(This is a guest post by my friend Katie, who is an excellent mother and educator – both in the public and private sector.  I value her opinions and trust her insights.)

Word Play Cafe
Written and Illustrated by Michael Kline

Cost: $10.95

Recommended Age Range: 3rd grade +

Word Play Café is a book filled with activities such as “cool codes, pricless punzles® & phantastic phonetic phun”.  Kline, a self-proposed “word freak”, has created activities to teach kids all the neat things that they can do with words.    Over all, this book would be a great resource to have in a Writer’s Workshop in a classroom or used as enrichment activities for students about mid-third grade and higher; any younger and Kline’s humor would be wasted.

Positive Points
It was an interesting read from an adult’s point of view.
The activities looked fun for large and small numbers alike.
It is filled with interesting facts and fun plays on words
Great for enrichment activities for older elementary kids (older than 10)
Negative Nellies
The lessons, while interesting, would not be able not be able to stand alone
Younger kids (or less mature kids) would have a hard time with some of the activities and understanding the humor

Would we recommend it? Yes!  It’s a great resource.

Are you an educator?  Click HERE for a free version of this book.

Welcome back!

I’m continuously searching for the “best” curriculum for our needs, which are ever-changing.  Unfortunately, my small town leaves a lot desired when it comes to curriculum availability.  And, because I’m an incredibly visual and hands-on person, it’s hard for me to commit to buying things that I can’t thumb through.

I was recently given the chance to take a sneak peak at the Epi Kardia curriculum.  It, along with a few others, had been bookmarked in my “check out later” file – so when the chance came along, I was giddy.  No lie.

Epi Kardia is a literature based Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling.  What does that mean?  Well, Epi Kardia uses the Bible to take your student through history.  But, wait.  If you think your student is just going to be memorizing passages, you are so wrong.  The folks at Epi Kardia have broken down a structured learning plan for each grade.  For example, if you choose the first set in the 1st Grade plan, you’re child will be learning about:  The Ancients, Middle Ages, Renaissance & Reformation.

With each topic, the Bible along with a variety of other christian and non-christian (but approved by Epi Kardia) books are used to help teach your child more about the subject he or she is supposed to be learning.  Because of it’s Charlotte Mason approach, Epi Kardia also includes a lot of copy-work and handwriting exercises.  Because it’s so impressive to see how they’ve really brought a myriad of important subjects (Bible, History/Reading, Science, English/Phonics, Arts) together in a wonderful education plan, I thought you should have a look for yourself.

Sample

Also, if you’re curious to know more, I urge you to check out their Scope and Sequence for first grade.

Epi Kardia has done a marvelous job of pulling everything together in an easy to understand format.  Their lesson plans are affordable, and very easy to use.

Quick Breakdown

Pros -

• Teaches Bible, History/Reading, Science, English/Phonics, Arts (some programs similar to this one do not teach science)
• Included is a book list, complete with ISBN numbers
• The plans leave plenty of time for “projects”
• Costs about the same as its competitors’ programs ($250 for printed, $200 for CD)
• Requires little planning as it’s all done for you!

Cons -

• It’s a Charlotte Mason approach, so if your child doesn’t learn well with this method, it may not be right for them.  (Although, if you’ve never tried it, I’d recommend it!)
• It didn’t have quite as many projects as I’d like – I’m VERY hands on and project-oriented, as is my oldest.  But, this is easily remedied, and extra project or two can be added to our schedule.  However, for those of you who aren’t insane about crafting and projects the way I am, they have the perfect amount.  Enough to teach a point without being overbearing for your schedule.
• You’re actually going to have to go to the library or amazon.com to get the books.  Everything you need is not included in these plans (meaning, you’ll have to buy or borrow books from their book-lists).

Would I use it?

Yes, yes I would.

**Sign up for their mailing list for 2 free poetry ebooks AND an incredible discount code (that will come in a second email).

Disclaimer:   As always, all opinions and thoughts on this material and product are mine and mine alone.  As a part of the review process, I did receive the product being reviewed in order to give my honest thoughts on it.  I was not (and will never be) paid for a review with a certain outcome.

I actually wrote these posts in 2010…I’m just getting around to sharing the last of them

The books in this list were read by me in 2010 – not necessarily written in 2010.  I read probably triple what’s on this list, but these were my favorites…

52 Fantastic Dates For You And Your Mate by Claudia and David Arp – EXCELLENT book, filled with fun date ideas (many of them can be frugal AND expensive, depending on how you choose to embellish.)

Life Lines by Dave Meyer (Joyce Meyer’s husband) – Great book if you’re looking for some short devotionals to carry you through your day.  Not too preachy, not super in depth.  Short and sweet and lovely!

The Descent by Jeff Long – (also, Deeper by Jeff Long.  These are both a little spooky, but wonderfully gripping.  Occasional graphic-ness, but definitely two of my favorites!)

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay – a chilling Holocaust story, wonderfully written.

Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan – If you ever doubt or wonder how much God truly loves you (I mean, truly…), check this one out.  It’s written so its reader doesn’t need a doctorate in theology or english to understand it and enjoy it.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream by David Platt – Super good.  A must read.  –Especially if your name is Joel Osteen.  By the way, prepare to be a little uncomfortable as you read this book…but, it’s worth it!

Child of Wonder: Nurturing Creative and Naturally Curious Children by Ginger Carlson – You have kids?  Great, you need this book.

Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search For The American Dream by Adam Shepard – Have you read Nickel and Dimed?  Great, because this is nothing like that.  Adam took the clothes on his back, $25, and only a few other items and gave up everything else…trying to see if he could make it back.  He lived in shelters and worse.  His story is one of courage and honesty…but most of all…inspiring.

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti – It’s Christian fiction, and it’s really good.  Ever wonder what it’d be like to have angels and demons fighting over you?  After reading this book, you’ll discover it’s much like the life you already know…

Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of  a Woman’s Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge – You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever knew in this one.

How To Hear From God by Joyce Meyer – Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to actually hear from God?  Wonder no more as Joyce takes you through this topic, step-by-step.

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman – Whether you’re married, single, a parent, or whatever…you need this book.  Unless of course, you’re a hermit, then…nevermind.

The Last Oracle by James Rollins – Great piece of fiction.

Same Kind Of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore – I’m not even sure if you can read this and not be changed.  I’m just not even sure it’s possible.

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson – an interesting smattering of characters combined with a plot that keeps you on your toes…what’s not to love?

Sundays At Tiffany’s by James Patterson – A love story between a child and her best friend, who happens to be imaginary.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen – Gruen did an excellent job of researching for her story.  This book will definitely leave you wanting for more!

What are some of your favorites?

I’m well aware it’s 2011 already, but the end of 2010 went by in a blur.  I wanted to share some of my favorite movies from (meaning, when I watched them) 2010.  What were some of your favorites?  (By the way, the links link you up to their Amazon page if you start feeling like you desperately need to watch them NOW. – Which I recommend.)

Avatar

Tooth Fairy

Couples Retreat (2009, actually – but I didn’t see it until 2010 )

Ramona and Beezus

Inception

Yes Man (also 2009, but hey…sometimes it takes me a while to get around to the new releases )

I don’t have to tell you about this dreary cold weather – most of you already know.  Curling up on the couch with my soft pajamas and a good book, something seemed to be missing – and the kids’ juice just wasn’t doing it.

The people at Bosch (makers of the Tassimo T20) must have sensed my distress (I think of them as the grown up’s Santa Claus), and sent something to warm me up.

THIS:

I’ll be honest, at first I wasn’t sure how much I’d use this handy little coffee maker.  I mean, I’m the girl who likes her sugar and creamer with a side of coffee and prefers it fresh EVERY TIME.  I can’t drink an entire pot – and sometimes, I can’t even drink an entire cup.  Then, there are days where the fickleness takes over and if I have to wait, I talk myself out of it completely (which would mean an entire pot of completely useless cold coffee!)

But, despite my first thoughts, I opened the box and plugged in the sleek coffee maker, noting how cool it’d be to be able to only make one cup at a time.  Within only minutes (I kid you not), I had the entire system set up and ready to go.  I turned it on.  Put my cup in.  Selected my disc and put it in.  Pushed a button.  And…in 60 seconds, I was adding caramel syrup and whipped cream to my FRESH and HOT cappuccino.

Turns out, I love this thing.

Also turns out, my mom now comes here instead of stopping for her coffee treats at local shops/restaurants.

In 60 seconds, I can turn out perfect cappuccinos, coffees, teas, iced coffees, and hot chocolates!  I simply push a button and the Tassimo T-20 reads the barcode on the disc and IT decides how much water to add!  I just sit back and enjoy the aroma as it wafts through my house!

Starbucks.  Gevalia.  Twinings.  Mastro Lorenzo.  Kenco.  Cafe HAG.  Nabob.  Seattle’s Best Coffee.  Maxwell House.  Suchard.  Carte Noire.  Jacobs.  Milka.  Tazo.  –All some of the great brands that feature discs for the Tassimo T20 discs.

What’s more is Bosch is giving away a Tassimo T-20 to one of www.Bosssanders.com’s lucky readers!

WANT ONE?

To enter, simply leave a comment, making sure to leave your email address so I can contact you.

For extra chances to enter:

- Tweet this contest with a link to this post and come back and let me know.
- Facebook this contest with a link to this post and come back and let me know.
- Post this contest on your blog with a link to this post and leave the link to your blog post in comments here.
Other useful information:

- Contest ends January 8, 2011.
- Open to U.S. residents only.

Disclaimer:  The Tassimo T-20 was sent to me on behalf of Bosch for an honest review on my website.  As always, all opinions are honest and they are mine.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MIKE DARLING ON WINNING YOUR VERY OWN TASSIMO T20!!  THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

When I say the words, “Christmas Adventure” – what comes to mind?

Standing in long lines at 2 am to race to the biggest deals?

Wrapping paper debacles?

Getting shocked by Christmas lights or falling off the roof while trying to secure the 100th strand?

I know we’re getting short on time, since it’s nearly Christmas (yay, flu!), but this timeless resource will be good year after year.  I’m loving “A Christmas Adventure” by Scripture Adventures - packed full of relevant and interesting illustrated lessons, crafts, and recipes for this Christmas season.    It’s only 7.99 and comes in both KJV and NIV versions!

In “A Christmas Adventure” kids will make:
Christmas Scripture Countdown Chain
Christmas Rebus Story
Popcorn Garland for your tree
Hand-made Christmas Cards
Songs for Caroling
Candy Cane Reindeer
Written Testimony of Christ
Paper Poinsettia
Christmas Greeting Banner
Merry Christmas Word Search
Homemade Wrapping Paper
Angel Bringing Good Tidings Poster
Christmas Dove Craft
Peace on Earth Bookmarks
“Stained Glass” Christmas Picture
Clay Pot Nativity
Christmas Bird Ornaments
Nativity Puppets
Holiday Spice Potpourri
9 Christmas Coloring Pages

Plus 26 easy-to-make Christmas recipes for kids:
Crispy Christmas Trees
Crispy Christmas Wreaths
Edible Cookie Wreath Oranaments
Ornament Cookies
Crockpot Carmel Apples
Old Fashioned English Toffee
Kid Friendly Fudge
Almond Roca
Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Hearts
Candy Cane Cupcakes
Chocolate Caliente
Mexican Hot Chocolate Jars
Super Simple Gingerbread Kids
Frosty’s Almond Bark
Easy Scottish Truffles
Pioneer Potato Pancakes
Cornbread Rusk
Gingersnaps
Parmesan Breadstick Shepherd Staffs
Royal Chocolate Cheesecake Squares
Auntie June’s Scottish Shortbread
Chocolate Covered Peanuts
Christmas Tree Cake
Rudolph’s Antlers
Rudolph and Friends Cupcakes

Interested?  You can go here to download a free sample to try it out.

Or, you can buy it here.

Yesterday, I ran out to the mall to grab this:

(Sears, $59.95)

I’d first heard about and seen these vibrantly colored *on sale* jackets a week ago, but had decided to wait and not buy on impulse.  A week later, I was still REALLY wanting this jacket that featured one of my “pop” colors, so I decided to go ahead and make the purchase – that, and I had a gift-card

When it comes to clothing, I’m a pretty simple girl.  I’ve always played it safe.  I wouldn’t say I dress BAD – I just conservatively use accessories, and for the most part, stick to the same old colors and styles of clothing that have worked since high school (except with less words written on them, and my skirts are longer these days )

Actually, most of my wardrobe comes from 2002-2003.  High school.  Part of me really wants to branch out, try something NEW and EXCITING.  The rest of me? –Just doesn’t want to look like a moron who let her 3 year old dress her.

Enter Good Girls Don’t Have To Dress Bad by Shari Braendel.  In Shari’s book, she walks you through (with great full-color photographs, I might add!):

• what your real body type is – and what types of clothing work best for it, as well as some entire outfit ideas.
• your “colors” – which colors look best on you and what you should avoid (for each skin type).
• which accessories should be worn by each body type and how to know if you’re wearing enough or how much is too much.
• the art of undergarments.
• how to divide and conquer swimwear.
• hair and makeup – including the best hairstyles for your face shape.
• jeans – with specific ideas and resources for how to find the perfect fit for your body type and budget.  (I LOVE THIS!)-
• (and more)

I’ve seen all sorts of books and websites that have claimed to do bits and pieces of what Shari’s done and I haven’t been impressed.  Many times, I’ve been left more confused than I began, or found myself fitting into 2 or 3 categories, not knowing where I really belonged.  However, in Shari’s book, she walks you through each section – one step at a time.  And, she does it with lots of full color photographs – which, for me, makes things MUCH easier.

Want to get a tiny taste?  You can check out Shari’s Free Color Analysis HERE.  Let me warn you, the information contained on the analysis isn’t as complete as in the book (although accurate) and will leave you WANTING her great book, Good Girls Don’t Have To Dress Bad.

*FULL DISCLOSURE:  I received this product in order to do a review.  Just like always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and mine.  I believe that settles it. 

After approximately 30 days of wearing my Skechers (although I wasn’t able to wear them 24/7 as I’d first intended), it’s time to bring this review to a close.  I learned a lot from my past 30 days of Skechers:

For example…

• you can change the intensity of your workout simply with how you step
• walking is more comfortable in these shoes (compared to many other athletic shoes)
• they make walking more fun (No really, these shoes almost feel like they propel you forward!)
• it’s best to avoid stairs until you’ve gotten used to them – the curved bottoms could keep you off-balance and cause a fall

While I loved these shoes, and they did undoubtedly do a little toning, they weren’t miracle shoes.  Sorry, ladies.  If you’re looking for a miracle shoe that will tame the rolls and flab, these aren’t going to magically give you your college body back.

With that said, they ARE useful if you are wanting to amplify your walking routine (or, you’re wanting to start one ).

Technically week 2 ended 2 days ago, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to post.

I’ve laced up my Skechers each day, but after a few days, I felt nothing “different.”

So, I decided to up the ante a bit and began lacing them up each night to walk TWO miles.

At first, I could feel the slight burn.  But, then.  Nothing.

I actually wanted and hoped for soreness…proof that my body was DOING something.

A little bummed, I called a friend of mine (who happens to own her own pair of Skechers shape ups).  Her advice?  Take a break from my Shape-Ups and go back to my regular athletic shoes for a few days.

So, currently I’m on my “break” – I’m still planning to walk, but with regular athletic shoes.  –And, on my first walk with regular shoes, I noticed something that never happened before…my ankles and my knees hurt.  Granted, it could’ve been something weird going on with my body OR it could be that the Skechers were easier on those parts of my body.  I’m not sure yet, but I’ll weigh in after I walk a little more in my “old shoes.”

I’m really excited to see what happens!

ONE THING I HAVE NOTICED is that these shoes are not only more comfortable to walk in, but they are also great for my circulation.  My legs used to itch like crazy when I walked very far or long and the Skechers Shape-Ups keep that from happening.

My legs are back to feeling “normal” again, so I’m thinking it’s time to rev up my walking

My husband and I were at a local “super-store” and he eyed some of the knock-off leg toning shoes.  He couldn’t believe how DIFFERENT the ones I have looked than the ones being sold – and, I have to say, Skechers has done a great job at making them look more stream-lined.

Anyhow, that’s pretty much the only updates I have – that, and I’m finding some really cool neighborhoods and homes for sale and rent!

One week down, three to go!