How To: Microwaving Popcorn

This tip was sent in by Diane, a Thrifty Homeschooler member:

Long story, but I had promised popcorn tonight and couldn't face washing the pan. So, in the back of my mind, I remembered something about microwaving regular popcorn. I googled, and sure enough, there's plenty of suggestions out there. Everyone should pick what he or she would like to do best from the suggestions. It would probably take some experimenting to get one's microwave to match the container and amount of popcorn, but I think it is worth it. I chose the bowl route over the paper bag route so I could make enough.

In the bowl recipe I found, it suggests a paper plate as a cover. I tried the heavier duty plastic wrap, but that was a Bad Idea. It melted a bit. The popcorn was great. The paper plate does work better.

Also, I happened across articles talking about how unhealthy store bought microwave popcorn is. Well, that is so sad! I hope that if that is true, the manufacturers fix it, because I know a lot of people eat that a lot. I am just too thrifty to buy it, plus I think it tastes funny.

Live Feed From Africa

A tip from a Thrifty Homeschooler member:

If you haven't seen this site, you MUST! Our boys love it! It is a live camera feed of a watering hole in South Africa! We have seen wildebeests, zebras, Klipspringers (small 'jumping' antelope), elephants, antelope, etc., so far - and we've only been watching a couple of days! You can also go here to find information about the animals you are seeing. Enjoy!

Free Christmas Graphics

My friend Dani does awesome work as a computer graphics designer. She has some beautiful Christmas graphics available at her blog. Go check it out!

Free Geography Game Software

Dawn, from the Thrifty Homeschooler email list, sends the following:

http://www.wartoft.nu/software/seterra/
This is a site for a free geography game software you can download. We downloaded it today and it looks really good.

Online Thrifty Column

Lisa, over at CatholicMom.com has picked up my Thrifty Homeschooler column from Heart and Mind magazine. She'll post a new column each month at www.catholicmom.com/wittmann.htm.

Free Homeschool Zine

I received this from Clickschooling today:

Tomorrow I am launching my brand new, and absolutely free, Homefires Journal homeschool e-zine. If you'd like to receive a copy, please go to the Homefires website at:
http://www.homefires.com/

Enter your email address in the white box that says, "Join Our Email List" that is on the top, right side of the page. You will automatically be added to the mailing list to receive the firstissue. (Note: We never sell or rent our mailing list.)

It's full of fun holiday ideas for learning with your family, free Holiday Road Trip Tips, and Quick Links to other free resources that that you're sure to enjoy.

Diane Flynn Keith
ClickSchooling List Owner
http://www.Homefires.com
http://www.Carschooling.com
http://www.UniversalPreschool.com

Buying a Digital Camera

If someone on your Christmas list is hoping for a digital camera, here's a Cheapskate Everyday article for you:

How to Buy a Digital Camera by Mary Hunt

New Yahoo Group

I received this from a Thrifty Homeschooler member today:

Hello, I'm Millie, a mom from Texas. I was hoping that you might be able to invite your members to join the exciting new Yahoo group for parents who are looking for summer music camps for their children. Having sent four kids off to all kinds of camps, I know what a huge task it is to find the right camp for your child.

Summer Performing Arts Camp Parents is a new group that helps parents sort through the hundreds of music summer camps and programs. There are close to 800 in the nation and having sent four kids to camps around the United States, I know there are parents out there who could use a helping hand! This group is for sharing experiences or for those who don't know where to start! Everyone is invited to join.

Simply visit: Summer
Perfroming Arts Camp Parents

Thanks!
Millie
Creator
Summer Performing Arts Camp Parents