Thursday, April 29, 2010

$10 Sale: Teaching Company

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.

Currently, there is an amazing $10 sale going on. Shipping is another $10 for the whole order. However, I found a coupon code: 42248 which should give you shipping for only $.99!

Note: ENDS TODAY!!!

Addendum: 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.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Free Stuff in the Blogosphere

To celebrate 5 years in the blogosphere, Alicia Van Hecke is giving away loads of free gifts including (more to come as the week progresses):
1. Subscriptions to mater et magistra magazine (Catholic homeschooling magazine): (3 copies)

2. I Remember Mama - Irene Dunne, 1948 (3 copies)

3. Christmas in Connecticut - Barbara Stanwyck, 1945 (3 copies)

4. Books by Melissa Wiley (3 books)

5. The Kitchen Madonna by Rumer Godden (1 copy)

6. The Rosary: Keeping Company with Jesus and Mary by Karen Edmisten (1 copy)

7. The Catholic Homeschool Companion, edited by Maureen Wittmann and Rachel Mackson (1 copy)

8. Homeschool Connections Subscription Service (1 month free subscription)
Check out Studeo to learn all the details.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Half Price for Half Day at Sophia Institute Press


Sophia Institute Press is offering a whole slew of books for half price between now and midnight. Go HERE to see what's on sale.

Then once you have your books in your shopping cart, enter the discount code halfday and click APPLY. Please note: Discount only applies to the books pictured in the ad at the above link.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Free Webinar on Online Education

UPDATE: The webinar went great! You can watch the recorded event here: Advantages of Online Education.

Maureen Wittmann will be the presenter for Homeschool Connection's upcoming free webinar: Online Education vs. Distance Learning.

The internet, used correctly, can be a big plus for your homeschool. This webinar will focus on online education but will also explore other internet resources including research options for students, finding homeschool support, and money saving deals.

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.

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.

Bring all of your questions as there will be a Q&A segment.

Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (7:00 pm, Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter's biography: 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 For the Love of Literature and co-author of The Catholic Homeschool Companion. She and her husband Rob homeschool their seven children in Michigan.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Free DVD's from the History Channel

Free DVD Set from the History Channel

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 American-The Story of Us. Here is a quote from the website stating what this 9 1/2 hour DVD set will include:

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.

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.

From executive producer Jane Root of Planet Earth, 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.

These DVDs will be shipping in August. The deadline to request a copy is July 1st.

If you are interested, click here to see more information on this DVD set.

Then click here to request your free set!

**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.**


Thursday, April 15, 2010

Freebies for Tax Day

After writing my check to Uncle Sam I'm so ready for a freebie. Here is a list of Tax Day Freebies from Cinnabon to Starbucks and more.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Dumpster Diving for Food

I've had friends in years past who swore by dumpster diving but never for food. This is interesting ...
Ride along on a freegan dumpster dive

That's one way to cut the grocery budget!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Seton is Having a Sale!

Seton  Educational Media

SPRING READING SALE!
SAVE 25% ON ALL Bethlehem Books TITLES
Offer valid through Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Fairchild Series
Fairchild Series
Grades 3 to 5
Alvin Fernald Trilogy
Alvin Fernald Series
Grades 4 to 7

Bethlehem Collection
Entire Collection  of Bethlehem Books
Browse all titles...


You might also be interested in these . . .
Along the Paths
Along the Paths of  the Gospel
Grades 3 to 4
Vision Series
The Vision Series  of Saints' Biographies by Ignatius Press
Grades 4 to 8
Windeatt Series
Mary Fabyan  Windeatt's biographies of the Saints by Tan Books
Grades 4 to 8
Seton Recommends
Twain, Verne,  Dickens, Homer, de Wohl, Hawthorne, and many more . . .
Classics for High School

Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed

To speak with a helpful representative call (540) 636-9996
Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm EST

Satisfaction Guaranteed: 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.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Homemade Laundry Soap

Have you ever considered making your own laundry soap? If not, here's your chance to give it a try ...

Secrets of Homemade Laundry Soap by Mary Hunt

Please leave a comment and let us know how it works for you.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Become a Facebook Fan and Win a Free Book


Join the Homeschool Connections Fan Page, leave a comment, and you could win one of three copies of For the Love of Literature: Teaching Core Subjects with Literature by Maureen Wittmann. Contest ends Friday at 7 PM Eastern.

Friday, January 29, 2010

$1.00 Try Out Homeschool Connections Catholic Recorded Courses

Homeschool Connections has a new service that you can try out for 7 days at $1. 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:
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.

For only $1 you can try out our new subscription service for 7 days. 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.

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,

Recorded Courses Currently Available:

* Economics: Principles of Economics and Catholic Perspectives with David Harris, Ph.D.
* Literature: Beowulf and Christ with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Literature: The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer -- Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Literature: The Catholic Shakespeare -- MacBeth with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Literature: King Arthur and Christ -- Heroism and Holiness with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Literature: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight -- Chivalry, Courtesy and Chastity with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Literature: Tolkien and Fairy Stories with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* Science: Blood: In Sickness and In Health with Kris Correira, PA
* Theology: Catholic Spiritual Writers with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* Theology: Christian Anthropology with Monica Ashour, MTS
* Theology: The Mass Explained with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* Theology: Moral Theology with Monica Ashour, MTS
* Writing: College Preparatory Writing with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* Career Search Skills: Beacon of Light in a Dark Economy (adult course) with Derek Prentice

New courses added every month!

Coming in February:
* Government: American Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet
* Theology: Social Ethics with Monica Ashour, MTS

Coming in March:
* Literature: Homer’s Odyssey: The Soul of Pre-Socratic Wisdom with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Logic: Introduction to Formal Logic with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* Science: Immunity in Sickness and in Health with Kris Correira, PA

Coming in April:
* Literature: Chesterton; Man of Letters with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* History: Roots of the Revolt (1417-1560) with Phillip Campbell

Coming in May:
* Philosophy: Fallacies and Paradoxes with Jean Rioux, Ph.D.
* Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid: The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell, Ph.D.
* Theology: Pope John Paul's Theology of the Body with Monica Ashour, MTS

Coming in June:
* How to Write a Research Paper (Preparing for College) with Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
* History: The Age of the Religious Wars (1560-1648) with Phillip Campbell

To subscribe click here: Online Catholic Classes (Recorded)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Recipe: Winter Root Pudding

My 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.

Winter Root Pudding
3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 c. melted butter
3 eggs beaten
1/3 cup milk
1 Tblsp. vanilla

Topping:
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 flour
1/2 cup butter, softened

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.

Monday, October 05, 2009

Scoring Your Doctor

There 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.

If you'd check it out here are a couple of links:
DrScore
RateMDs

There is even a website where you can rate your prescription drugs:
DrugRatingZ

If you are familiar with these or other medical rating services, please leave a comment and tell us what you think.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Saving and Organizing Children's Art Projects

Here is a great blog post (with pictures and step-by-step instructions) from Ariane: Save Every Last Art and Craft Your Kids Make… Forever… in One Small Box!
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.
Check out the rest of Ariane's blog while you're there and you'll learn loads about home photography and video. Great stuff: My Photo Video: Helping Capture the Best Memories of Your Life

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Sacred Heart Books Discount

I saw in mater et magistra (Catholic homeschooling magazine) that Sacred Heart Books 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.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Paying for College Without Going Broke

ADDENDUM: The live webinar went great! You can watch the recording for free:
How to Pay for College Without Breaking Your Bank

Homeschool Connections is hosting a free webinar on How to Pay for College Without Breaking Your Bank.

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!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fee-Free Weekend This Weekend

This is short notice, but just in case ...

From my friend Lisa:

Visit this site for a state-by-state list of participating parks.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Discount Code: Ecce Homo Press


Joan Stromberg of Ecce Homo Press has created a discount code just for Thrifty Homeschoolers! To receive 10% off any online order just use the code THRIFTY. It's good until October 31, 2009.

If you are not familiar with Ecce Homo they produce all kinds of wonderful items with Catholic homeschoolers in mind:
For the Love of Literature
Little Flowers Girls Club
Blue Knight Boys Club
Little Women Hospitality
Our Lady's Honor Guard
Glory of America series

Ecce Homo comes from John 19:5, Behold the Man.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Coupon Code: Adoremus Books

In the current issue of mater et magistra (Catholic homeschooling magazine) Adoremus Books has a discount code for 10% off online orders. The expiration date is 10/01/2009. MAG709

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Free Stuff from NASA for Homeschoolers!

Last week Domenico Ruggiero gave an awesome webinar on his work at NASA. It was a wonderful learning experience for my family. The great news is that the webinar was recorded and you can watch it yourself at: One Small Step for Parents, One Giant Leap for Homeschool Kids: Insights from a NASA Engineer.

If you have a child with the least bit interest in aerospace, astronomy or engineering, you absolutely should not miss this one.

PLUS, Domenico arranged with NASA to give away all kinds of neat NASA goodies -- posters, decals, rulers, and more. To receive these giveaways drop Domenico an email. He'll email back a form so you can choose what you would like to receive. But don't wait! The deadline is August 19, 2009.