Faith, Family and Fun

A Touch of Glamour with the Flexi 8. Review and Giveaway

2010-09-09T02:09:40Z

I have always adored putting my hair up. I love the look of up-dos and just feel more put together and more comfortable with my hair up. I enjoy getting new hair items. Lately, though, I’d been doing the lazy updo—a quick twist into a claw type thing or a bun using one of my daughter’s bands. How sad is that?

When I saw a photo of the Flexi8, I was curious about it. They look very attractive and seemed to have tons of styles and sizes. I thought if they worked, they would also make nice little gifts for my girls…

The Flexi 8 was invented by a husband and wife team and on their site they describe them as:

a completely unique, flexible barrette that holds thick, thin, curly, straight, fine and coarse hair. The Flexi 8 comes in a variety of sizes and hundreds of ever changing styles. Flexi 8 uses an ingenious patented locking mechanism to secure it in your hair. It’s such an attractive and unique accessory for your hair, once you try the Flexi 8, LOOK OUT! (you’re in love).

They were right. I really like these. These give me a dressy, delicate looking style, while the Flexi8 is sturdy enough to keep my hair in place all day. I like the flexibility—the design does not look flexible, but it is (I guess that’s the Flexi part…) It does not hurt my head and they come in beautiful designs. I love the silver type I received, but with my red hair, I’m looking to buy a few in gold—like this one:

Or this one:

They have some beautiful ideas for hair styles with the Flexi8 page. The Flexi8 comes in 6 sizes, and you will want to check out the sizing charts to get the correct size for your hair type and your style.

You can purchase Flexi-8 at www.flexi8.com.

Use coupon code 543626, to get your choice of either10% off or Buy 4 Flexi-8″s and receive the 5th FREE!

And, I get to giveaway 2 Flexi-8s to one winner!

Mandatory Entry: Go to www.flexi8.com and watch the video for sizing, and then comment on which size you will need.

Additional Entries:

Tell me which design you like and why
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Share this giveaway! (+3) If you publicly Tweet, Facebook share or blog about this giveaway, give yourself 3 additional entries. (Please give yourself a separate comment for each—total of 9 extra entries just for sharing
You CAN Tweet once daily for more entries.

I will choose a winner on 10/1. Giveaway is for USA and Canada only. Please remember to leave a way for me to contact you in your comments.

I received samples of the Flexi8 for my review. I have given my opinion.

This Product Was a Free Giveaway

Math Tutor DVD Review

2010-09-08T21:45:24Z

Math Tutor

Review & Summary: 4 This company specializes in Math Curriculum, packaged in DVD and online formats for all ages, from beginning Math to Physics. We received two specific DVDs, Pre-Algebra Tutor Volume 1 and a TI83 / TI84 Calculator Tutor.

Overall, I felt the curriculum was solid…the presentation for the older ages is very much like taking Math in a class.

Now, while Math Tutor does have a range of math products that includes colorful and fun videos for younger children,when you look at the material for the older students, you are getting serious, lecture style instruction. The instructor is Jason Gibson who has several math related degrees. As he lectures, he uses the whiteboard and is quite clear and very specific. You can see a sample from the Pre-Algebra video here:

I am not a math lover, myself. I will basically do anything to avoid Algebra. But, I do understand Jason…so that is a start. I have one child whose eyes just glazed over when I put it in…and another who excels in Math said he could use this easily and move forward quickly. So, for the cost, I think this could be very useful. I intend to use the DVD as a help–to do review or get extra help when my Algebra student is stuck.

Now, the graphing calculator DVD is supposed to “unlock the power” of your graphing calculator. And, it does! With 3 DVDs you can see all kinds of functions. I am ashamed to admit this, but it helps you to put it in perspective. The main thing I have done with a graphing calculator lately is to type in numbers and turn it upside down to see if I found a new word. With this tutorial, I can show off some new skills. I did not watch all 8 hours, but I think it is cool that I could.

My three teenagers felt that this DVD was really worthwhile–all of them are using/or will be using the TI calculators through High School. As in most of the Math Tutor materials, you learn by watching your teacher DO. For this one, it is neat to see a close up of the calculator itself as the teacher works example problems on the calculator. You can see a clip of this in action on the math tutor page. (Drag down a bit).

I think this curriculum is worth taking some time to look at. While I feel less sure about my opinions when it comes to upper level math, I think this curriculum does have some excellent courses and is very reasonably fantastically priced. If you are looking for a long term plan or just some help for Math, definitely stop in at the Math Tutor DVD site. They have plenty of samples and videos and worksheets to peruse to see if the style works for your family. They also offer an online plan for $19.99 per month.

The Math Tutor DVDs reviewed today are currently on sale for $26.99 each.

Find tons of FREE sample lessons, online calculators and math references and articles–even a podcast at Math Tutor.

To see what my TOS crewmates have to say, click here

The 2 Math Tutor DVDs were provided to me for the purpose of my review. I have expressed my unbiased opinion on this product.

Settlers of America Meets the Kids

2010-09-08T13:17:01Z

Some days, I am an amazing, inspired mom. And the kids all get along and play intense strategy games with educational value while working together around the beautiful coffee table I gave them for games and eating brownies…

Ok, So there were no brownies, only pretzels. And, ever since I put an adorable coffee table downstairs for them, they want to play on the floor.

But, still, the kids all got together to play the Settlers of America Trails to Rails, from the Catan history series.

I asked them to help me review the game…but I did have a secret plan…a plan to find a game that was difficult enough to hold their attention, yet fun…and one where they would not fight…you know, the trifecta.

I definitely hit the mark on finding a game that would challenge the kids. And the X Box stayed silent. I think kids really like board games deep down, sometimes where they don’t even know it.

This game has…game. Seriously. To begin, just take a look at the pieces:

120 railroad tracks (in 4 colors)
48 cities (in 4 colors)
8 train engines (in 4 colors)
8 settlers wagon (in 4 colors)
1 outlaw
40 goods cubes (in 4 colors)
40+ die-cut gold coins (in 1 and 5 denominations)
4 building cost overview charts
1 map board
2 dice
12 die-cut number tokens
95 resource cards
24 development cards
1 rulebook

And you will need the rulebook for the first games. I liked the quality and artwork of the board and cards and the wooden pieces. Our little one liked them, too. I liked that she was able to get some ideas about the settling of America while just hanging out with her brothers.

So, we began by getting all the pieces together and checking out all the resource cards. The game action is set in the 19^th century and the players are in on the quest for westward expansion. This educational game is the latest in the Catan History Series, and just one of the many educational games Timberdoodle carries.

As play progresses, players collect and trade resources in order to build settlements, acquire locomotives and railroad routes, then race with other players to deliver the most goods.

I did especially like that the players have to work together during each turn. While ultimately there is one winner, the game had a feel that everyone was working towards a common goal. (I love that!) There was a lot of trading and building going on.

You know, I did not get this game specifically to “go” with a homeschool curriculum. I was looking for a game that had a good storyline…a theme…and wasn’t too easy.

The fact that the game could also be used to reinforce or to introduce American History and the concept of westward expansion, well that is just icing on the cake.

Overall, I think this is a good game. It is difficult, I believe. The game lasts about 2 hours and requires 3-4 players. It is marked for ages 12+ and I agree with that…although we did have one 5 year old playing.

She enjoyed all the playing pieces and really got into the resource cards. I think she learned a bit. I have no idea why her hair looked like she was from the Netherlands somewhere back in time.

I think the kids will be playing again soon…we even added a player towards the end…

The list price is $54.95, but it is on sale right now at $44.95. Also, I have not played any Catan games before and this one has me curious to go look at the others. For families, this would be one to play with your kids. Like I mentioned, it is not easy the first time, but is fun and worth learning how to play.

Check out Timberdoodle’s homeschool vodcast for all kinds of educational ideas for your kids. I really like their games and other homeschool curriculum and homeschool supplies.

As a member of Timberdoodle’s Blogger Review Team I received a free copy of Settlers of America in exchange for a frank and unbiased review.

Pamper your Skin! Terralina Ultimate Collection Review and Giveaway

2010-09-08T02:15:58Z

Want to feel clean, natural and pampered?

The Terralina Ultimate Collection.

One word to describe Terralina products? The word would be soothing. Heavenly, even.

I am a redhead with ultra sensitive skin. If I am not careful, I can have flare-ups of rosacea, even break outs. I have the type of skin that will often hurt, sting…burn when I use skincare products. I learned a long time ago to stick with one particular product.

As I began to learn more about natural options, I became more and more concerned about what was IN my product. I knew my skin became sore and irritated by scents and heavy lotions, but I did not know too much about what WAS good for my skin.

Enter Terralina.

The founders of Terralina originally created their company while looking for ways for pregnant moms to be good to their skin, believing that:

“What goes onto your skin, goes into your body”

Moms are so smart.

This quest for healthier options led to the Terralina line of skincare products. With ingredients like olive and vitamin E, Terralina is naturally formulated to be antioxidant rich, without harmful ingredients (like parabens, PEGs, silicone, mineral oils, ethoxylates, glycols, acrylates, or artificial fragrance). I found it really interesting to look through their Natural Beauty Ingredient Glossary.

I received The Terralina Ultimate Collection for review and I have been using this for a little over a month.

As someone with rosacea, I am not supposed to use exfoliators in general. But every once in a while, I just really want to exfoliate! So, when I first received my Terralina, the exfoliant was the first product I looked at. I tried a teeny bit and absolutely loved the light granules. The scent was also light. I went ahead and used it and felt so much smoother and just cleaner. After several weeks of use, my pores are smaller, my face is clearer and my skin is so soft.

I try to use all the other products just at night, such as the facial cleanser and toner. They are so pleasant, I find myself drawn to them in the morning as well—the textures and scents are both relaxing and refreshing and do not dry out my skin at all.

I especially love the facial moisturizer. The moisturizer contains olive oil and white tea and with my fair and dry skin, my moisturizer is the most important part of my beauty routine. Terralina’s facial moisturizer has a whipped texture that just smooths into my skin with a light fragrance. My skin feels so hydrated and supple. The body lotion has a similar effect on my skin and using the body lotion is such a treat on my shaved legs.

I felt like my skin felt and looked better. And, I feel good that I am using more natural products. But the best thing? One morning my husband asked:

“What are you doing differently? Your skin looks great—it feels great, too.”

Who knew the body lotion could be so sexy!

You can buy Terralina online. Right now they have a buy 1 get 1 free sale and free shipping on orders over $30. You can also use coupon code MAMABUZZ10 for 10% off your total order.

And….Thanks to Terralina, I get to giveaway one Terralina Ultimate Collection!

($138 value, US only).

For the mandatory entry, please tell me what Terralina product you would love to use. Read more about the Terralina Ultimate Collection.

For additional entries:

Like Terralina on Facebook
Follow Faith, Family and Fun in Reader
Follow Faith, Family and Fun in Google Friend Connect
Follow me on Twitter @ quinnschilling
Follow Faith, Family and Fun on Facebook
Share this giveaway! If you publicly Tweet, Facebook share or blog about this giveaway, give yourself 3 additional entries. (Please give yourself a separate comment for each—total of 9 extra entries just for sharing
You CAN Tweet once daily for more entries.

Don’t forget to leave your email in case you are the winner! I will choose a winner September 28, 2010.

I received the Terralina Ultimate Collection from Terralina LLC through MamaBuzz for the purpose of review. I have given my honest opinion.

Add Some Fun to Your School Schedule, from Bright Ideas Press

2010-09-02T18:57:26Z

You can't go on field trips everyday...what do you do for fun in lessons?

Are you good at making learning fun? I am not, really. I just do not have that “creative gene”. I know this because my mom used to be the most fun science teacher…ever.

I, on the other hand, I tend to get focused on our work and straight reading and such. I could just use textbooks all day long and be happy. Not so my kids! I know my kids learn much better through games and hands on activities.

In reviewing my curriculum last year, I found that Mystery of History and Illuminations from Bright Ideas Press really helped me spice up my lessons….and, once I had a clue what I was doing got going, I had a great time with these lessons. And, I got to be the fun teacher:)

This year, I see that BIP is offering many items that complement The Mystery of History and Illuminations and some that even stand alone, like Literature Guides. They have some great titles, like Phantom Tollboth, The Canterbury Tales and many others. Another thing–BIP has curriculum for multi/all ages.

While you may be all set for much of your curriculum for the year, adding in a couple Literature Guides and Folderbooks might be fun and simple…even for the teacher! Another good thing about these is that they are all immediate downloads–so you can quickly add these into your day and not pay for shipping, etc.

I have signed up for BIP’s monthly newsletter and I get an email with teaching tips and updates…and special coupon codes each month. (I recommend signing up!) Anyway, here are some of their new releases, from my BIP email:

Challenge Cards–these go with Mystery of History (MOH). They offer 3 questions and answers for every lesson in the MOH text. They currently have cards for MOH 1 and MOH 2. MOH 3 to come. Get these in a digital download deal at $14.95 for each volume.
Folderbooks—Kind of like lapbooks for MOH. But even cooler. They are on sale now.
Literature Guides—I used these from the Illuminations curriculum last year. They take great literature titles and create a unit study. I adored these. They are fun for the kids, but also in-depth studies. Last year, you had to purchase Illuminations to get them, but now you can buy them individually!

I am an affiliate for BIP. I think they produce worthwhile curriculum and I like sharing information about them.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T13:41:30Z

You can see more Wordless Wednesdays at 5 Minutes for Mom, Go Graham, Go and Wordless Wednesday!

And The Winners Are….

2010-08-31T01:34:48Z

The Winner of the Nature Valley National Parks Project giveaway is:

Kimberly K,

who blogs over at Train Up a Child
And, The Winners of The Curriculum Clean-OUT:

Blossom, winner of the Web Design for Kids!

Cheryl, aka Sister Tipster, winner of the Light Speed Math, Geometry Intro!

Mrs. White, winner of the Math Tutor DVD.com The Basic Math Word Problem Tutor!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Winners, please send me your mailing info. and I will get these out as soon as possible.

Technology in Our Homeschool

2010-08-30T17:50:19Z

I think this weeks Blog Cruise question is a good one. The question is:

Do you use technology (iPods, Computers, Videos, Digi. Cams,etc.) in your homeschool?

My Answer? Yes, yes and YES!

I honestly can barely imagine running our homeschool without technology. Especially as I am teaching high school age children, we are very open to incorporating technology.

Right up front, I will address the fact that I do believe too much technology can adversely effect your homeschool. Obviously, it is not great for kids to be sitting in front of a computer all day long. I have found it is important to establish some type of schedule for using some of our technology–and the schedules are not just for the kids! They make me get up and go for that nature walk. And I don’t want to hear whining if it’s time to get off the computer learning games…so it has saved my sanity, to have a plan and set timers.

That being said, I do think computers, ipods, digital cameras…items like ebook readers…all of these things can be wonderful teaching aids. I do think that having a college student and teenagers pushes me to be aware of the technology that exists. It seems like every week, I am hearing about new items and/or programs that exist in the world of technology. I woke up to a new operating system on one of our computers the other day…Ubuntu. Apparently, it would make that computer go faster. I am proud of my tech savvy kids. Need a program installed? Need things rewired or the new router installed…who am I gonna call…? My kids. They are amazing critical thinkers when it comes to hooking up tech gear.

So, let’s get down to exactly what tech stuff we use around here..

We have a couple of laptops and itouches that are networked. The kids also have the xbox and tv setup so they can watch netflix on there. I added another free app the other night so I can watch Netflix on my itouch. Pretty neat. I have a digital camera and I let the kids use that on field trips… we also use the itouch as an ereader. We also use podcasts and audiobooks… dvds and videos to reinforce different subjects we are studying.

Now, how do we use that stuff…

We use the internet in so many ways. Our world is amazing and I love being connected to learning communities…downloading ebooks and maps…teaching ideas on really short notice…whole downloadable unit studies–just with the click of these buttons!

We use many internet sites that have teaching programs–both free and subscription based. I have listed some that are great for little kids on my “Fun” page, which you can access by the tab at the top of this page. My five year old especially likes the Starfall page and Mathletics. But there are so many useful things out there for her age.

My older son takes several classes online. Currently he is using the math program ALEKS (you can see my old review for ALEKS) and he is also taking a Potters School Science Class (Apologia Biology) I like the Potters School because they have a safe community for kids to interact. While using the Potters School setup, my son also uses video and speech software to interact with the class. If you take a look at my “Homeschool Helps” page, you will see many of the items are computer based or have some type of tech “connection.”

We like to find stuff on Netflix that goes with our studies–they have a lot of educational movies on there!

One issue I have with having the older children using the tech a lot is that, while I do trust my children…I understand that they are not perfect and they may be doing something they should not (like messing around on email and facebook) when they are supposed to be working. I want to teach them freedom…but also responsibility. So how does Mom not hover over the laptops while they are working?

I have NOT had much luck with using computer protection systems–I find that while I am trying to block some things I consider evil or whatever, I will end up with many of the sites I NEED blocked. This has been an ongoing frustration for me. Just recently I got a TOS review product to check out called Lanschool. So far I am loving this! I will tell more when I really know how to use it, but so far this program allows me to monitor my kids while they are working and lets us send popup messages back and forth. While the kids are not thrilled I can choose to see what they’re doing, they know we are doing this and so they can take the laptops, etc and go off to another room…just whatever. They actually have a lot more freedom within this structure.

Really, I know I’m just scratching the surface here. There are so many ways to use technology in homeschools. I would love to hear from others, too.

Do you have some favorite ways you incorporate technology into your homeschool? Favorite learning sites? Please tell!

And do go by the Blog Cruise and see what other people have to say on this topic.

Enjoy.

2010-08-30T01:03:40Z

Isn’t it good when you get a laugh just when you need it?

I was actually talking to my husband…because we enjoy comedy–and we have Netflix. But, so much of that comedy is just…well, I have to say, awful. Awful dirty.

Then, I checked my reader. And I saw a post by Kristen from we are THAT family. She was posting about a comedian. I clicked over…

Hopeful.

But, worried it would be…lame.

It was not.

Thank you, Kristen! Watch the GREAT clips and then, go over to Kristen’s to win!!!. Tomorrow, I will go try to win. Tonight, I’m enjoying youtube clips.

I really needed that.

then this….

Back to our Regularly Scheduled Life….Happy Mardi Gras!!

A Day In The Life Week…we are behind…but gaining!

2010-08-28T16:50:04Z

Our Principal, Teacher and k student (excuse the sun on Dad's face:)

I so wanted to catch up with the Not Back to School Hop and add our Back to School photos in the photo week…but the Universe was against me. So, my pictures sat on my computer while I did other urgent junk things that were important to someone else. I no longer remember who. Ever had one of those years? But, I took the pictures and they are going on here!

Our kindergartener

Our Sophomore, who is suddenly too old to let Mom take a photo. I barely got this one!

I do have several other children, but they are in public school and college…and also are of the age where they will kill me if I post unauthorized photos are camera shy…

I try to make back to school fun. I was not sure if we had a tradition…but we do. I found that out by going back through old photos. One of our big rituals for back to school is to celebrate with gooey, yummy desserts. And then go clothes shopping. I know. What is wrong with me?

I caught the youngest on camera.

But, this is my FAVORITE--this is not a camera error--the ice cream was so good, she closed her eyes. haha!

This year, I added a new tradition, to get manicures for the girls….I only realized after that it was not very organic! Well, we will have to figure something out. But, it was great fun and they looked wonderful:)

So, that is actually our Day In The Life Week. We have begun school, and I am allowing things to fall into place…and blogging to catch up. We began August 24th, so we would be going strong by early September.

I will blog about our schedule when we have finalized that. I am actually enjoying watching my 10th grader create a schedule he enjoys. Hard for Mom to let go…but this seems to be working (not on my time…but it is working).

Amish Proverbs Gift Book, Giveaway and Contest

2010-08-27T03:55:20Z

Throughout time, the proverbs of a people have given a glimpse into their culture and shared their most intimate beliefs and values, often with great seriousness and occasionally with great levity.

In researching and compiling this book, Suzanne Woods Fisher has given us a good long look into the culture of the Amish people. I felt as if time slowed down as I read through the chapters and enjoyed the proverbs and bits of explanation of Amish Lifestyles. While many of the proverbs were universal, there was a deep understanding that the Amish value time, clarity, restfulness and God.

I felt refreshed after reading through the book. This is a great gift book, with excellent photography, a nice size and the hardback cover.

Enter here to win a copy of Amish Proverbs!

To enter, just leave a comment on my blog sharing a family proverb, or wise family advice, or tradition.

And there is way more going on!

Suzanne’s Amish Proverbs just hit the shelves. To celebrate she’s giving away a KINDLE and throwing a party! Let the fun begin.

Find out more about the book, Suzanne and the blog tour here.

Enter Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles. The Prize Pack (valued at over $205.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6″, Latest Generation

* Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest.

Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on September 1st.

Join Suzanne for a Wrap-up Party on September 1st!

She’ll be announcing the winner of the Simple Wisdom KINDLE Giveaway, chatting with readers, and giving away copies of Amish Proverbs and The Choice! Be sure to join us on Wednesday , September 1st at 8PM EST.

Be sure to check out the blog tour here or purchase a copy of Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life!

Nature Valley National Parks Project Giveaway

2010-08-27T03:10:49Z

Just a quick note to mention the Great Nature Valley Giveaway is ending tomorrow night!

Come by and enter before midnight: http://faithfamilyandfun.com/?p=3960