Search Results for: guest post

Colors Can Be Spiritual Too: Finding Books with Eternal Value

July 6, 2011 by 2 Comments

Today’s guest post is from a “virtual friend” of mine, Rivka.  Don’t  you just love that name? : )  Rivka Kawano is a mom of three blessings, all age three and under, who is always striving to find the best books for them to grow on.  Her book review website, www.beautifulbooksforchildren.com, is a way for her to keep track of all those books and ideas and share them with other parents too.  I think you’ll find her post to be a blessing!

Kids books are nothing special. A way to keep the little ones entertained, teach them their colors and numbers, and give mom and dad five minutes of quiet.

Right?Books

What if we started thinking of the books our children read as so much more than that. What if we realized that every image, every word, every concept, is developing their mind and helping to create the person they will become. What if we acknowledged that we are sending them messages, some overt and some very subtle, about how we feel about the world and each person’s place in it. I think we could start a revolution.

Think I am being overly dramatic? What kind of message do your children get if every book they own show only children of their own skin color – especially if those books are talking about things like God’s love? When you tell children that neatness counts, and we should always do our best, do you think they don’t notice that when a book is just a cut and paste commercialization throwing colors and numbers on a page? If listening is important, why is it so funny in a book when a child does not listen?

Our heavenly Father has given us parents such a gift and such a responsibility. The books that we chose for our children are a part of that too. We need to invest the time and effort that it takes to find good ones that are falling in line with the lessons we are trying to teach them. Even if it is just a book about colors or shapes.

Deciding to find great books is one thing. Finding them is quite another. It can be done! How do we decide which books are good and which aren’t? Ask yourself these questions:

  1. Is this book beautiful? Does it display the fundamental principles of quality workmanship in the way it is crafted?
  2. How will it make your child feel? What emotions does it display? Are these emotions that you want to encourage?
  3. What are the overt values of the book? According to the Bible, witchcraft is not good, does this book support that idea or contradict it? Do the themes of the book themselves undermine good spiritual principles?
  4. What are the underlying values of the book? Do the characters in the book show respect and love for each other? If not what are the consequences? What is “good” and what is “bad” in this book? Do the definitions of the book agree with the Word of God?
  5. What will your child learn from reading this book with you? Animals, numbers, letters, shapes, how to feel about a new sibling? Does this book present these things in the most engaging way possible? Does it make learning fun?
  6. How are other people presented in this book? Are any groups excluded, demeaned, or degraded either in the words, or in the way they are presented in the pictures?
  7. Does this book tell the truth? Not to mean that we should never enjoy fiction, but does it share the bigger capital ‘T’ Truth that God made the world, that He loves us, and does it fairly represent other ideas and people?

Always preview books before showing them to your children. Children are easily enticed by bright colors and fun-looking characters. It is so much harder to have to take a book away from a child, once they are excited about it, than it is to take the time to see what its contents are before theMom and Daughter Readingy even get the chance.

Always pay attention to what your child is telling you. My three year old has amazing discernment. Perhaps it is because he is less jaded, but often early on in a video program or book he will say “this is too scary for me,” or “this is for grown-ups.” When I have laughed it off as childhood silliness, I have regretted it. If your child is sending you the message that they don’t feel comfortable with a book, perhaps they are seeing something you are not – and you should listen.

It is important that we agree with God and His word in all things. If children are a blessing, then you should not be choosing books that display a new baby as a bad thing. If God made all the people of the world, then one group or another should not be regularly marginalized or made fun of. If hurting each other or being hurt is not part of God’s plan, then it should not be funny to read books, tell jokes, or see shows that laugh at other’s pain.

Finding great books can seem overwhelming at times. Schedule outings without kids to browse books at the bookstore or library. Ask trusted friends and family for recommendations. Or follow a book review website that shares your values.

When you take the time you will be rewarded in so many ways. Not only will you be filling your home with positive messages, but your children will learn to love and value literature, and how to view it critically. The books you do have will get plenty of use as they are enjoyed again and again.

Story books are important, most of the Bible is stories. Make sure the books building your children’s character are good ones.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philipians 4:8 (NIV)

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Food Allergies and Budgets

July 1, 2011 by 2 Comments

Budgets and Allergies

 

Hello! My name is Michelle, guest posting for Ashley while she’s on maternity leave.  Congratulations, Ashley!  I blog about living with food allergies and how to do so on a budget at The Willing Cook.  I’m the mom of three children, one of whom has severe food allergies, as does my husband.  The Willing Cook is my story.

 

I have been doing a series called “Frugal Food Allergy Living” for the past few weeks and Ashley asked that I share my knowledge with you.  I want my food allergy readers to understand that you can still maintain a frugal lifestyle/strict budget when living with food allergies.  Thank you, Ashley, for allowing me to share my knowledge with your readers.

 

 

Is it possible to stick to a strict budget or be frugal and have food allergies?

 

The simple answer is “yes.”

 

Do you or someone you love have food allergies and have a strict budget?  When faced with the reality of food allergies, it seems impossible to live on a budget.  Actually, budgeting for food allergies does not have to be much different from budgeting for normal groceries.  There are a few easy ways you can live without fear of mounting debt (or starvation) and produce good, healthy food.

 

Before employing any of these methods to lower your grocery budget, for food allergy families in particular, you cannot compare yourself to someone else’s grocery budget who does not have food allergies.  There will be a discrepancy and that’s just the way it is.  But you have to take every opportunity available to you as a food allergy shopper to save a buck.  You know the old saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”

 

Now, for that list…

 

1.   Shop the Grocery Ads
As soon as the week’s ads come out, take 15 minutes to find the best deals.  Circle each item or write it down and indicate if you have a coupon for it.  Try to minimize buying non-sale items.

 

2.   Use Coupons
Coupons for allergy-friendly foods are few, but they aren’t completely non-existent.  When there is an allergy coupon, ask friends and family for their extra.  I do not purchase a Sunday paper because I don’t like buying it when I may barely break even.  A neighbor gives me her coupons or I check the recycling center.  Another resource is the online coupon sites.  Also, coupons for toiletry and household products can help reduce the budget.  Every dollar saved helps and it adds up!

 

3.  Shop “Manager Specials”
Many grocery stores have set times for selling their marked down products that are nearing expiration, dented, or being discontinued.  Buy expiring meat and produce (like bell peppers or onions) and freeze or cook immediately .  Sometimes, you may find allergy-friendly products being cleared off the shelf (I scored Gluten-Free Bisquick for $1.99, regularly $5.39.  My husband was thrilled…for the whole 16 ounces!).   A coupon for a “Manager Special,” may make it free!

 

4.  Make Homemade Gluten-Free Flour
Pre-packaged gluten-free flours are pricey.  A coffee bean grinder and whole grains/nuts can be a wonderful way to save money and enjoy various “flour” dishes.  I use a coffee bean grinder to make all my gluten-free flour because I already had it when I started this process.  You can also use a grain mill.

 

5.  Shop Around
Do not be product or store loyal, if possible.  Shop at many stores in order to get the best deals (Asian grocers, Aldi, Costco, etc).

 

6.  Avoid Restaurants
In our home, the possibility of cross-contamination carries too much of a risk just for the convenience.  Plus, I can fix dinner for my family of 5 for about the same price as 1 Happy Meal.

 

7.  Prepare Food from Scratch
Avoid pre-packaged or processed foods, even allergy-friendly foods.  They are pricey and generally not the healthiest for you, especially when avoiding multiple allergens.  Stick with fresh meat and produce, dry beans, bulk rice, and oats, for example.

 

One final note, don’t be afraid to experiment in the kitchen, especially when you’re getting used to cooking allergy-free on a budget.  Try to avoid getting into a dinner rut.  Look through cookbooks and online recipe sites for some ideas.  The recipe might not be allergy-specific, but don’t be afraid to make substitutions.  Do your best, and take the good with the bad.

 

These are the methods that we use in our food allergy home, but we’re not perfect.  You might just find a Happy Meal toy (or two) floating around our house.

 

What methods do you employ in your home to lower your grocery bill, allergy-family or not?

 

Next Friday, I will continue with this series and begin breaking down the bullet points into more detail.  First up is “Shopping the Grocery Ads.”

 

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The Story of a Home Mailbox

June 22, 2011 by 2 Comments

Mailbox

Today I have a guest post to share with you written by Mrs.White from The Legacy of Home.  I greatly appreciate what she has to share and I hope it will be a blessing to you too!

When my children were very young, I had trouble keeping up with everything. I had five children from the age of 9 all the way down to newborn, and we were homeschooling. I was busy! I remember Nicole (7) coming up and telling me some marvelous new idea she had. I was in the middle of soothing a fussy baby and said, “Honey, that sounds like something I want to hear all about. But would you please write me a letter about it? I want to take the time to really read it.  I will write you back.”

Oh my goodness, that child was excited! She smiled and raced off to get a notebook. A short time later, I had a letter in my hand. I read it while nursing the baby. She kept running over to me and saying, “Did you write back yet?” She was so eager to hear my thoughts! She was thrilled with the idea of getting a letter from mother!

I finally had a bit of quiet time in the early evening. The children had eaten their supper, the baby had been bathed and was sleeping in the bassinet, and my husband was watching television. I re-read Nicole’s letter and smiled. I wrote her a long letter back, telling her how happy I was with her idea. I asked her questions (so she would have a reason to write back) and then told her how much I loved her. Of course, I ended the letter with:


“Love Mommy”
PS – W.B.S.

Soon, this letter writing idea caught on. When a child had a problem, I told him to write about it.  If the child had a wish list, she was to write it all down in a letter.  I wrote back, encouraging my children, advising them, and helping them to feel like they were extra special to me. I took the time each night, to write them a private letter just for them.

Next, we decided to make a mailbox in the house.  This was placed on a shelf in our living room. The children started writing letters to each other.  One day, Matthew (around 4 at the time), said, “Mom, there is a letter in there for the baby!” Can you just imagine the smile on his face? He had written a little note for his baby brother!

Now, all these years later, two of my children are grown and living on their own. I write them “real” letters in the mail, even though we talk on the phone. I  have three teenagers still here at home. I was thinking we need another mailbox.

I will write them little notes, sometimes funny, sometimes serious. I will write loving thoughts and brighten their days. And I hope they will find it just as much fun as when they were my little, precious darlings so long ago.

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St. Patty’s May Be Gone But Irish Spirits Stay in Style

May 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment

This is a guest post from my friend Maggie Durango.  I’ve visited Ireland a few times and I absolutely loved it over there.  They have friendly people, a rich heritage, and a beautiful breath-taking country!  I hope you’ll enjoy this post about displaying your Irish pride.

A picture of me in Ireland

I’m here to promote the idea that those of us with Irish in our blood and proud of it need not wait for the arrival of St. Patrick’s to display our love of the old country. Unfortunately anybody who sports a grass-green article of clothing outside the month of March is typically going to draw unwanted attention or repel all attention entirely. But there’s a reliable item that will not only cease to be stylish, but will allow you to flaunt your heritage all year round without being mistaken for a cult member.

I’m talking about emerald jewelry. Emerald the gem is itself not associated with Ireland as far as where to find it goes. But the allure of the emerald has for many generations now attracted the smiling Irish eyes of many an immigrant and their descendants. The stone stirs in the blood of the Irish thoughts of the lush green hills and fields rolling out to the rocky outlands of Ireland’s shores. It was indeed Irish poet William Drennan who made the first known association between his land and emerald. It’s been the gem of the Irish ever since.

Emerald inherently catches the eye, but its luster is as humble as it is majestic. This is because of the signature green hue, which has been the obvious color representation of the natural world for ages. There’s a certain down-to-earth harmony of the emerald that defines Irish sensibilities and the Irish culture in general. Blue sapphires, rubies, and other vivid gems are all beautiful in their own right, but emerald alone exhibits the overarching beauty of nature condensed into one fragment of earthly rock.

Emerald rings, inlaid brooches, necklaces, and earrings, all do a wonderful job of exhibiting proud Irish heritage without making a fuss about it. If St. Patrick’s Day is the opportunity to display your pride extravagantly, the other 364 days of the year are for simply being Irish and unassumingly so as any good Irish does. The emerald represents the eternal bond between Ireland and her children. Be a good child of the Emerald Isle and take a piece of her wherever you go.

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How to Teach Your Baby Sign Language

March 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Mommy

Baby sign language for Mommy

With a new little baby on the way I’m hearing lots of advice but there is one thing that I’ve heard more than anything else – learn sign language for babies!  I’ve heard that it has so many benefits including better communication, development, and reduced fussiness.  Who wouldn’t want all that?  I’m willing to give it a try!  Here is a guest post from an expert on baby sign language, Misty Weaver.  If you have anything you would like to share about what worked and what didn’t work for you please leave them a note in the comment section.  I would love to hear as much feedback on this as possible.  I’ll turn it over to Misty now…

If you are a complete Infant Sign Language beginner, make life easy by following these four simple steps…

Step #1
Learn some simple but useful signs.
Beginners are best to start off with signs that you and your baby can practice every day – signs like Mommy, Daddy and Milk are great because your baby will see Mommy and Daddy and drink milk every day! Although these signs are easy to master it’s a good idea to practice them yourself a few times before signing to your baby. Either attend a Baby Signing class or look up some free online resources to help you learn your first few signs. Limit yourself to only four or five to begin with – you can add more signs when you and your baby are more confident.

Step #2
Use the signs as often as you can every day.
Once you have learned a sign yourself, you should make this sign every time you say the word to your baby. Make the sign every time you do an action or use an object. This can feel strange at first, but with practice it will become second-nature. When you make a sign, say the word clearly, with good eye contact, while pointing to the thing or person you are describing.

Step #3
Stick with it.
Babies learn through repetition and it can take about two months of exposure to a sign for babies over six months to learn the sign and be ready to use it themselves. So stick with it! You can use Sign Language For Babies when you’re shopping, playing, feeding – anywhere you get the chance. Be creative, have fun – just make sure you repeat the signs often. Remember to keep your facial expressions positive when you are signing. You want your baby to associate sign language with having fun. Don’t stress it.

Step #4
Encourage your baby’s signing attempts.
When your baby makes her first sign, encourage her efforts enthusiastically. Don’t worry if she hasn’t got the sign ‘perfect’ or even if you can’t tell what the sign is meant to be! The important thing is that she’s starting to communicate with you by signing and that’s a big step. Give her plenty of praise, attention and eye-contact to show her you are impressed with her efforts. When she gets these positive vibes from you she will be encouraged to try and try again.

So remember: repetition is everything, be patient, and be encouraging. And take it slowly. Use a few signs to begin with, and when you and your baby have mastered these you can move on to include more signs in your repertoire. Most of all – have fun!

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The Ministry of Being a Mother

January 20, 2011 by 16 Comments
Mom and Infant
I have been thinking about a story that a friend told me a few years ago. She had spent some time with a young woman who had several small children, was very involved in her church teaching youth, a woman’s Bible study, a home school co-op, and her husband was the youth pastor. She often spoke of her “ministry opportunities” and how fulfilling they were. As my friend spent more time with the young woman this is what she observed: Her home was cluttered all the time and not very clean. Her stove had food burned on all the burners and her children were unruly. During one of her visits the children spent much of the time jumping on the couch!

This young woman was a “stay at home mom“, who wasn’t really home! Because she wasn’t home, her home was not in order, and her children were not being consistently disciplined and trained. This precious, well-meaning woman did not understand that keeping her home and training her children was the most important ministry she could have.

I have had many conversations with moms who have expressed that they are not “doing anything“. They want to be “involved in ministry“. They do not understand that being home with their children means that they are in “full time ministry“…and that every morning when their feet touch the floor, they are on the “mission field“!

Being a stay at home mom will not look the same for each woman. Our life circumstances are all different. Some of us home school, while others have children in school. Some of our husbands work from home, while others leave for the day. Some of us have babies or toddlers, while some have older children. It does change with each season of life.

My mom was a stay at home mom. While we were in school, she was always involved in some kind of ladies Bible study and/or teaching one. She also made and decorated cakes to earn extra money. I don’t think I ever remember there being a time that I would come home from school and she wasn’t there. If we were home, so was she. My dad liked to have dinner at a particular time each night. It was always ready. Our home was always in order. I don’t think I remember her ever being so committed to anything outside our home that she wasn’t available to be a “keeper at home”..”

Mom and Toddler

I had dreams of being married and living the kind of life my Mom did….going to Bible studies while my kids were in school, being there for them when they got home. But my life has been different in many ways even though I am a “stay at home mom” as well. It is different because God decided that our children would be home schooled! That meant I was home most of the time. If my children were going to learn what they needed to learn, and accomplish what they need to get accomplished, I needed to be at home. As they grew up they involved in sports and some other activities, but the bulk of our time was spent at home because the job of home schooling…and doing it effectively…was huge. On top of that, I still had a home to keep in order and meals to make. I don’t mean a PERFECT HOME or PERFECT MEALS.  I mean and ORDERLY HOME and MEETING THE PHYSICAL NEEDS OF MY FAMILY. I found that the at home “mothering” season of life for me  meant that some of what I might have wanted to do  had to be set aside for awhile – and most of the time I really didn’t mind that. It has been for a season… not forever.

A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to take a seminary class. Because my husband works for the school I would not have to pay for the class. “What a great opportunity”, I thought. So I registered. Each week I would make my way up to the seminary for my class. I loved the learning and the interaction I had in the classroom setting. I enjoyed the reading. When I got home I had papers to write and projects to do. I actually did well in the class and that was a good feeling as well. But there was one problem. I wasn’t available to my family as I should have been. They did not complain–but as the semester moved along I started feeling torn. On the days I had class–I had to leave my children. When I got home–I had to throw dinner together and then spend time doing home work. I kept hearing myself say, “I can’t help you right now. I need to finish this homework” and I knew that my “seminary career” was over…at least for awhile.

Was there anything wrong with taking a seminary class? No! It was just not the right timing for me. I needed to be available to my family. All that said, I must also share that even though there is much sacrifice involved in the “ministry of mothering”, God does provide those “extra” things as well. Times of fellowship with other women, maybe a lunch date here and there, and an encouraging phone call. I enjoy my time of reading books for my own learning and enjoyment, and normally have two books going at one time! I have found that the more I am focused on my God ordained ministry of keeping my home, loving my husband, and loving my children, the more God has blessed and provided for me in ways I never imagined! It is awesome! It is a joy!

Mom and teen

I wouldn’t have it any other way!

So, how do we decide how much to be involved in outside the home?

~ We pray!
We ask God to give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph 1:17).

~ We pray!
We ask God to open our eyes to the calling and privilege it is to be pouring our lives into these people He has placed in our care!

~ We pray!
We ask God for wisdom. We must be willing to sacrifice some of our interests for a season if we must, and embrace the high calling of the ministry of being a mother.

~ We pray!
We take the time to evaluate our life circumstances by asking these questions: Is my home in order (I didn’t say “perfect”, or “spotless”-but is it orderly?) Do I have the time to plan and prepare nutritious meals for my family? When is my husband home? Am I there when he needs/wants me to be there, or am I gone most evenings? Am I able to be consistent with disciplining and training the children, or am I going so much that I don’t have the opportunity to address things most of the time? Do I find more fulfillment outside my home, than I do being in it? IF SO, do I understand what God has called me to, and what a privilege it is? Do I spend time with other women that encourage me in my ministry at home, or do they encourage me to be out of my home and to be discontent with my life there. Do I regularly watch those TV shows that portray husbands as “idiots” and children as a burden?

~We pray!
Finally, after answering all of these questions…what time do I have left for outside activities with the ages of my children, during the season I am in, and in my life circumstances? Do I see the opportunities to minister that come to my door? Are there opportunities to minister in some way as a family, or with my children, so that I am not taking much time away from them?

What are we teaching the next generation? Are we teaching them, by our attitudes and the way we are living, those things that are most important… (Titus 2:3-5) are we teaching them that to love our husbands, love our children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, and to be subject to our husbands are our most important ministry?!

AND–That when we do not see this as our privilege and our calling…and choose to live it out–“THE WORD OF GOD IS DISHONORED!”

I believe if we do not see this…if we do not walk in obedience…the consequences will not only be great in our own lives, but we will also miss an opportunity to train our children to be a light in this world.Gina

Today, Embracing Beauty is honored to welcome a guest post by Gina Smith.  As Gina has read and studied what the Bible says in Titus 2 about the role of “older women”, she has been  praying about how to fulfill that role! On her blog “Chats With And Old Lady” she  shares what she is learning and she strives to challenge others the way God is challenging her. You can visit her at www.chatswithanoldlady.com.

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Soft Sugar Cookie Recipe with Homemade Frosting

December 8, 2010 by 3 Comments

Sugar Cookies

I just read a heart warming story that came with a yummy recipe to go along with it and I want to share it with you!  Visit my friend Courtney’s site, Women Living Well, to find this sweet guest post written by Janelle from Comfy in the Kitchen.  You’ll be glad you did!

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Homeschooling Statistics Are In!

April 19, 2010 by 2 Comments

We have a guest post today by my friend Deana from The Frugal Homeschooling Mom. Before she left work as a public school teacher to stay at home with her daughter, Laynie, she had never dreamed of being a homeschooler! Now, she’s excitedly preparing Laynie, almost 4, for Kindergarten – – at home. She enjoys blogging about this adventure, and living the frugal life.

Homeschooling works! I’ve been doing a lot of research lately on the subject, just browsing the internet, and the following is what I’ve learned: Did you know that homeschooled children score better on standardized tests in academics, social skills, and self concept than public-schooled children? Not only that, but there is no empiricalHomeschooling Statistics evidence that shows that homeschooling causes harm in academics, social skills or self concept in any way. Here are some specific statistics comparing homeschooled children to those educated in the public school system.

Standardized Tests: Studies by the National Home Education Research Institute have reported that homeschooled children typically score 30-38 percentage points higher than their public-schooled peers on standardized tests in Math, Language, Social Studies, Science, and Reading.

College and Life Preparation: Homeschooled kids are very well-prepared for college. Recently published ACT (American College Testing) results for 2009 show that homeschooled teens scored an average of 22.5 (on a scale of 1-36), a little higher than the national average of 21.1. The National Home Education Research Institute (August 2009) reports that homeschool students are increasingly being actively recruited by colleges, and they succeed at college at an equal or higher rate than their peers. NHERI also reports that as adults they participate in local community service more frequently, they vote and attend public meetings more frequently, and they internalize the values and beliefs of their parents at a very high rate, compared to the general population. As for SAT score comparisons, a few studies (Belfield in 2005, Clemente in 2006, and Chatmon in 2006) have found that homeschooled students’ scores on the SAT are equal to or higher than private or public schooled students, but none of these studies has found statistically significant results.

Social Skills: According to a study by Dr. Patricia Lines at the Discovery Institute in July 2000, homeschooled children were reported to be “well adjusted” when compared to public schooled children, and demonstrated fewer behavioral problems. The National Home Education Research Institute published a study in 2007 that said homeschooled children had higher scores in social skills than those in public schools. Homeschooled children typically participate in various social opportunities in the community. According to the Home School Legal Defense Association, the average homeschooled student participates in about 5.2 social activities, and 98% of all homeschooled children are involved in 2 or more social activities.

Self-Esteem: According to thesis research by Dr. Larry Shyers (1992), no difference in self-esteem was found between homeschooled children and publically schooled children, and since then other studies have confirmed this finding.

More and more families are realizing that the opportunity to homeschool is a valid option, and are jumping in on the fun. The National Center for Education Statistics produced research findings in December of 2008 that the homeschool population is growing about 8% per year, and the National Home Education Research Institute reports that number is between 5-12%. During the 2008-2009 school year, there were a grand total of 41,042 children being homeschooled, according to the NC Division of Non-Public Education’s estimates. That’s the highest number ever. That would also mean that, according to the 2007-2008 Department of Public Instruction Report, homeschoolers would make up the ­­­­­6th largest school district in the state:

  1. Wake County (134,002)
  2. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (132,281)
  3. Guilford County (71,292)
  4. Cumberland County (52,885)
  5. Forsyth County (51,351)
  6. Homeschoolers! (41,042)
  7. Gaston County (32,583)
  8. Durham County (32,455)

There are 2,476 homeschooled children in Forsyth County where I live, which would make it the largest “school” in the district, according to the 2008-2009 report by the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools:

  1. Homeschoolers! (2,476)
  2. West Forsyth High School (1,975)
  3. East Forsyth High School (1,880)
  4. Mt. Tabor High School (1,762)

When you first begin to consider homeschooling, these are some encouraging statistics. One thing I’ve learned as well is that a parent’s education level or occupation doesn’t really make a noticeable difference in their child’s performance, either. There are also many homeschool groups and co-ops that are a wonderful support. I’m already involved in three groups in my area, and through them I have a network of about 2,700 “friends” (current homeschoolers and veterans) who are always willing to help me along anytime I have a question. Homeschooled students experience high rates of success in all areas, and there’s plenty of research to support that statement! Use it the next time a well-meaning friend or relative expresses concern about your choice to homeschool, and be proud!

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Rite Aid Single Check Rebates

April 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Rite Aid Rebate Program Explained

Rite Aid’s Single Check rebate program can at first glance seem intimidating so I’ve written a simple 5 step process to help explain the process so everyone can understand it and save big! Head over to Steals & Deals to see my guest post explaining it all on their blog.

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The Benefits of Mint.com

March 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

mint.com budget finances
For the long-time personal finance guru’s this topic of interest might be repetitive to you, but for the newbies who are seeking order from financial chaos, Mint.com is the latest technology in budget maintenance.

Mint.com is an online personal financial and budget management service designed to help people meet their financial goals through a user-friendly website. Over one million people use this free site to manage their budget, pay bills and get education on saving money, tax returns, loan payments and investments. The site is safe and secure and offers specific guidance for anyone using the service while still allowing them to remain completely anonymous.

Mint.com lets people see exactly what they are doing with their money. It offers fun quizzes to help people choose and open the best IRA for them. It includes online budgeting tools to track current spending and set budget goals. It compares bank accounts, credit cards, CD, brokerage, and 401(k) products to find the most appropriate and cost effective option for each user. It connects all accounts in one central location. Regardless of the services someone chooses to use on Mint.com, they can all be accessed via any web browser. Mint.com can also send time-critical email and text message alerts to pre-established telephone numbers or email addresses.

One unique feature on Mint.com not commonly found on other financial planning websites is their blog section. This section, MintLife, offers an entire portion of the site dedicated to providing financial news and advice. Common topics include getting out of debt, housing, retirement, student life, becoming wealthy, frugal living, employment, and the economy.

Mint.com offers all of these services, and many more, for no fee. It does not require the installation of any special software and can be set up in as little as five minutes. Once the account is set up, adding or deleting account options and features is only a click away.

This is a guest post produced by Victoria of Ratelines, find the best cd rates and mortgage rates.

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