreat they'll likely never attend. Trust me... it's all good!

When all is said and done I'll post a photo of the table with ALL the many door prizes collected! It should be pretty exciting!

TIA,
~Wendy

Branson is Still Beckoning Us!

Every year we visit Disney World for 2 weeks of fun in the sun, amusement park rides and swimming pools, but this year we're actually not 100% sure it's Disney who will get our money. Given the life change we've recently experienced with both kids in school (as we had to put the brakes on homeschooling), finding 2 weeks for a vacation might be out of the question... especially given that we're now in the first week of August! Yikes!

We actually live only a few hours from Branson and haven't had the pleasure of taking the kids. I was last in Branson some 5 years ago on a women's retreat and had an amazing time! I've had friends share that since my last visit, the number of attractions and shows has more than doubled and then some. How have we overlooked this hot spot of entertainment... shows, attractions, museums and golfing... year after year?

So here I sit at my computer, gazing once again at the beautiful full-service Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. So many reasons to call this our home away from home should we venture towards Missouri's wonderful Branson! One of the best features of this hotel... coming from a wanna be fit mom, is that the gym is decked out with Precor® equipment! For those who don't know... that's gym quality, not home gym, but professional gym. It's what I finally convinced my husband to get me a few years back when we were shopping for an elliptical. There's no comparison to Precore!

That's not the only perk to Hilton's Promenade at Branson Landing. Do any of you ladies like to shop? Stupid question... right? If you book your stay at the Promenade you'll have perfect access to shops and restaurants... even a river walk! If your husband wants to play a little golf while you and the kids shop, send him to the new Payne Stewart Golf Club, where he'll experience gorgeous scenery and a little vitamin D as he soaks in the Missouri sun.

If you're trying to avoid too much sun, the Hilton Promenade offers an indoor pool... (and why shouldn't they!). Additionally your beautiful room will provide... pillowtop beds, goose down comforters, flatscreen televisions, and what every vacationing family dreams of... a kitchen!

So, what would you do in Branson? We're talking about Silver Dollar City and the Titanic Museum as well as possibly checking out some shows. There are so many to choose from, I'm not really sure where to start! In fact the Hilton Promenade is just minutes of 49 live entertainment theaters.

If it's business that takes you to Branson, you may know about the impressive Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel which sits across the street from the Hilton Promenade. This hotel is next door to the Branson Convention Center and in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson Missouri.

If you're on a budget like most Americans these days, don't be fooled by the fancy hotel name and amenities... the Hilton Promenade has what they call Simmering Summer Savings! Just enter the dates you're looking at, your room preference and number in your party, and you'll get a free quote for rooms. I just got a quote for a 2 night stay for 2 adults and 2 children and the room charge for those two nights combined was only $229!

Choosing to Homeschool... Do You Let the Child Decide?

When deciding to make that monumental decision, was it your idea initially, or your child's? Maybe after examining the pros and cons of such a serious (yet exciting) undertaking, you reached your conclusion together? I find it fascinating as I speak to homeschooling families and learn how many of us never envisioned it any other way. Other families pull their students from school over poor school standards, inability of the district to properly challenge their children's intellect, individual learning disabilities, and of course the grand-daddy of them all... religious freedoms.

I am so very curious to know how many of you pulled your child from school at their request? If this is your situation, what were the reasons your children wanted to come home? Were they bored? Bullied? Struggling? Was the classroom too structured? Perhaps the teacher was too mean or overbearing. Maybe they just wanted to be home? How did they approach you on the matter and what was your initial reaction? Was it fear, excitement, or possibly confusion? lol

On the contrary, if you and your spouse made the call to bring them home after they'd been in a structured public or private school setting, how did your children react to such a change and how are they doing now? Was it a welcomed decision or did they protest? There is such a huge difference to homeschooling and the structure and formality of a classroom, I just have to wonder what an adjustment in that direction looks like. lol Do your kids seem happier to be home or do they feel lonely? I ask this fully realizing that homeschooled kids can and often are exposed to daily activities where other children are present... but I know there are exceptions. When we homeschooled, we had no transportation during the day, which made getting out and about somewhat of a challenge!

Our experience is the reverse of what I'm currently curious about... we've experienced the adjustment from homeschooling to sending our students to public school and while it's not all peaches, it's mostly peaches. We've had only a couple rotten apples to contend with, but our 8 year son has just recently asked if he can come home again. I have promised him that yes, certainly after he demonstrates that he'll allow me to be his teacher again! lol So long has he doesn't fight his lessons and fight me tooth and nail as we face challenging subjects like math and writing, we will most definitely give it another shot!

Even as he asks me this question I know he'll probably have days where he'd rather be at school and days when he'd rather be home... regardless of which path we take. That's just life. Sometimes the grass is greener in the neighbors yard, sometimes it's greener in your own. Usually it's not greener in your own lawn for very long before you find another lawn that looks a lot better. We're all that way are we not?

More to come! In the meantime, let me know who made the call to keep your children home, how it happened and how it's going!

Sending Your Homeschooler to College? Get Campus Ready!

This post was sponsored by Sears. All the opinions are mine. So... let's talk about sending your homeschooler to college. Are you campus ready? Have you made your shopping list? Could you use some help on selecting dorm room items and knowing what your young adult will need at school? Are you just completely lost? lol Have no fear... CampusReady is here!

Just take a peak at what Sears has done for you! They've made preparing for you student's first year away from home a whole lot simpler, by giving you a one stop shop for getting your college bound guy or gal ready for their next big step. You'll find everything from financial tips to shoping hints. They call it getting CampusReady, I call it fun!

My favorite feature on the CampusReady site is called "Shop by dorm room" and it gives you a LARGE interactive view of one decked out dorm room after another. See something you like and just mouse over the item for pricing info. Pretty cool! This website gives you a full view of a completely decorated dorm room, with all coordinating products so you don't have to shop blindly hoping your selections will somehow work together. You can see the big picture as you shop!

If you like what they've so expertly thrown together enough that you want to "shop the room" just click and you'll be able to add each item to your shopping cart. Very nice!

What does a college student need for school anyway? That's a big question and Sear's CampusReady has your checklist waiting for you! Everything from sleeping and living, to cleaning and eating. Examine the list, check your shopping cart and be sure you've covered everything!

One thing I remember shopping for before I left my childhood home for the sorority house was clothing. That was before online shopping was well established, so at the time I was driving all over the metro area trying to hit the malls and favorite clothing stores in order to piece together something fitting my freshman year. Sears will not only save you on gas money, but their prices are totally reasonable, in fact many of their products are on sale! So, shop from home, save money, and take some of the chaos out of creating that must have wardrobe. With decorative T-shirts as low as $6 each, how can you go wrong?

Be sure to have your student check out the Money Sense page too... this is something I suggest going over with them before they start their new journey. Many kids learn the hard way how to be financially smart... their first taste of freedom can be expensive (for you too)! Give some special attention to the section on protecting your credit. Additionally, make sure they know how to protect their identity!

Finally, and you don't want to miss this... Sears and Upromise are offering a total of $25,000 in funds towards college tuition through a very exciting giveaway! So... visit sears.com/campusready and enter today! All the exciting details are on the CampusReady website! If you're already a Upromise member, you'll be automatically entered when you make a purchase at Sears.com through Upromise!

Oh... and you'll want to share with your student that CampusReady is on Facebook! Have them visit CampusReady on Facebook today!