High School Homeschooler

Giveaway Winner: Take Two

2012-02-01T18:38:00.002-06:00

The original winner of the Life at the Pond giveaway did not respond.

The new winner is...

Jennifer Y.

Congratulations, Jennifer!

"Life at the Pond" Giveaway Winner

2012-01-28T11:11:00.000-06:00

The Life at the Pond giveaway ended last night, and we have a winner!

Congratulations to...

Angie S!

Thanks to all who entered. Look for more High School Homeschooler giveaways in the near future.

"Life at the Pond" Giveaway!

2012-01-12T13:49:00.005-06:00

In 2010, the Duggars recorded an audio episode of Life at the Pond, "19,000 Frogs and Counting," and we're giving you the chance to win a copy!

Keep reading to find out how to enter the giveaway!

TO ENTER

Post a comment with your first name and last initial.

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry):

Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
"Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in one of your comments, or send your email address to HighSchoolHomeschooler@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are the winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

This giveaway is open to anyone and everyone.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

In the event that the prize becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.

Note: We are also advertising this giveaway on our other blog, the Duggar Family Blog. Entering on both blogs doubles your chances of winning!

Giveaway ends Friday, January 27th at 9PM EST/8PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winner

2011-11-26T20:24:00.004-06:00

The 18 Kids and Counting giveaway has ended, and it is time to announce the winner!

Congratulations to...
Alvin L. (the Luckenbach family)!

Thanks to everyone who entered! There will be more giveaways in the near future.

Giveaway Extended!

2011-11-26T08:02:00.002-06:00

In the spirit of the holiday season, we are extending the "18 Kids and Counting" giveaway by 24 hours. It now ends on Saturday, November 26th, at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Click here to enter!

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway!

2011-11-10T21:08:00.002-06:00

Everyone loves a giveaway! Enter to win the complete second season of 18 Kids and Counting on DVD! With over seven hours of family-friendly episodes (including two bonus specials), this three-disc set will provide entertainment for all ages!

Keep reading to find out how to enter...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: Do you watch the Duggars on TV?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry):

Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
"Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in one of your comments, or send your email address to HighSchoolHomeschooler@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are the winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

In the event that the prize becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.

Note: We are also advertising this giveaway on our other blog, the Duggar Family Blog. Entering on both blogs doubles your chances of winning!

Giveaway ends Friday, November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

Test-Taking Tips

2011-10-28T15:12:00.002-05:00

Standardized tests are a fact of life. They may not be the most enjoyable thing you'll ever do, but they are far from the worst! Whether you're taking the ACT, SAT, PSAT, AP, CLEP, or any other exam, here are some general tips:

Get plenty of sleep the night before. (I'm sure you've heard that one a million times, but it's incredibly important.)
Eat a big, healthy breakfast.
Dress in comfy clothes (but not so comfy that you fall asleep!)
Bring plenty of sharpened pencils and a calculator (if your test requires one).
If you are not familiar with the testing facility, visit the building beforehand. Make sure to locate the nearest restrooms and drinking fountains.
Arrive early.

No matter what you hear from other people, don't freak out. Be confident, stay focused, and most importantly, maintain a positive attitude.

Wondering what on Earth an ACT is? Aren't sure which test(s) you should be be taking? Visit my Standardized Tests page for all the information (and more!) that you'll ever need to know about high school standardized tests.

Feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions! :)

Change in Curriculum

2011-10-14T09:28:00.001-05:00

I started off the year taking AP Physics B, but it was a bit challenging (to say the least!). After seeking help from my genius, electrical engineer brother, he warned me that what I was struggling with was like 2+2 compared with what was to come. I'm not usually one to drop a class, but my parents and I agree that closing the door on AP Physics is the right move.

Here is my updated list of curricula for senior year:

Core:

Math: AP Calculus AB from Saxon Math

English: Blogging and miscellaneous writing classes at community college

History: Switched On Schoolhouse Civics from Alpha Omega Homeschool (One Semester)

Language: French 5 (Homeschool Edition) from Rosetta Stone
German 1 (Homeschool Edition) from Rosetta Stone

Science: Free (wohoo!) Online Geology from Answers in Creation (One semester)

Physical Education: Miscellaneous sports

Electives:

Etymology (the study of words): I will be learning 15 roots/prefixes/suffixes per week and testing my knowledge with homemade quizzes. Just Google "list of roots prefixes and suffixes," and you will find several extensive lists of word parts. (One Semester)

Have a fabulous weekend!

"17 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winners

2011-10-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

And now, the moment we have all been waiting for....drum roll please!

The winners of our "17 Kids and Counting" DVD giveaway are.....
Karissa P. and Bayley P!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Look for more giveaways in the near future!

(Karissa and Bayley, we will be sending each of you an email shortly.)

"17 Kids and Counting" DVD Giveaway

2011-09-26T09:47:00.004-05:00

Are you ready for another giveaway? Enter to win the complete first season of "17 Kids and Counting" on DVD. There will be TWO winners!

Keep reading to find out how to enter...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: Where are you from?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry):

Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
"Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

I need a way to contact the winners, so include your email address in each of your comments, or send your email address to HighSchoolHomeschooler@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, I will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

Note: We are also advertising this giveaway on our other blog, the Duggar Family Blog. Entering on both blogs doubles your chances of winning!

Giveaway ends Friday, October 7th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

2011-09-19T17:41:00.003-05:00

To cut costs, our family recently started making our own dishwasher detergent. It's incredibly easy, all-natural, and saves a wad of cash! Here's the recipe:

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Borax
1 Tablespoon Baking Soda
Dishwashing liquid (like Dawn)
Vinegar

Directions:
Mix borax and baking soda, and add to dishwasher detergent dispenser.
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the dispenser, and fill the rinse cycle compartment with vinegar.

Some say that homemade dishwasher detergent causes the dishes to come out cloudy. From our experience, adding liquid soap and vinegar solves that problem and is still cheaper than purchasing store-bought detergent.
After doing a test-drive, we recommend making a big container of detergent for convenience.

Interested in making your own liquid laundry soap? You will find the recipe here!

Savoring the Last "Bites" of Summer!

2011-09-07T19:51:00.001-05:00

Burr! This week has been more like late November than early September. But it looks like some fabulous weekend weather is on the horizon (hooray!). Our blender is broken, so there won't be any cafe mocha smoothies, so I will have to resort to my second favorite refreshing treat: frozen grapes! Delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy to "make." Yum--can't wait!

Have you tried frozen grapes?

Soul Surfer

2011-09-01T14:54:00.004-05:00

Have you seen the new movie Soul Surfer? It is an uplifting film that tells the story of Hawaiian surfer Bethany Hamilton who, despite losing her arm in a shark attack at age 13, jumped back on her board and went pro.

Bethany, who is now 21, began homeschooling in sixth grade so she could have more flexibility to pursue her dream. One of my favorite quotes in the movie illustrates the beauty of home education perfectly:

Cheri, (Bethany's mom): So as soon as you girls get back from the water, I've got an English assignment all ready for you.

Bethany: But it's a holiday.

Cheri: It’s Halloween.

Alana (Bethany's best friend): We were thinking that we could have a couple extra hours on the waves today?

Cheri Hamilton: Because you didn’t get enough last night? Just say the word, and we can enroll you girls in Kapa'a, where you can ride the bus for 45 minutes each way and do eight hours of straight work during prime surf hours. Because I'm alright with that. 

Bethany: Actually, I love homeschool.

Alana: Me too. Adore. Totally.

Have you seen the movie? If you haven't, I highly recommend it! It just came out on DVD/Blu-Ray last month.

And the Winner Is...

2011-08-25T23:10:00.000-05:00

My latest giveaway has come to an end, and the winner of the autographed copy of "A Love That Multiplies" is...

Chrisanna R.

Congratulations, Chrisanna! Be on the lookout for an email with further details.
Thanks to everyone who entered! Stay tuned for more great giveaways in the near future!

Giveaway Almost Over!

2011-08-25T13:20:00.002-05:00

Less than six hours left to enter my latest giveaway! Don't miss your chance to win a copy of "A Love That Multiplies," personally autographed by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar--homeschooling extraordinaires!
Click here to enter.

End-of-Summer Smoothie

2011-08-22T11:24:00.002-05:00

Summer went by in a snap--I blinked, and now it's almost over! Are you feeling the same way?
Better enjoy one last smoothie before the warm weather goes into hibernation.

Cafe Mocha Smoothie

6 coffee ice cubes (black coffee frozen in ice cube molds)
1 cup milk
1/2 Tablespoon instant coffee
1 Tablespoon chocolate drink powder or 1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
1/2 frozen banana

*Makes 1 serving

Mix ice cubes, milk, instant coffee, and chocolate drink powder (or syrup) in blender.
Cut frozen banana into 3 pieces and add to blender.
Blend until thick and creamy.

Add more instant coffee if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor (or if need an extra energy boost). If you're a chocoholic, toss in some additional chocolate. And for all you vanilla lovers out there, skip the chocolate altogether and add a splash of vanilla syrup.

PE the Homeschool Way

2011-08-16T10:22:00.000-05:00

Gym class is one aspect of traditional school that is almost impossible to match in homeschool, or so it seems.

Some people would argue that if a student isn't playing organized sports with peers at least three times each week, he or she isn't fulfilling the Physical Education requirement. But when you really think about it, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

In public school gym class, we were forced to create synchronized swim routines, run laps around the football field, guard a massive soccer goal while 21 other students practiced scoring, and the list goes on.

If you didn't change your clothes and make your way out to the baseball diamond before the teacher blew her deafening whistle, you automatically lost one participation point. Another "violation" and an additional point was deducted. By then, you were be lucky if your grade for the day was a D-. Call me crazy, but that hardly seems like an effective way to encourage teenagers to develop healthy habits.

In homeschool, I am responsible for my own physical fitness, and I have the freedom to choose activities that interest me. (Some of my personal favorites are tennis, badminton, rollerblading, and downhill skiing.) Exercising is now a lifestyle, something that I enjoy, not something I am forced to do.

What are your favorite sports/activities?

Curricula for Senior Year: Check!

2011-08-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

School starts on Monday (actually pretty excited for the new year!), and we have officially gathered all of my curricula. Here's what I'm using:

Core:

Math: AP Calculus AB from Saxon Math

English: Blogging

History: Switched On Schoolhouse Civics from Alpha Omega Homeschool (One Semester)

French: French 5 (Homeschool Edition) from Rosetta Stone

Science: Advanced Physics in Creation (AP Physics B) from Apologia

Electives:

What curricula are you using this year?

Another Giveaway!

2011-08-07T12:32:00.000-05:00

How would you like to win an autographed copy of the Duggars' new book? You've come to the right place! I am currently giving away a copy of A Love that Multiplies, personally signed by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!

Keep reading to find out how to enter this giveaway...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: When does school start for your family?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry):

Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
"Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

I need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in each of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, I will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

Note: We are also advertising this giveaway on our other blog, the Duggar Family Blog. Entering on both blogs doubles your chances of winning!

Giveaway ends Thursday, August 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

Ice Cream Cake Recipe

2011-07-09T21:02:00.003-05:00

Ice cream and summer go hand-in-hand, but ice cream cakes are even better! For birthdays and celebrations, there is nothing our family enjoys more than a decadent ice cream cake (even in winter, but that's another story).

This recipe is easier than pie (no pun intended) and is guaranteed to please any crowd.

Layered Ice Cream Cake

1. Line a 13"x9" pan with ice cream sandwiches and freeze for 30 minutes.

2. Spread your favorite ice cream over the ice cream sandwiches layer. (We use 2 1-1/2 quart cartons for each 13"x9" pan.)

3. Put the cake in the freezer for at least an hour. Decorate and serve!

Flavor Combinations:

Chocolate Chip: chocolate ice cream with crumbled chocolate chip cookies sprinkled evenly over the top. (For a birthday party, use graham cracker sticks to write how old the person is turning.)

Cookies n' Cream: cookies n' cream ice cream with graham cracker crumbs. (For a birthday party, use mini Oreo cookies to write the initial of the birthday person's first name.)

Dark Chocolate-Peanut Butter: 1 layer of ice cream sandwiches, 1 layer of Breyer's dark chocolate ice cream (beyond delicious!), 1 layer of crushed graham crackers, another layer of dark chocolate ice cream, 1 layer of Breyer's Reese's peanut butter cups ice cream.

Bon Appetit!

And the Winners Are...

2011-06-28T12:34:00.001-05:00

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for! Our latest giveaway has come to an end, and the winners are....(Drum roll, please)....

Melissa D. and Marlo S.

Congratulations! You've each won an autographed copy of "A Love That Multiplies!" Check your inbox for an email.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Look for more spectacular giveaways in the near future.

Another Giveaway!

2011-06-14T19:11:00.001-05:00

How would you like to win an autographed copy of the Duggars' new book? You've come to the right place! We are currently giving away two copies of A Love that Multiplies, each signed personally by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar!

Keep reading to find out how to enter this giveaway...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: How many books have the Duggars written?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option counts as an additional entry):

Become a Google follower of the blog, and leave a comment letting me know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
"Like" the High School Homeschooler Facebook page, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well.
Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment on my blog, including the url of your post.
Become a follower of HSHomeschooler on Twitter, and leave a comment on this blog letting me know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.
Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winner, so include your email address in each of your comments, or send your email address to HighSchoolHomeschooler@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter.

Giveaway ends Monday, June 27th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

Homemade Pudding in 15 Minutes!

2011-05-13T23:10:00.006-05:00

Are you a chocoholic? A pudding fanatic? A dessert lover? Then this recipe is for you! Delicious, homemade pudding in 15 minutes. Now that's irresistible.

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar (1/8 cup if you prefer a less sweet dessert)
1/4 cup less 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups milk
1 large egg
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (If your family loves milk chocolate, use 4 ounces of milk chocolate. The milk chocolate will sweeten the pudding more than the semi-sweet, so you may want to cut down on the sugar.)
4 dessert bowls

Directions:

Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Keep whisking, and bring to a boil. Boil, while continuing to whisk, until the pudding is thick (3 to 5 minutes).
Remove from heat.
Immediately beat the egg lightly in a medium, heat-proof bowl.
SLOWLY, add the pudding mixture to the egg, whisking constantly. You do not want the egg to cook.
Whisk in the chocolate chips until they are melted and the pudding mixture is smooth.
Pour the pudding into the cups.
If you don't like pudding skin, place a piece of plastic wrap directly over the surface of each cup of pudding.
Refrigerate until cold (at least 2 hours).
Enjoy!

For another quick and tasty recipe, see my Homemade Pizza recipe.

And the Winner Is...

2011-05-02T22:58:00.002-05:00

Time to give away three of the Duggars' favorite DVDs, Facing the Giants, Flywheel, and Fireproof!

And the winner is....

Becky B! Congratulations, Becky! Check your Inbox for a message from Lily and Ellie.

Thanks to all who entered! Look for more giveaways soon.

Less Than 24 Hours Left!

2011-05-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

Extra! Extra! Our DVD giveaway on the Duggar Family Blog is coming to an end in less than 24 hours. Click here to enter, before it's too late.