Monday Musings on the Creator in Me

Favourite Homeschooling Resource

This week at HSB we are asked to share our favourite homeschool product(s). Hmmmmmm . . . with a good decade under my belt, it's hard to choose! BUT, I think I can safely say that The Old Schoolhouse Magazine is my favourite resource.

No really -- I'm not just saying that because I'm writing this post for TOS and the HSB community. Quite honestly, I resisted subscribing to the magazine for a while because, well, so many of the homeschooling resources available are American, and I wanted to draw on as many Canadian resources as possible. But I finally "let" ;) my mother give me a subscription for Christmas one year -- and now I wouldn't dream of letting my subscription expire! I love The Old Schoolhouse Magazine! (Oh, and my mom has come to love it, too! She reads all my back issues:)

I know it has become true of other magazines in recent years, but one of the things I first fell in love with was the interactive nature of TOS. Virtually every article has a means of contacting the author -- and those authors actually respond to readers who write to them. I just think that's so awesome! The real people who write the fabulous articles actually engage with their readers :) I like the fact that they are accessible and that they truly desire to support fellow homeschoolers in their journeys. And since TOS has created the HSB community, and a facebook community, I feel like I have a cheering section virtually all over the world. When discouragement sets in, I know that there are real people out there who will turn my eyes to Truth -- even though most of them don't know me personally.

I also like the fact that TOS offers all kinds of resources between issues -- like the Homeschool Minute and Teacher's Toolbox and Econobusters and the Homeschool Crew Reviews. Four issues per year doesn't seem like a lot -- but when the issues are supplemented by these great resources, it seems like the magazine just keeps on giving and giving! (Oh -- and then there are the digital holiday issues!)

Finally, TOS is a homeschooling resource that meets a variety of needs. First and foremost, it offers encouragement to homeschooling families. It acknowledges the hard aspects of the journey, offering wise council and helpful resources, and it celebrates the victories. It also provides thought-provoking information and opportunities for further learning -- for parents and children. Even its advertising is helpful and inspirational as I seek to find innovative and creative ways to expand my children's education.

As I said -- I love TOS and am grateful for the opportunities for personal growth and friendship it has given me, as well as the educational tools it has provided. I can't think of another homeschooling product that has given me as much! (BTW -- TOS is celebrating its 10th anniversary! If you'd like to see what other people have to say about this great magazine, visit this blog hop.)

What about you -- do you have any favourite homeschooling resources/products?

Top to Tote

So -- I was gifted this top that was kinda fun but really didn't fit or suit me as a top. Sew -- ;) I sewed  across the bottom, knotted the sleeves . . .

. . . used those hanger-string-thingys on the top to create a bit of shape . . .

. . . and made myself a new little tote bag:

Not bad for 10 minutes work, eh?!?!?

While I was doing that, DD9 and DS4 wanted to paint rocks -- so that's what they did :)

And DD13 was industrious in the kitchen making this yummy-looking baked brie with strawberry jam and dijon mustard:

Have you found any new uses for old clothes -- or rocks? :)

I linked this post to:

Popcorn Surprise

I don't know why this delights me so . . . but I recently learned that it's possible to make microwave popcorn without buying microwave popcorn! (You know it's expensive and full of yucky additives!) Who knew????? (Not I!)

All you need is a lowly lunch bag (the mircrowave goes without saying ;) . . .

And some regular popcorn that you can purchase inexpensively in bulk . . .

You pour about 1/4 of a cup of popcorn kernels into the bag . . . (you can add oil if you want -- but why add the fat?!?!?)

Fold the top down a couple of times . . .  and microwave it for 1.5-2 minutes . . .

And voila! Beautifully popped popcorn!!!! Pure and simple!

Of course, you can add butter if you'd like (I definitely would -- in spite of the fat!) and sea salt (healthier than table salt) -- or whatever toppings you like! (How long will it take my children to try grated cheese???)  A separate container works best for this so the butter isn't absorbed by the paper bag -- and then you can re-use the bag the next time you make popcorn!!!!

How awesome is that?!?!?!?!

Thanks to my friend Shannon for sharing a link to this wonderful news! And thanks to my beautiful DD13 who graciously allowed me to photograph her popcorn making endeavours :) (Crazy blogging mama!)

Have you found any great ways to be creatively frugal in the kitchen?

Art in the Everyday

As I glower at this . . .

I am grateful for THIS . . .

And this --  DD13 who wanted to be creative in the kitchen and offered to make supper . . .

Apparently it was "the best cheese sauce and pasta EVER!"

Wondering again -- how do you find time for art in the everyday?