Deal Alert Reminder: Green Pastures Back to School Sale

What's Savin'?

Green Pastures is my one health splurge.  I am a big baby and just take the FCLO/BO caps and so now that's what my kids take too.  They use to take the plain with raw local honey drizzled on it with no problem.  I don't think they would want to go back to that now, though!  I tried a friend's cinnamon gel and... well... like I said I'm a big baby! [Hi, K!!]

Green Pastures CLO (before they had the fermented cod liver oil) was instrumental in helping with symptom relief of a chronic issue I have.  Instrumental.  Majorly so.  Unbelievably so.  It still helps it stay somewhat at bay.  I would do better if I took the full dose, but I only take 1 cap so the children can have more and stretch the bottle further.

This is their awesome once a year back to school sale.  Unfortunately I'm not sure I can take advantage of it but maybe some of you can :).  I would save, literally, over $10 a bottle. 

The one we use is the Fermented Cod Liver Oil with Butter Oil.  I also have a few bottles of just the Butter Oil that we take more spaced out to help with dental health.

See here for details:

http://www.greenpasture.org/utility/showArticle/?objectID=8798

Happy Savin'!

Deal Alert Reminder: FREE Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils

What's Savin'?



August is almost over and my little August promo for Young Living sign-ups is almost over as well.

In reality I won't order the books until Saturday, September 6th, so I can technically extend it until then.  The last enrollee's acct showed up almost immediately; however, just to make sure you're included in the deal, let me know and I'll wait for your enrollment to show.

YL Oils have helped me in numerous ways throughout the years and I hope this little gift will help others as they delve into the world of essential oils.

Here are the details:

Eclectic Living Crafts and Such's Young Living August Deal:

Free Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils upon enrollment using 1634316 (use that number for both sponsor and enroller). Once enrollment is verified I will mail you your free book. This is my own little promo, not a corporate promo.

Here is the link to my current YL webpage and the tab to join says "Sign up here."
https://www.youngliving.org/jdeamohr

Here is the direct link to the sign-up page with my number embedded:

https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?isoCountryCode=US&sponsorid=1634316&enrollerid=1634316





Disclaimer:  The Amazon links are affiliate links and I just might get a tiny commission if you purchase through them at Amazon at no extra cost to you.  I am a Young Living Independent Distributor and would be your upline if you choose to enroll with my member number.

More Physical Science Prep

What's Schoolin'?

Here are some resources I've come across as I prepare for the first day of class and some random thoughts... 

I got each student a quadrille (graph paper) composition notebook to use for their Lab Notebook.  They are only $1 at Wal-Mart right now [Sorry, I got the last 8 at my store!].  Years ago when I spent h-o-u-r-s looking for the perfect lab notebook for my olders I settled on quadrille paper.  Actually, there was the most perfect paper at the dollar store but I could never find it again when we ran out.  It was lined on the front side with graph paper on the back.  Too cool!  Anyway, we found that it works just as fine as the fancy ones I found online.

Here is a great idea of using a 5 subject divided spiral with sections for vocabulary words, on your own questions, study guide questions, and labs (with an extra section):
http://www.reallifeathome.com/how-to-organize-apologia-science/

Very good description of setting up a lab notebook:
http://donnayoung.org/science/lab-notebook.htm

I really like this explanation and example of a lab write-up.  I'll adjust it and use it for class:

http://donnayoung.org/apologia/ex-cr.htm

http://donnayoung.org/apologia/labhow-cr.htm

A nice schedule/lessons with notes.  Mine is already made but I found this helpful and will print it to keep with mine.
http://donnayoung.org/fi14a/apologia-f/phys/dy_pys-sci_ed1.pdf
An updated version of the same:
http://donnayoung.org/fi14a/apologia-f/phys/michelles-phys-sci-ed-2.pdf
This is where I found them:
http://donnayoung.org/apologia/physical-sci-schedule.htm#grades

By the way, these schedules are fantastic.  I've printed a few in hopes of following them, lol... but I will try again :).  Youngest really likes to have things laid out, planned, scheduled, and trackable.  Go figure!  Mainly I will print them out for her for Teaching Textbooks.  Last year she had me go through Excel Math and write down where she needed to be when in order to finish the curriculum at the end of May.  Again, go figure!
http://corefoundations.wordpress.com/schedules/

Here is her core foundations schedule for Apologia's Physical Science.  I may print this out as well to keep on hand. 
http://corefoundations.wordpress.com/scheds-math-science/

Home Science Tools

What's Schoolin'?

I will be teaching Physical Science at a local homeschool enrichment program this year to middle schoolers.  The text we're using is Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science I am really jazzed about it.  This will probably be the easiest class I've ever taught because it's planned out and I'll be following a curriculum... okay, so I'm already tweaking the first lesson but then I'll follow the book... maybe?

I was prepping and listing out the materials I would need for the first class' experiments.  After figuring out the items I would need to gather or the program would need to buy I got a wonderful surprise.  Last year they had invested in the Home Science Tools box for Physical Science. I've seen them online through the years but they were too pricey for me.  I would just fumble through our Science courses gathering as we went.  That has worked out fine, actually, it just took some extra planning and letting go of some activities when I couldn't get the materials.  However... Now that I've seen how helpful it is $35 seems fair.

It was so nice to have the copper wire, 9-V battery, etc that I need for Thursday right there waiting for me in the box :).

This is the link when I did a search on their site for "Montessori Kit":
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=montessori+kit

I have never used this type of coupon, but in case anyone can use them:
http://www.coupons.com/coupon-codes/home-science-tools/

Here is a blurb about them at HSLDA
http://www.hslda.org/perx/default.asp?Action=MDoffer&ID=44

[Disclaimer:  I am not affiliated with Home School Tools, have not been given any sample to review, and will not get any compensation from Home School Tools.  I am sharing something that I am finding useful.  Any affiliate links to Amazon may possibly generate a small commission with no extra cost to you.]

The End of the Trail? A New Beginning...

What's Schoolin'?

Nothing.  That's the strange part.  My schooling of my oldest is over.  Done.  Finished.  I'm not hauling out all of my materials for her.  I'm not conferencing with her about her goals for this upcoming year, how we'll meet graduation expectations, or what curriculum she wants to use for Math.  I'm not thinking about her learning style and what will be a good match pedagogically.  I don't have stacks of school supplies for her.  They are all boxed up and... gone... with her... to college.

Yes, there's a void.  I homeschool.  It's what I do.  It's my life.  My children's schooling is my life because our lives are our schooling.  Make sense?  It does to me :).  Especially with a Montessori slant on schooling the line is sometimes blurred between life and schooling.  And, thanks to being the overthinker that I am, I can think about school at all times when I'm jazzed or planning units.  I am not thinking about her schooling.  It's weird!

And yet it is a new beginning.  I am excited for her as she faces new experiences.  I'm thrilled that she cares what I think and calls to share or touch base.  Now that she's a 'college student' my role has shifted.  From guiding and leading to guiding and supporting/encouraging.  From informer to listener.  From Mom and Friend to Mom and Friend.  Wait - that hasn't changed!  Our relationship will continue to grow and flourish as we delve into the world of young adult and beyond.

I feel soooo blessed to have her for my daughter.  To like and enjoy one's child is a joy beyond description.  Missing her is a pain I cherish because it underscores the love and enjoyment between us.

It is also a new beginning for my other children.  The dynamics of a family shift when one is absent.  They miss her as well and are not a part of each others' daily lives any more.  I also feel soooo blessed to have them for my daughters.  It warms my heart to see how much each sibling loves the others - and how they like each other!

I have another senior this upcoming year.  We'll treasure and cherish each others' company as we put closure to this stage in her life as well.

[SIGH]  Okay... so now it's time to get refocused and actually start planning for the other 2!

Easy, Easy, Easy Fermented Flavored Lemonade

What's Cookin'?

This is embarrassingly easy, but I'll post it anyway :).  We don't drink juice very often but after playing tennis in the summer heat this drink is both refreshing for the kids AND probiotic.  It also has less sugar than it would without the lacto-fermentation because the good guys feed off of the sugar in the original drink.  Organic Santa Cruz lemonades have been on sale lately, so that's what we've been using.

Step 1: Strain plain yogurt with live bacteria to get whey to use in the lacto-fermentation process.  I get a single serving size of yogurt and it only takes a few hours.  Save the collected yogurt - you've made cream cheese!  We like to salt it and spread it on crackers.

Step 2: Pour the strained whey into the bottle of lemonade.  Shake.  Let it sit overnight.  Refrigerate.

Step 3:  Enjoy!

Note: 
In our normal lives I use this recipe using fresh squeezed lemon juice, filtered water, Unrefined cane sugar (rapadura, turbinado, etc), and whey.  Right now we are not living at home so this is a simple, easy alternative.  Also great for someone starting out with lactofermentation!

Another Note:
If possible, I recommend using an organic yogurt or one stating that it doesn't have any rbST hormone in it.  Also, whole fat doesn't have the unlisted thickeners that low- and non-fat versions do.  That said, sometimes I stare at the yogurt aisle trying to pick the lesser of bad choices! I miss our homemade yogurt :).




This post is part of Fat Tuesday and Real Food Wednesday.

The above are affiliate links that help with a tiny commission for no extra cost.

Practical Life: Eye Pillows ~ Sinus Pillows

What's Cookin'?

We had homemade hamburgers tonight and we were oohing and ahhing through dinner.  I just don't make them very often.  In fact, I cheated and got grass fed/finished premade Kolbe patties.  I thought it was a lot to spend for one meal (2 big patties that we split between 4 of us) but it was less than 1/2 than it would've cost at the cheapest hamburger drive-thru - including sprouted hamburger buns.  Even though we split each patty good meat seems to fill us up more so we need less... So don't get discouraged! :)

What's DIY-in'?

 

Today we made 6 different eye and sinus pillows.  After reading and watching many tutorials I ended up just making my own measurements that fit within the fat quarters that I had. Each fat quarter is enough to make 2 pillows and 2 matching covers or 4 pillows.

Versions that we made:
- Lavender eye pillow [millet, lavender buds, lavender essential oil][another one using flax seed instead of millet]
- Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint (the "allergy bomb") sinus pillow [one with millet and one with flax seed]
- A blend with eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and other essential oils for sinus relief. [one with millet and one with flax seed]

Instructions for 1 eye or sinus pillow:

Cut 2 pieces of fabric (I used cotton and the scent came out very well when it was finished)

For a finished pillow 3-1/2 x 8-1/2, cut 2 pieces 4 x 9.

- Pin with right sides together.  Pin 3 sides leaving a short side open.  Sew using a 1/4 inch seam.

- Turn right-side out.

- Scoop 1 C filler into a bowl and mix in the oils thoroughly (I used millet for some pillows and flax seed for others but I used the same amount).  Pour into the pillow. If it is too full then it won't be pliable enough to fall across the eyes properly.

- Add 2 spoonfuls of lavender buds or other botanicals if adding any herbs or other botanicals.

- The general rule of thumb that I followed was 10 drops of essential oil when using a single oil (such as the lavender pillows) or a premade blend.  For the lavender/lemon/peppermint pillow I used 4 lavender drops, 6 lemon drops, and 6 peppermint drops.

- Tuck in the edge from the open side and pin closed.  I sewed over this edge twice; one seam at 1/4 inch and another at 1/8 inch.


Notes:

As DD was mixing and filling she exclaimed, "My ears just popped!"  She gets seasonal allergies and had been stuffy and yucky.  It helped her clear up right away! :)

Plastic absorbs so we used ceramic bowls and stainless steel spoons.  We had to use a plastic funnel but, I guess because the oil didn't sit in it, it didn't seem to absorb any of the essential oils.

For some reason, when I smell lavender I feel like I am immediately detoxing.  I had to drink 3 full glasses of water while filling and sewing up the lavender pillow!

After the first batch I just stuck with organic millet for subsequent batches.  The millet seems to absorb the oils better.  However, I had a customer come to the table who was actually allergic to millet, so the flax I had was a great alternative for her.

I eventually made some plain millet ones as well.  One can drop the essential oils along the outside.  I do this with the small pillow diffusers and it works fine.

 



 

I plan on using a peppermint one for my next migraine and see how effective it is for the really bad headaches!

 

 

PS:  Here is our facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eclectic-Living-Crafts-and-Such/1479639585608251

Deal Alert: Primal Pit Paste Blowout Sale

What's Savin'?

Primal Pit Paste is having a moving sale from 8/10/14 - 8/17/14. 

I like their Whipped Body Butter (which is seasonal).  My kids like the stick deodorants.  I wish they had the stronger one with more baking soda in a stick for traveling but maybe it'll come soon.  In the meanwhile, they are having a great sale.

Use the code  BIGBLOWOUT at check out for an additional 25% off, even if the product is already on sale.

Here is the website:
http://www.primalpitpaste.com/

Happy shopping :)

I am not affiliated with Primal Pit Paste - I'm just sharing a good deal for a product I like to use.  However, if you miss the sale, here are some links that are affiliate links.

Horse Play

What's Funnin'?

This is just too cute to not post. I can easily imagine it around here with the temps hovering around 100F!

Enjoy!

Restless Leg Syndrome?

I was reading an article about RLS in the Natural Grocers monthly magazine.  I got rid of my RLS by simply switching to Real Salt and by using it liberally.  Whenever my legs start to feel weird (if you have RLS you know what I mean) I put some Real Salt in water and take it as a supplement.  Really. 

Magnesium is also a well-known help for RLS.  However, I've noticed that when I take too much magnesium my RLS gets worse.  Maybe for me it's a more delicate balance of trace minerals and such.  I feel that way with ConcenTrace too but it works wonders for other people.  So, even though I use ConcenTrace sparingly, we definitely use it as a family with good results.

Anyway, what really surprised me was the iron mentioned in the article.  These are the recommendations they mentioned:

- Iron
- Folate
- Magnesium

Read the whole article here and, no, I am NOT affiliated with them at all.  I'm just sharing info that I hope might be helpful to someone.

http://www.naturalgrocers.com/health-hotline/sales-flyer/health-hotline-page-15-07-11-14-08-09-14

Imaginary Island (Montessori - or any hands-on learning environment!)

What's Schoolin'?

The last time I posted about this was in 2010.  I love this simple material so much and it's been such a favorite with my children that I thought I would refresh and repost about it.  My youngest STILL likes it at age 12 - or at least until we boxed it up last November while she was still 11 (Hopefully it will be out of storage soon).

These are pictures of imaginary islands that they made with the cards.  Sometimes she draws her creations in her Geography notebook.  An additional extension would be for her to label those drawings.  You could even have land/water form cards with your Imaginary Island cards to lay out over their creations.

 

Scroll down for Stefanie's gorgeous imaginary island.

http://peacefulmanngeographylinks.blogspot.com/2007/10/montessori-imaginary-island.html

Mine are just printed in black and white on cardstock and I colored them in.  I should have used marker to color them but I won't redo this material - they don't know any different and like them just fine.

 

Here is a picture of our land and water form trays.  I use to have bigger ones with lacquered sculptey clay that was painted.  Honestly, I like these little ones better.  They fit in our Land and Water Forms basket with multiple works and since youngest was already 8 when I switched, the size is fine.  Plus, if they want to smoosh the clay and redo them they are not too big.  I took this to put in dd's culture notebook after she poured water in them.  We use to keep blue water in a bottle for this work but not any more.  She makes colored water whenever she needs/wants it:




More island resources:

It would be a great time to do a study of Hawaii, including St. Damian.

http://www.homeschoolhelperonline.com/units/hawaii.shtml

http://www.pinterest.com/dolcebellaatl/hawaii-unit/

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/island_below_the_star.php

        


Island Literature for Olders:






This post has some affiliate links through which I may earn a tiny commission with no extra cost to you if you shop through them on your way to Amazon.  Please remember to preview recommended books before handing them to your kids :).