tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-223973602024-03-06T23:52:14.780-05:00The Thrifty Home SchoolerThis blog is written for homeschoolers, many of us living on one income in a two-income economy. Prayerfully, we will discover the fruits of living frugally . . . together. And maybe share a tip or two.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.comBlogger346125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-69409466400510449282013-11-15T21:04:00.001-05:002014-02-16T23:09:48.854-05:00Recipe: Creamy Tomato Basil Spinach Tortellini Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are continuing our Autumn Soupfest. This is a favorite soup of mine: <a href="http://therecipecritic.com/2013/11/slow-cooker-tomato-basil-parmesan-soup/">Crockpot Tomato Basil Soup</a>. I changed it up tonight for a number of reasons: 1) I needed to speed up the process and make it on the stove; 2) I had some fresh tortellini and spinach in the fridge; and 3) I wanted to lighten up the calorie count.<br />
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I accomplished number 3 in two ways. First, instead of cream I used evaporated milk. Second, I skipped the roux. I put some of the cooked veggies in my blender to thicken the soup without adding flour and fat.<br />
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The ending soup was delicious. Absolutely delicious! I can't wait to have the leftovers tomorrow. Just as pleasing was the fact that the soup wasn't damaging to my diet. There are a lot of ingredients, but it was fairly easy to put together. Here's the recipe for you:<br />
<br />
<b>Creamy Tomato, Basil, and Spinach Tortellini Soup</b><br />
Olive oil<br />
Large onion, diced<br />
2 large carrots, diced <br />
4 celery ribs, sliced<br />
1 red pepper, diced<br />
4 Tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 Tbsp. dried)<br />
1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)<br />
6 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or one 10-oz. pkg. frozen, thawed) <br />
2 cans diced tomatoes (I prefer the petite diced), with the juice<br />
4 cups vegetable broth<br />
Freshly ground pepper to taste (I like a lot!)<br />
1 can evaporated milk<br />
1 9-oz. package refrigerated tortellini (optional) <br />
Parmesan cheese, optional<br />
<br />
Cover the bottom of your soup pot with olive oil and heat on the stove top.<br />
Add onions and carrots.<br />
As the onions become translucent, add the celery, red pepper, basil, and garlic. <br />
Saute just 4 or 5 minutes.<br />
Add spinach, tomato, vegetable broth, and pepper.<br />
Bring to a boil.<br />
Then turn down to low and let it simmer, until the carrots are tender.<br />
Put half of the soup into your blender. Let it cool a little bit so you don't get scalded. Blend and add back to the pot.<br />
Add the evaporated (NOT condensed!) milk.<br />
Once the soup is warm again, add the fresh tortellini (I used spinach and cheese tortellini). Heat through for about 5 minutes.<br />
Serve.<br />
Enjoy all the rave reviews! <br />
<br />
The kids added fresh Parmesan to their bowls. I skipped the cheese myself -- it was delicious enough without any extra help (or calories!).<br />
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<br />Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-49390419935178389442013-11-14T14:37:00.001-05:002013-11-14T14:38:38.881-05:00Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Kale Soup<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, I was too hungry to take time for a prettier picture!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The leaves have fallen, the air is cold and crisp, and soup is on the stove. My husband loves soup and looks forward to this time of year as I'm making it several times every week. The following recipe is one I created last night when I couldn't decide between <a href="http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Tuscan-Bean-Soup">Tuscan Bean Soup</a> and <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/7988-roasted-tomato-rosemary-soup-with-kale-potatoes">Roasted Tomato & Rosemary with Kale and Potato Soup</a>. What I ended up with was delicious in addition to being thrifty and calorie friendly. I hope you like it too ...<br />
<br />
<b>Roasted Tomato and Kale Soup</b><br />
Olive oil<br />
Large Onion, diced<br />
Garlic, minced<br />
2 large carrots, diced<br />
3 celery ribs, thinly sliced<br />
Small bunch of fresh basil, finely chopped (could substitute dry)<br />
Oregano (to taste)<br />
Pepper (to taste)<br />
Handful of spinach, chopped<br />
Handful of kale, chopped<br />
Can of roasted tomatoes<br />
Can garbanzo beans (cannellini or other white bean would work nicely too), drained and rinsed <br />
4 cups vegetable broth<br />
<br />
Heat olive oil in your stock pot and add the onions and stir.<br />
As the onions start to become translucent, add the garlic, carrots, celery, basil, oregano, and pepper.<br />
When they've cooked just 3 or 4 minutes, add the spinach, kale, and can of tomatoes (do not drain).<br />
While that heats up, put the drained beans in the blender with some of the vegetable broth. This will give your soup a nice thick texture and a delicious flavor as well as being healthy.<br />
Pour the bean puree and the rest of the broth into your stock pot.<br />
Let simmer, covered, on low for an hour.<br />
<br />
Delicious served with crusty bread or fresh Parmesan.<br />
<br />
Really good the next day as leftovers!<br />
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<br />Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-13140332876991561642011-06-22T12:00:00.005-04:002011-06-22T12:34:40.430-04:00Groupon for Homeschoolers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eiyfTH7kKH_-P7iKNUb7P5ag7yk8_CHcg9oVRFlg_5DujdBRP8FYPcFYeP2k1pVuuJ7hTR9-G5F1Vhlil7AhO10rSHxuYgNz9BY4wZf49law4c15JcMHzYYxC0ExwF7W6Y2S/s1600/groupon-logo.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eiyfTH7kKH_-P7iKNUb7P5ag7yk8_CHcg9oVRFlg_5DujdBRP8FYPcFYeP2k1pVuuJ7hTR9-G5F1Vhlil7AhO10rSHxuYgNz9BY4wZf49law4c15JcMHzYYxC0ExwF7W6Y2S/s320/groupon-logo.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621079541389385586" border="0" /></a>Have you checked out <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu32062119">Groupon</a> yet?<br /><br />Personally, I've avoided it because I erroneously associated their deals with fancy restaurants which my family of 9 cannot afford even with a 50% off coupon.<br /><br />Then, today, I stumbled upon a Groupon for a favorite you-pick berry farm just around the corner from my home. I paid $10 for a Groupon worth $20 of peaches or berries. Not a bad deal at all!!<br /><br />Here's how it works. Go to the <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu32062119">website</a>, plug in your zip code, and local deals come up. If you see a deal you like then click on it. You then purchase the "groupon" to be used later. For example, you may pay $15 for $30 credit for a local gift store. You would print the groupon on your home printer and take it to the gift shop. You just got 50% off on your gift!<br /><br />Now, to make strawberry preserves with my half-price, you-pick berries!Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-34052431245811323632011-04-09T16:03:00.002-04:002011-04-09T16:10:30.423-04:00Free Coupons OnlineI'll also add these to the sidebar. Note that these websites offer free coupons. Never, ever pay for a coupon clipping service.<div><ul style=" ;font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><li><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><a href="http://print.coupons.com/alink.asp?go=14473wd2910" target="_blank">Coupons.com</a></span></li><li><a href="http://partners.couponnetwork.com/c/13039/9216/520" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;">CouponNetwork.com</span></a></li><li><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><a href="http://coupons.smartsource.com/web/index.aspx?Link=HN5AQVPNACWBU">SmartSource.com</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><a href="http://coupons.redplum.com/offers/default.aspx?Id=SuperCouponing&DefaultZipCode">RedPlum.com</a></span></li></ul></div><div>And only print what you need for this week's shopping trip. You don't want to waste money on paper and ink.</div>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-74327601560716054702011-02-22T13:16:00.004-05:002012-10-15T20:40:21.387-04:00Lenten Recipe: Roasted Navajo SoupAsh Wednesday is around the corner. If you're looking for Lenten recipes, you'll find quite a few if you look to your right in the sidebar under Labels: Lenten / Meatless Recipes.<br />
<br />
Here is a nice hardy soup I came up with sometime ago that is perfect as winter seems to hang on here in the north:<br />
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<b>Roasted Navajo Soup</b><br />
<br />
2 medium sweet potatoes<br />
2 red, yellow, or green peppers<br />
1 large onion<br />
4 garlic cloves, minced<br />
2 Tbsp. olive oil<br />
1 Tbsp. cumin<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. black pepper<br />
1 (15 oz.) can of tomatoes<br />
1 Tbsp. canned chipotles in adobo sauce<br />
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro (optional)<br />
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained<br />
6 cups vegetable broth<br />
1 (4 oz) box of wild rice prepared an hour ahead of time (optional)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a large baking sheet with oil.<br />
<div>
<br />
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes.</div>
<div>
<br />
Stem and seed the peppers and cut into 1-inch pieces.</div>
<div>
<br />
Cut the stem and root ends of the onion, peel, and slice into wedges.</div>
<div>
<br />
In a toss the veggies with the garlic, oil, cumin, salt, and pepper.</div>
<div>
<br />
Spread on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10 minutes. Stir well and continue to roast another 10 to 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.</div>
<div>
<br />
In a blender puree the tomatoes, chipotles, cilantro, roasted vegetables, and black beans. You may have to do this in batches.</div>
<div>
<br />
In a soup pot, combine the puree with the broth and prepared wild rice (optional). Simmer for 15 minutes until warm throughout.<br />
<br />
<b>Optional</b>: Serve with sour cream, plain yogurt, and or tortilla chips.<br />
<br />
<b>Variations</b>: You could replace the wild rice with a white or brown rice. Or even skip the rice put the beans in whole instead of making them part of the puree.</div>
Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-67575395580186260902010-09-04T12:52:00.001-04:002010-09-04T12:53:00.007-04:00Free e-Books for Homeschoolers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y27P3M?ie=UTF8&tag=catholictreas-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002Y27P3M"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dy6XOZjRmSk/TIJ1ZUPN_KI/AAAAAAAACOQ/dFzbJWewoJ4/s400/bezos_kindle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513097971644628130" border="0" /></a>I've been wanting a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y27P3M?ie=UTF8&tag=catholictreas-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002Y27P3M">Kindle</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>forever but just couldn't bring myself to spend the money. I asked for it for my last birthday but then pulled the request as I just thought that maybe it was too frivolous. You know -- Want vs. Need.<br /><br />However, now I'm completely rethinking the whole thing.<br /><br />As a homeschooler, I use a lot of classic books. A LOT. And most of them can be found for free download on the internet. I have take advantage of some of these free books but not much as I'd like as it isn't easy to read on my computer. Reading on a Kindle (and I imagine other book readers are similar) really is much like reading a regular book. You can even make annotations in the columns and highlight passages. I do love real books. My home is decorated in Early Library but maybe it is time to enter the modern age. At least a wee bit.<br /><br />Yes, I know there is the public library and I do take great advantage of it. In fact, I have a daughter who works at the library and I often enlist her to do my library grunt work. But there are times when even the classics are hard to get via inter-library loan. (Our small town library didn't even offer inter-library loan until a few months ago!) Or I need a book for an entire semester or I need it quick.<br /><br />Anyway, with all those free books out there I think the Kindle would pay for itself easily in less than a year. Now, all my geek friends tell me to forget the Kindle and go for an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002C7481G/catholictreas-20">i-Pad</a> but I really, really can't bring myself to spend that kind of money. Cha-ching, cha-ching!!!<br /><br />So, the whole point of this blog post was to share links to all those free books with you. Let's get to it ...<span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/">Baldwin Online Children's Literature Project</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />Bringing Yesterday's Classics to Today's Children</span>. We're using this currently for our Ancient Greece and Rome books including Famous Men of Greece and Famous Men of Rome.<span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ccel.org/">Christian Classics Ethereal Library</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />From Calvin College, loaded with lots of Church Fathers and Catholic saints. It even has large selections from Summa Contra Gentiles</span>. I've downloaded Chesterton and others here.<span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://books.google.com/">Google Books</a> </span><br />In addition to classics, authors have uploaded current books. Also magazines.<span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page">Gutenberg Project</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />THE original producer of free e-books.</span> Over 100,000 books.<span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage.php">Heritage History</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />Similar Baldwin Project, only dedicated exclusively to children's history books</span><span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.archive.org/details/texts">Internet Archive</a> </span><span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://librivox.org/">Librivox</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />Free audio books!</span><span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.literaturepage.com/">Literature Page</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />The Literature Page is your place to read classic books, plays, stories, poems, essays, and speeches online, brought to you by the creators of The Quotations Page. Our collection currently includes 243 works from 89 authors. We add new titles regularly.</span><span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://manybooks.net/">Many Books</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />All free books in a wide variety of genre. They contain books from Project Gutenberg, and has links to Librivox when available. You can download them already converted to a variety of formats if you don't want to go through Calibre.</span><span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.munseys.com/site/home">Munseys</a> </span><span class="descr"><br />This site absolutely has things you will not find anywhere else.</span> <span class="title"><br /><br /><a href="http://www.textkit.com/">TextKit: Resources for Greek and Latin</a> </span><br />Our Latin textbooks for this year are from this website.<br /><br />As with any book, make sure anything you download is acceptable. Even classics contain trash.<br /><br />I'll put these links up in the sidebar here at the blog so you find them there in the future.<span class="smalltype inactive"><br /><br />Happy reading!!!</span>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-62849549744213759252010-05-04T08:52:00.004-04:002010-05-04T09:06:39.653-04:00Free Farming Unit Study<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdNXI88ZZbqRFrivuBZuJoWRoragcptuhuhkexUd3R5kyNYAWz2KKwemBo8XSScJ16nFj4OC_NU1xCSpkjB5hokzo8T2K5NXPOkwvJiGLTD3rXhCnFWoHZBskZOd45bDWp5Wp/s1600/FarmUnit.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdNXI88ZZbqRFrivuBZuJoWRoragcptuhuhkexUd3R5kyNYAWz2KKwemBo8XSScJ16nFj4OC_NU1xCSpkjB5hokzo8T2K5NXPOkwvJiGLTD3rXhCnFWoHZBskZOd45bDWp5Wp/s400/FarmUnit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467400235625880498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=28398">OHC Co-op Farming Unit Study</a><br /><br />This is a free 227-page unit study from CurrClick. I'm not sure how long it'll be offered for free.<br /><br />We live in a rural area and have been slowly adding to our own family farm. So far we have chickens and ducks. We're currently testing the soil to see if our land will sustain a fruit orchard. So, this unit is of particular interest to us.<br /><br />It's geared for pre- to grade school but the list of links will be helpful to older children. If anyone knows of a good, free unit for middle to high school please leave a comment below.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-69394117417751548112010-04-29T08:27:00.005-04:002010-04-29T09:36:55.235-04:00$10 Sale: Teaching Company<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvxHi329axsmCnMhNWjj1rJ2hshKSD-L8BLbBdSRtRE-gtK9KeWdkf3SK8c_MzzYDdY1H5E5iBcEHmM71YM9AT8XyzqI_pIjsZndKwlOuIpX5WCSH5JiEEieM3RpHpuyz8TQD/s1600/HeroforSpaceLander_Save190.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvxHi329axsmCnMhNWjj1rJ2hshKSD-L8BLbBdSRtRE-gtK9KeWdkf3SK8c_MzzYDdY1H5E5iBcEHmM71YM9AT8XyzqI_pIjsZndKwlOuIpX5WCSH5JiEEieM3RpHpuyz8TQD/s400/HeroforSpaceLander_Save190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465538038662631058" border="0" /></a>As I've said here before, I love Teaching Company. One of the things I love about them, in addition to a great product is that they have really good sales. I could never afford their products if I had to pay full price.<br /><br />Currently, there is an <a href="http://www.teach12.com/ttcx/tgc_offer.aspx?lid=3ngt&ai=43641&cid=1474&pid=ng">amazing $10 sale going on</a>. Shipping is another $10 for the whole order. However, I found a coupon code: <span style="font-weight: bold;">42248 </span>which should give you shipping for only $.99!<br /><br />Note: <span style="font-weight: bold;">ENDS TODAY</span>!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Addendum</span>: I just ordered. The good news is that the coupon code works. The bad news is that you can only order one $10 set per customer.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-84741852324343906412010-04-27T16:04:00.001-04:002010-04-27T16:04:46.139-04:00Free Stuff in the BlogosphereTo celebrate 5 years in the blogosphere, <a href="http://studeo.blogspot.com/">Alicia Van Hecke</a> is giving away loads of free gifts including (more to come as the week progresses):<br /><blockquote><b>1. Subscriptions to <a href="http://www.materetmagistramagazine.org/">mater et magistra magazine (Catholic homeschooling magazine)</a>: (3 copies)</b><br /><br /><b>2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0004Z322O/catholictreas-20"><i>I Remember Mama</i> - Irene Dunne</a>, 1948 (3 copies)</b><br /><br /><b>3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000B5XOZC/catholictreas-20"><i>Christmas in Connecticut</i> - Barbara Stanwyck</a>, 1945 (3 copies)</b><br /><br /><b>4. Books by <a href="http://melissawiley.com/">Melissa Wiley</a> (3 books) </b><br /><br /><b>5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1932350233/catholictreas-20"><i>The Kitchen Madonna</i> by Rumer Godden</a> (1 copy)</b><br /><br /><b>6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0867168757/catholictreas-20"><i>The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary</i> by Karen Edmisten</a> (1 copy)</b><br /><br /><b>7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933184167/catholictreas-20"><i>The Catholic Homeschool Companion</i></a>, edited by Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson (1 copy)</b><br /><br /><b>8. <a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/online-catholic-course-catalog/recorded-courses/">Homeschool Connections Subscription Service</a> (1 month free subscription)</b></blockquote>Check out <a href="http://studeo.blogspot.com/2010/04/blogaversary-week-giveaway.html">Studeo </a>to learn all the details.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-50127283726654840172010-04-23T12:39:00.003-04:002010-04-23T12:45:45.649-04:00Half Price for Half Day at Sophia Institute Press<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuLZ74L44zzLUO565cwFvaGVJDqHb0aqOcVISG-nf_DzU92vMoIzI9lCkC3DtKGAs5WlI5JP0YP-cSX8Bpw9KzrxD502YOlYnFgBrKQ3MODfhGKcBquD_MTWY6jW5bEc-N-oX/s1600/booklady_300px.gif"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuLZ74L44zzLUO565cwFvaGVJDqHb0aqOcVISG-nf_DzU92vMoIzI9lCkC3DtKGAs5WlI5JP0YP-cSX8Bpw9KzrxD502YOlYnFgBrKQ3MODfhGKcBquD_MTWY6jW5bEc-N-oX/s400/booklady_300px.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463374741304427202" border="0" /></a><br />Sophia Institute Press is offering a whole slew of books for half price between now and midnight. Go <a href="http://www.sophiainstitute.com/client/email_ads/100422_halfprice_cc.html">HERE </a>to see what's on sale.<br /><br />Then once you have your books in your shopping cart, <span style="color:black;">enter the discount code <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">halfday </span>and click APPLY. Please note: Discount only applies to the books pictured in the ad at the above link. </span>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-40744671109416565622010-04-17T04:36:00.002-04:002010-04-28T08:58:46.291-04:00Free Webinar on Online Education<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgnhfC_3IkcwgGZedfzd8yU_v_S4iXionOFAThhnNjPZCOtAiwyoHr0X2dL1QS7PKhUMemyTWA5ZwiM1P6MIV0ym9lzULECYDY3HLkTg9CQATI0jzFlmJt6stKKqOfUBzP-juKw/s1600/124.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgnhfC_3IkcwgGZedfzd8yU_v_S4iXionOFAThhnNjPZCOtAiwyoHr0X2dL1QS7PKhUMemyTWA5ZwiM1P6MIV0ym9lzULECYDY3HLkTg9CQATI0jzFlmJt6stKKqOfUBzP-juKw/s400/124.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460328731671623602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">UPDATE: The webinar went great! You can watch the recorded event here: </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://tinyurl.com/23jy4kf">Advantages of Online Education.</a><br /></div><br />Maureen Wittmann will be the presenter for Homeschool Connection's upcoming free webinar: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ykrxlek">Online Education vs. Distance Learning.</a><br /><div><br />The internet, used correctly, can be a big plus for your homeschool. This webinar will focus on online education but will <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span>also explore other internet resources including research options for students, finding homeschool support, and money saving deals. <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span></span>Distance learning has been around for over a century. Studies show that distance learning is as effective as classroom instruction. Today we have a new model of education coming to the forefront: Online Education which is interactive and goes beyond distance learning. New studies indicate that online education is leaving classroom instruction in the dust.<br /><br />Join us for this free and informative webinar to find out why and how. See firsthand the future of education. Attendees will get to personally tryout some of the online educational options. If you own a headset with a microphone, plug it in before entering the webinar and we'll let you use to experience one of the interactive parts of online education.<br /><br />Bring all of your questions as there will be a Q&A segment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Date</span>: Wednesday, April 21, 2010<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Starting time</span>: 8:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (7:00 pm, Central)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Duration</span>: 1 hour<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Presenter's biography</span>: Maureen Wittmann is co-founder of Homeschool Connections along with Walter Crawford. They are bringing online education to homeschoolers around the globe in an effort to help parents provide a faith-filled, world-class education to their children. Maureen is also the author of <a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20">For the Love of Literature </a>and co-author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1933184167/catholictreas-20"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Catholic Homeschool Companion</span></a>. She and her husband Rob homeschool their seven children in Michigan. </div>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-21450550814296738282010-04-16T04:23:00.002-04:002010-04-16T04:23:00.295-04:00Free DVD's from the History Channel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;font-family:Georgia,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><table id="itemcontentlist" style="line-height: 1.22em; font-size: inherit;"><tbody style="line-height: 1.22em;"><tr style="line-height: 1.22em;"><td style="line-height: 1.22em;"><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><a rel="nofollow" name="1" target="_blank" href="http://www.school4jesus.com/free-dvd-set-from-the-history-channel" style="color: rgb(30, 102, 174); line-height: 1.22em; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Free DVD Set from the History Channel</a></p><div style="line-height: 1.22em; font-family: Georgia,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-747" title="usdvdset" alt="" style="line-height: 1.22em;" id="acf3c228-1ee6-4042-aacc-b4bcca022902" src="http://webmail.aol.com/31423-111/aol-1/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=1.27183225&folder=Inbox&partId=4" height="275" width="275" /></p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">The History Channel is giving away a free DVD set to every school in the United States, including homeschools! This soon-to-be-released set is entitled <strong style="line-height: 1.22em;"><em style="line-height: 1.22em;">American-The Story of Us</em></strong>. Here is a quote from the website stating what this 9 1/2 hour DVD set will include:</p><blockquote style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; line-height: 1.22em;"><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">A riveting adventure of how America was invented, AMERICA The Story of Us focuses on the people, ideas and events that built our nation, covering 400 years of American history in the most extensive and in-depth television series ever produced by HISTORY. From the rigors of linking the continent by wagon trails to the transcontinental railway, the engineering of steel-structured buildings, through to landing on the moon, this epic 12-part series is a grand cinematic vision of how this country was built.</p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Sharing their thoughts on the building of America, and what it means to be an American, are a world-class group of individuals including Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas, Buzz Aldrin, Colin Powell, Donald Trump, Tom Brokaw, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Brian Williams and more.</p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">From executive producer Jane Root of <em style="line-height: 1.22em;">Planet Earth</em>, comes the breathtaking journey through history–unlike any other in the past 40 years–with live-action recreations of key historical events through the use of cutting edge CGI animation, giving viewers an immersive view of history in the making.</p></blockquote><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">These DVDs will be shipping in August. The deadline to request a copy is July 1st.</p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">If you are interested, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://shop.history.com/detail.php?p=260010&v=history_show_america-story-of-us&ecid=AFF-7975437" style="color: rgb(30, 102, 174); line-height: 1.22em; font-family: Verdana;">click here to see more information on this DVD set.</a></p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;">Then <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://classroom.history.com/america-dvd/event/form" style="color: rgb(30, 102, 174); line-height: 1.22em; font-family: Verdana;">click here to request your free set</a>!</p><p style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><em style="line-height: 1.22em;">**Note: This DVD history set will NOT be done from a Christian perspective, so you may want to preview these before having your children watch them.</em>**</p><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-48750557471657457092010-04-15T12:06:00.002-04:002010-04-15T12:09:22.058-04:00Freebies for Tax DayAfter writing my check to Uncle Sam I'm so ready for a freebie. Here is a <a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/04/15/income-tax-day-freebies-to-ease-the-april-15-pain/?ncid=webmaildl6">list of Tax Day Freebies from Cinnabon to Starbucks and more.</a>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-52248824219739945892010-03-17T03:45:00.001-04:002010-05-04T09:08:05.975-04:00Dumpster Diving for FoodI've had friends in years past who swore by dumpster diving but never for food. This is interesting ...<br /><blockquote><a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/15/ride-along-on-a-freegan-dumpster-diving-and-save-some-cash/?icid=mainmaindl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F15%2Fride-along-on-a-freegan-dumpster-diving-and-save-some-cash%2F">Ride along on a freegan dumpster dive</a><a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/03/15/ride-along-on-a-freegan-dumpster-diving-and-save-some-cash/?icid=mainmaindl3link3http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walletpop.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F15%2Fride-along-on-a-freegan-dumpster-diving-and-save-some-cash%2F"></a></blockquote><br />That's one way to cut the grocery budget!Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-5160729700028330762010-03-16T08:03:00.000-04:002010-03-16T08:05:16.791-04:00Seton is Having a Sale!<img src="file:///C:/Users/Maureen/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><h1 align="center"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/sembanner.gif" alt="Seton Educational Media" height="50" width="385" /></h1> </td> <td rowspan="2" width="20%"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="1"><center> <span style="font-size:6;"><em><b>SPRING READING SALE!</b></em></span> </center> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table width="100%"> <tbody><tr><td><center> <span style="font-size:+2;color:#ff0000;">SAVE 25%</span><span style="font-size:+1;"> ON ALL </span><span style="font-size:+2;color:#ff0000;">Bethlehem Books</span><span style="font-size:+1;"> TITLES </span> </center> </td></tr> <tr><td><center> <strong>Offer valid through Sunday, March 21st, 2010</strong> </center><br /> </td></tr> </tbody></table> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center" height="139" width="239"><span style="font-size:+1;">Fairchild Series<br /></span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=P-RD04-50" alt="test"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/1-1.gif" style="text-decoration: none;" alt="Fairchild Series" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=P-RD04-50">Grades 3 to 5</a></td> <td align="center" width="239"><span style="font-size:+1;">Alvin Fernald Trilogy<br /></span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=P-RD05-81"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/1-2.gif" style="text-decoration: none;" alt="Alvin Fernald Series" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=P-RD05-81">Grades 4 to 7</a></td> <td align="center" width="239"><p><span style="font-size:+1;">Bethlehem Collection</span><span style="font-size:+1;"><br /> </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/bethlehem.php"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/1-3.gif" alt="Entire Collection of Bethlehem Books" height="94" width="71" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/bethlehem.php">Browse all titles</a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/search.php?subject=&grade=&userSearchString=Diagramming+diag&x=0&y=0">...</a></p></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="4" height="24"><br /><em>You might also be interested in these . . .</em></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" width="25%"><span style="font-size:130%;">Along the Paths</span><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDB3-27"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/2-1.gif" alt="Along the Paths of the Gospel" height="94" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDB3-27">Grades 3 to 4</a></td> <td align="center" width="25%"><span style="font-size:130%;">Vision Series</span><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDST-02"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/2-2.gif" alt="The Vision Series of Saints' Biographies by Ignatius Press" height="94" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDST-02" title="The Vision Series of Saints' Biographies by Ignatius Press">Grades 4 to 8</a></td> <td align="center" width="25%"><span style="font-size:130%;">Windeatt Series</span><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDBK-30"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/2-3.gif" alt="Mary Fabyan Windeatt's biographies of the Saints by Tan Books" height="94" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=M-RDBK-30">Grades 4 to 8</a></td> <td align="center" width="25%"><span style="font-size:130%;">Seton Recommends</span><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/search.php?orderby=alphabetical&authorid=&pubid=&userSearchString=&grade=&subject=Book+Analysis&author=&age=&publisher=&x=19&y=4"><img src="http://www.setonbooks.com/newemail/2-4.gif" alt="Twain, Verne, Dickens, Homer, de Wohl, Hawthorne, and many more . . . " height="94" /></a><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.setonbooks.com/search.php?orderby=alphabetical&authorid=&pubid=&userSearchString=&grade=&subject=Book+Analysis&author=&age=&publisher=&x=19&y=4">Classics for High School</a></td> </tr> </tbody></table><br /> <table border="0" height="73" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td width="10%"> </td> <td width="80%"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman, Times, serif;font-size:180%;"><em><center> Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed </center></em></span></td> <td height="46" width="10%"> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <center> <p>To speak with a helpful representative call (540) 636-9996<br /> Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm EST</p> </center> <p align="left"><strong>Satisfaction Guaranteed</strong>: If you are not satisfied with a product, simply return it in like-new condition with a copy of your invoice within 45 days of purchase for a full refund. Opened software cannot be returned.</p>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-24279116356416604422010-02-24T21:44:00.002-05:002010-02-24T21:49:14.759-05:00Homemade Laundry SoapHave you ever considered making your own laundry soap? If not, here's your chance to give it a try ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.twincities.com/ci_14392038?source=most_emailed&nclick_check=1">Secrets of Homemade Laundry Soap by Mary Hunt</a><br /><br />Please leave a comment and let us know how it works for you.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-59304039715266572712010-02-10T12:45:00.000-05:002010-02-10T12:47:51.902-05:00Become a Facebook Fan and Win a Free Book<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0979760909/catholictreas-20"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBhV85ajDvYrnHrzS9QtI1yF0PEu_GQz-P7xe0qxwPiZ1iyIzCFehYD63hmjC0SEJEKtETcVwN6Cf2Gpmq8Py5NJRWHQ3q-S1-VqRZYm-y9hiti5cz9aX52xHYnKpaBzM8ZvYEw/s320/litcover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436670936774440978" border="0" /></a><br />Join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Homeschool-Connections/205587474936">Homeschool Connections Fan Page</a>, leave a comment, and you could win one of three copies of <span style="font-style: italic;">For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects with Literature</span> by Maureen Wittmann. Contest ends Friday at 7 PM Eastern.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-34348584235618552242010-01-29T15:48:00.004-05:002010-01-29T16:29:04.049-05:00$1.00 Try Out Homeschool Connections Catholic Recorded Courses<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-db3qmkemcJAmm1h5sFWlGPOqy2tzQ8EFVTt3lExs472P06YWkY5IEkOfG3pjwsoDwCYaJgmSrV49BZQkWRpPWlJMyRL5aqAsvx_wgaGXJ6AHdfNq8zmNOpeEv6gmjnWDJ0gG/s1600-h/j0439416.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-db3qmkemcJAmm1h5sFWlGPOqy2tzQ8EFVTt3lExs472P06YWkY5IEkOfG3pjwsoDwCYaJgmSrV49BZQkWRpPWlJMyRL5aqAsvx_wgaGXJ6AHdfNq8zmNOpeEv6gmjnWDJ0gG/s400/j0439416.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432276690288924610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com">Homeschool Connections</a> has a new service that you can try out for <span style="font-weight: bold;">7 days at $1</span>. Just make sure to mark your calendar as it's a subscription service. If you absolutely love it, you don't have to do anything and you'll be charged automatically. If it's not right at this moment then simply cancel. Here's the details:<br /><blockquote>You now have access to a wonderful array of Homeschool Connections past courses. Our live courses have become so popular that we receive many requests to provide the recordings to the Catholic homeschooling community. You speak and we listen.<br /><br /><a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/online-catholic-course-catalog/">For only $1 you can try out our new subscription service for 7 days</a>. You'll have unlimited access to past courses, including 100+ hours of online recordings and 50+ supporting documents (tests, answer keys, etc.). If you find the service isn't for you, then simply unsubscribe before the trial period ends. If you find the subscription service is just what you need for your homeschool, then it's only $30 per month. There is no commitment. You can subscribe for as long or as little as you need.<br /><br />Homeschool Connections is not a home study school but instead provides individual online courses to help Catholic homeschool parents supplement what they are already doing. Our families use a variety of of homeschool methods: Seton, MODG, Kolbe, eclectic, classical, unschooling, etc,<br /></blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recorded Courses Currently Available:</span><br /><br /> * Economics: Principles of Economics and Catholic Perspectives with David Harris, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: Beowulf and Christ with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer -- Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: The Catholic Shakespeare -- MacBeth with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: King Arthur and Christ -- Heroism and Holiness with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight -- Chivalry, Courtesy and Chastity with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: Tolkien and Fairy Stories with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* Science: Blood: In Sickness and In Health with Kris Correira, PA<br />* Theology: Catholic Spiritual Writers with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* Theology: Christian Anthropology with Monica Ashour, MTS<br />* Theology: The Mass Explained with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* Theology: Moral Theology with Monica Ashour, MTS<br />* Writing: College Preparatory Writing with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* Career Search Skills: Beacon of Light in a Dark Economy (adult course) with Derek Prentice<br /><br />New courses added every month!<br /><br />Coming in February:<br />* Government: American Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet<br />* Theology: Social Ethics with Monica Ashour, MTS<br /><br />Coming in March:<br />* Literature: Homer’s Odyssey: The Soul of Pre-Socratic Wisdom with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Logic: Introduction to Formal Logic with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* Science: Immunity in Sickness and in Health with Kris Correira, PA<br /><br />Coming in April:<br />* Literature: Chesterton; Man of Letters with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* History: Roots of the Revolt (1417-1560) with Phillip Campbell<br /><br />Coming in May:<br />* Philosophy: Fallacies and Paradoxes with Jean Rioux, Ph.D.<br />* Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid: The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell, Ph.D.<br />* Theology: Pope John Paul's Theology of the Body with Monica Ashour, MTS<br /><br />Coming in June:<br />* How to Write a Research Paper (Preparing for College) with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.<br />* History: The Age of the Religious Wars (1560-1648) with Phillip Campbell<br /><br />To subscribe click here: <a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.com/online-catholic-course-catalog/recorded-courses/">Online Catholic Classes</a> (Recorded)Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-30801674288811297032009-12-20T17:00:00.003-05:002011-02-22T13:07:34.132-05:00Recipe: Winter Root PuddingMy friend Patsy gave this sweet potato recipe to me years ago. It is absolutely delish!!!! My kids love it as it's pumped full of sugar and fat, which is why we save it for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Root Pudding</span><br />3 cups mashed sweet potatoes<br />3/4 cup sugar<br />1/2 c. melted butter<br />3 eggs beaten<br />1/3 cup milk<br />1 Tblsp. vanilla<br /><br />Topping:<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)<br />1/2 flour<br />1/2 cup butter, softened<br /><br />Mix together and pour into a 9 x 9 pan, which has been sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle on the topping. Bake at 350 for 25 to 35 minutes.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-77033921952874342482009-10-05T08:49:00.003-04:002009-10-05T09:10:05.674-04:00Scoring Your DoctorThere are few websites out there that allow you to rate your doctor's care as well as look and see how other people have rated their doctors. This could a useful tool though I imagine it could be abused (ratings are anonymous and an ex-spouse or jealous co-worker could do some damage) but all in all I think it's a great idea.<br /><br />If you'd check it out here are a couple of links:<br /><a href="http://www.drscore.com/">DrScore</a><br /><a href="http://www.ratemds.com/">RateMDs</a><br /><br />There is even a website where you can rate your prescription drugs:<br /><a href="http://www.drugratingz.com/">DrugRatingZ</a><br /><br />If you are familiar with these or other medical rating services, please leave a comment and tell us what you think.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-31592561363162209522009-08-23T05:21:00.001-04:002009-08-23T08:31:09.963-04:00Saving and Organizing Children's Art ProjectsHere is a great blog post (with pictures and step-by-step instructions) from Ariane: <a href="http://www.my-photo-video.com/save-children-art-projects-kid-digital-craft-preservation-forever/">Save Every Last Art and Craft Your Kids Make… Forever… in One Small Box!</a><br /><blockquote>I know our house tends to get overrun with the multitude of paper mache, ceramics, posterboard, lapbooks, etc. from homeschooling creative children. I thought you might be interested in my latest blog post on how to preserve the projects without needing to rent a storage unit. The post contains step-by-step directions on techniques for saving the various children's art/science projects.</blockquote>Check out the rest of Ariane's blog while you're there and you'll learn loads about home photography and video. Great stuff: <a href="http://www.my-photo-video.com/">My Photo Video: Helping Capture the Best Memories of Your Life</a>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-30750063343896067032009-08-22T07:08:00.000-04:002009-08-22T07:08:00.101-04:00Sacred Heart Books Discount<span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw in mater et magistra (<a href="http://materetmagistramagazine.org/">Catholic homeschooling</a> magazine) that <a href="http://www.sacredheartbooksandgifts.com/">Sacred Heart Books </a>discounts all their books and texts 15% all the time so no coupon needed. Plus they have free shipping for orders over $25. That is a sweet deal.<br /></span>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-77226567462774718102009-08-21T06:37:00.004-04:002009-09-04T15:00:04.762-04:00Paying for College Without Going Broke<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ADDENDUM: The live webinar went great! You can watch the recording for free:<br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/paycollege">How to Pay for College Without Breaking Your Bank</a><br /></span></div><br />Homeschool Connections is hosting a free webinar on <a href="http://homeschoolconnectionsonline.blogspot.com/2009/08/free-webinar-paying-for-college-without.html">How to Pay for College Without Breaking Your Bank.</a><br /><br />I don't know about you, but this is a hot topic at my house. Not just when talking about my 19- and 17-year olds, but the 9- and 7-year olds too! This is one free event I'll not be missing!Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-74668596188749339652009-08-15T01:56:00.002-04:002009-08-15T02:00:12.153-04:00Fee-Free Weekend This Weekend<span style="font-family:Century Gothic;">This is short notice, but just in case ...<br /><br />From my friend Lisa:<br /><br />Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm">this site</a> for a state-by-state list of participating parks.</span>Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22397360.post-74530860158135054922009-08-14T08:12:00.002-04:002009-08-14T08:14:09.582-04:00Discount Code: Ecce Homo Press<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eccehomopress.com/EcceHomoPress.html"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofMrACeLBazwxSXUNIh0CnVtnnzyNa3hsJizoE8B4S85UnEY7bimgfL4om8GxGf6O0agH4z3wEi0c8qZpcJP6RuDR-9swNyfK5UCN2suNGvNGxq2HIXFZ15vu5t0mu4Yj9-_v/s400/ehp-banner-web1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369791433074206882" /></a><br />Joan Stromberg of <a href="http://www.eccehomopress.com/">Ecce Homo Press</a> has created a discount code just for Thrifty Homeschoolers! To receive 10% off any online order just use the code <span style="font-weight: bold;">THRIFTY</span>. It's good until October 31, 2009.<br /><br />If you are not familiar with Ecce Homo they produce all kinds of wonderful items with Catholic homeschoolers in mind:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For the Love of Literature</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Little Flowers Girls Club</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blue Knight Boys Club</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Little Women Hospitality</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our Lady's Honor Guard</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Glory of America series</span><br /><br />Ecce Homo comes from John 19:5, <span style="font-style: italic;">Behold the Ma</span>n.Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306638938982553941noreply@blogger.com0