Ellie Claire Art Journal Review

I was given the opportunity to review 3 Ellie Claire Art Journals. Illuminate your story, Faith & lettering and The Illustrated Word. These journals are so beautiful!

Me and my teenage daughter have enjoyed looking through these and writing in them. We used a marker and did notice a little bleed through on some pages. They do not come with any pens so just be a little careful of the pressure and I think it will be fine. My daughter is interested in calligraphy and she love's the art work in these journals. These journals try to show you how to draw and do pretty lettering. There is part you trace and then space to free hand draw it on your own. I love art but honestly am not that good at it. I want to share with you some images from inside the journals please don't judge the journals harshly because of my not so good skills lol. I am trying and everything takes practice.

There are also quotes in the journals and scripture verses.

Here is one of my favorites since I deal with anxiety.











Here are a few more beautiful pages from inside these journals.

If you are like me and lose things easily 2 of the journals have a useful pen loop to hold your pen right there with your journal. The Illuminate your story journal as has a neat keepsake envelope in the back inside cover. I am in awe of these journals they are different from any journal I have ever had. These journals would be such a nice gift for anyone on your Christmas list or even for yourself. Here are a few links where you can purchase these lovely journals.
FAITH & LETTERING
Amazon: http://bit.ly/WhittenAmazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/FaithAndLettering-BN

THE ILLUSTRATED WORD
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illustrated-BN

ILLUMINATE YOUR STORY
Amazon: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-Amazon
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Illuminate-BN





I was sent these journals in exchange for my honest opinion. All photos are my own taken by me and my daughter. Thank you for reading. Have a blessed day!

Elementary Math Worksheets Review

I was able to review Elementary Math Worksheets with my 7 year old son. My son doesn't really like to sit still very long so these worksheets worked fine for him. He is fairly good at math so he didn't have a lot of headbanging while answering most of the questions. There were a few that he needed a little help with. These worksheets didn't require much prep just print and give to him. I would recommend these worksheets to any one that wants to build on their child's math skills.
Thank you to Educents for giving me the opportunity to review these math worksheets with my son.

1 week Review of Time4Learning

So it's been about a week since my kids have started using Time4Learning. First I will say the site has helped me as a new homeschooling parent. Some things on the site still kind of confuse me, but it might be I just haven't learned the ropes of it yet. I like that it has pretty much whatever you need subject wise. I was having a hard time finding a World Geography course for my 9th grader and Time4Learning has one. On that note she doesn't care for it. She feels it is babyish her words. She also says it's very easy which she isn't complaining about, but has me wondering if this is the right curriculum for her. She is very smart and I want her to be engaged in learning at the same time I want her to be learning. She hasn't felt like she has learned anything. She said most of the stuff that she has done she already knew from elementary school. I mean I don't want to have to sit for hours on something that is extremely difficult, she needs a challenge. She says she is fine sticking with this program if I can't find anything else. I am not sure if it is worth it just for her need of the one subject. While most subjects are available on Time4Learning we are using a free site for her other subjects and happy with them.

Now my 1st grader likes the site. It is mostly easy for him to navigate around and he enjoys the cartoons and games. He is also very bright and gets through the quizzes with easy so far. I thought about placing him in the 2nd grade on the site just to see how well he would do. The site makes it easy to change grade levels so that is a plus.

My view for now is still undecided. There are pros like the ease of checking the child's work progress. I also enjoy that both children can use the site on their own without much help from me since I have a 2 year old to keep busy. While I have heard others say the price is reasonable ($19.95 per month for K-8 and $30 per month for 4 course of High School) my family finds that hard to budget right now. Well we have a whole month to try it out so I will update as we go along.

Have a great day,



We have received a free month of service for each child from Time4Learning in exchange for an honest review.

Review Time4Learning

Over the next 30 days, I will be reviewing Time4Learning. They offer an elementary school curriculum, middle school curriculum, high school curriculum, and tools like the Getting Started Homeschooling Guide. Be sure to come back and read about my experience!

I am now Homeschooling but am I doing it right?

So I took that leap of faith and I am now homeschooling! My 9th grader is happy and loves it, my 1st grader is well bored in his words. Looks like I'm going to have to figure out ways to keep him entertained. Guess we will be trying out some of those pins from pinterest. I'm sure he misses being around all the other kids that were in his class. I'm still very nervous about my decision. I mean he is doing great on papers and everything I have had him to work on, but what about when it's time to learn something new? I have been reading every homeschooling website I can find and saving them to go back to and read again! If you homeschool I would love to hear any tips or advice you might have for a newbie!

Homeschooling?

I am thinking about taking a leap of faith and homeschool my 1st grader and 9th grader. If everything works out like I hope we will begin after Christmas. I have different fears with each child. Like will my 1st grader actually do what I need him to do or will it turn into a battle. I have had a couple of issues with him to get him to do his homework from school. Or will I really be able to teach my 9th grader algebra, chemistry and a foreign language all of which I have little or no knowledge of. My biggest fear is messing her up and her not graduate on time. Both of my children are A students so I know they can do it but can I? I am a stay at home mom and to be honest it is kind of a nice break when they are off at public school. I have a 2 year old as well so I still get some excitement during the day! I want to try this new adventure in hopes of gaining a better connection with my children and also for the freedom homeschooling can provide. How many times have many of us been in the situation where we needed/wanted to go out of town but couldn't because the kids couldn't miss school. With homeschooling we could go out of town and turn it into a learning field trip! What about the days where your child might wake up not feeling so good, but then a few hours later they are feeling better and bouncing off the wall. Yes you could take them into school late, but they would get a tardy. The school here gives out a tardy even if you check them out 5 minutes early for a doctor's appointment. After so many tardies they get Saturday school. I don't know about you but I don't want to wake up at 6 am on Saturday and deal with getting them to school! If we home schooled there wouldn't be a problem to push back schooling a few hours or find something to do like read a book or watch a dvd about space or anything educational your child is interested in. I know what some people are thinking what about socialization? Well I've thought of that too and while yes they are at school 5 days a week with over 600 other children they are not getting real socialization there. Not where my kids go anyways. I can only speak of experiences my kids have had. My daughter is in 9th grade she hasn't made what she would call a true friend at all. There isn't alot of free time to socialize I know they're there to learn, but that answers the socialize part in itself. My 1st grader has been punished for such things as not sitting with his legs crossed the right way, running on the playground, and talking during centers. To explain centers is when a group of kids go to explore toys. They have play-doh, puzzles, blocks and other so called learning aides. I have no problem with that, but they are not allowed to talk or make a noise at all! My son got in trouble for this in kindergarten and I thought it was just the teacher, but no it's a rule. To have a group of 5 and 6 years at a table full of what they see as toys and not allow them to make a peep, it just boggles my mind! So I don't see how they can learn to be social if they can't communicate. I have been reading blogs and researching about homeschooling for the past few months and while I still have questions and fears I still want to try. If it doesn't work for us they can always go back to public school. Do you homeschool or know someone who does? What are your opinions of it? I would love to hear any feedback, tips or questions you might have.

Have a great day,

Free Kindle Ebooks

I have found several free kindle ebooks. I have over 100 that I have got all free! Please understand that Amazon changes prices whenever they feel like so even though they are free when I post they may not be free when you click on the link. Here is a list of ones I found free today. Also remember you DO NOT have to own a kindle. You can download kindle for PC on Amazons website.


Walking to Lose Weight [A 12 Week Walking Workout Plan]

Wake Up! You're Probably Never Going to Look Like That: How to be Happier, Healthier and Imperfectly Fit

Piece of Cake Paleo - Effortless Paleo Breakfast Recipes

The Paleo Kid: 26 Easy Recipes That Will Transform Your Family

The Stress Free You: How to Live Stress Free and Feel Great Everyday, Starting Today


This is just a tiny amount of free ebooks available. If you're interested in more leave a comment and I will post some more. Hope you can find the time to read cause there are lots of different books daily! From kid books to diet books and everything in between all FREE! What type of books do you enjoy reading?

Menu Planning Monday?

So it's Monday and you may have noticed I did not update every Monday about dinner. Honestly I stink at organization! That is the truth. I do know what we ate today as for the rest of the week it's up in the air for now.

Monday: Chili dogs and fries

Menu Planning Monday

I have been wanting to do weekly dinner menus for awhile now. I am VERY unorganized! I hope to get into the swing of planning out dinner so I'm not rushed and tempted to head to the local drive thru! So here is my 1st Menu Planning Monday post. Yes I know it's almost 3am but it is technically MONDAY. ;)

Monday: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Strips, French Fries

Tuesday: Tostadas

Wednesday: Boneless BBQ Pork Ribs via crockpot, Baked Beans, Corn on the cobb and rolls

Thursday: Chicken Fajitas

Friday: Kids Homemade Pizza

If you would like to know any of the recipes just ask and I will be happy to post them.

Unjunk your junk food book review

I have been learning lately just how bad most of the food I eat really is! I used to not even give any thought to what I was putting in mouth and my children's. I was raised on fast food and was raising my kids the same way! After some years of being over weight and trying everything but the right way to lose weight I just gave up. Now I see my kids going down the same path and I know the only way to help them is to help myself. So after hearing about the chemicals that are added to our food I wanted to avoid it at all cost! I was finding going to the store nerve wrecking I was over whelmed! Is this additive safe or not I didn't know. I live in a small area Walmart and they don't have a big supply of organic foods sadly. I was so happy when I found Naturally Savvy and they sent me their book unjunk your junk food This book as really helped me learn how to navigate my shopping cart in the right direction. Not only does it list what's in the ingredients it explains what that ingredient is and shows you a better alternative. We as consumers have so many things we need to learn about our food it's unreal. We have become so addicted to these chemicals that it's hard to give up these "foods". Even if you think you're eating healthy items like granola bars think again! With all the high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and colors they add to get it to look and taste appealing they have made it unhealthy. Even powerade which I often gave my kids thinking it was healthy because it wasn't soda. Well no it really isn't much better!I know alot of people will say well we have been eating this way this long and we are fine, but are we really? Look at the rate of obesity exspecially in children not only that but cancer. It seems we all know some one who suffers from cancer it's one of the worse illness and I really believe that all these chemicals added to our food supply has played a role in the cancer rate! My eyes are opening and this book has helped me to find a better way to still have the snacks me and my family crave. Not just that but in the book the authors even explain why you may be craving that snack. This isn't a diet book but they also show us the nutrition facts in the foods they talk about. I really hope you all check it out. You can buy it now on Amazon. Unjunk Your Junk Food: Healthy Alternatives to Conventional Snacks


Disclaimer: I received this book for review purposes. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

Good day?

No phone call from the teacher today. She left early today I was told so the sub was in there at nap time. I asked her how he did she said he did cry but she talked to him and got him to lay down she told him he didn't have to take a nap just sit there quietly while the other kids slept. She said after a few minutes he was out. Monday he will go everyday since this was the first week they only went every other day. I am worried bettween him crying at nap time and the complications with the pregnancy I don't know how to handle the stress.

Not off to a good start

2nd day of prek and I'm already getting a call from the teacher. The regular teacher wasn't there Monday but she was today and while I wasn't told Monday but my son doesn't want to take a nap at school. She called me at 1:30 I was already about out the door to head there since they get out at 2:00. By the time I got there and walked to the class poor kid had cried himself to sleep. Teacher informed me that she can't deal with him if he is gonna cry. I tell her that he isn't used to going to sleep anywhere but his house because we never go anywhere and he is with me or his dad he has never been to a sitter. Not her problem this I know but I tried to pled his case.

School Time

So my 4 yr old started prek today! I think I forgot to mention that my 2 older kids went back to school already. Thankfully they can ride the bus which picks them up right from our house! They go to differnet schools but ride the same bus. My oldest catches another bus at the elementary school that takes him to his school. Even though the prek is in the same school building they will not let them ride the bus until they get in kindergarten. That means I have to take him and pick him up but prek doesn't start until 8am and the older kids atart at 7:30am. He will get out at 2pm bigger kids get out at 3pm. This upsets my middle child since I'm going to be at the school but can't take her and pick her up. I don't like that she is upset but I really don't want to sit out in the car for 30 minutes in the morning and an hour in the afternoon with my 4 yr jumpin around like a caged animal. I did wait on her this afternoon cause I felt bad. That wasn't a good idea. I could feel contractions and I was hurting real bad. Made it home took the meds the doctor gave me to stop the contractions, drank 2 cups of water and laid down for an hour that seemed to help.

29 weeks pregnant

I am now 29 weeks pregnant and trying to hang in there! I'm in more pain then not. I can barely stand even a breif walk to the restroom is painful. I have talked to the midwife and told her from now on I only want to see her because she is the only one that listens to me and I feel comfortable with her. She said that is fine and just tell the front desk everytime when I make my appointments I want her. She checked my cervix today by hand and said my water bag was hanging out to far!! I have already put myself on bedrest pretty much since it hurts to walk anyways. She said that's good do it as much as I can. She sent me to the hospital for a non stress test just to check for contractions. They hooked me up for 30 minutes only had 1 small contraction in that time so they sent me home. My 4 yr old starts preschool soon and I am the only one who can take him, not sure how this is going to work out. I just hope and pray the baby will be ok. I'm praying to keep her in at least until I'm 34 weeks I have had 2 at that gestation and while not ideal I know she has a better chance the longer she stays inside my belly.

Land O'Frost Wrap Kits Review

Land O'Frost has came out with these tasty wrap kits. I was given the opportunity to try the Oven Roasted Turkey & Pepper Jack and Black Forest Ham & Swiss. Each kit contains 25 slices of Land O’Frost lunchmeat, five slices of cheese and five tortillas. Everything you need for a basic wrap in one package so convenient. Best thing is they a quick, easy and taste great! With 3 kids and another on the way I'm all about quick and easy! You can add anything you want to personalize your wrap. In my family we all have different taste. My husband added tomatoes and avocado to his. My daughter switched cheese because she likes Turkey but didn't care for the pepper jack so she used the swiss she also put ranch and lettuce on hers. I added lettuce and bacon to mine and popped it in the microwave for a lil bit to melt the cheese yummm. Both my sons just ate theirs plain. I did cut my toddlers wrap into the pinwheel shapes because it's cute and easier for him to eat.

These wraps came in handy durring all this hot weather we been having. I love not having to use the stove in hot weather. With school getting ready to start back I know these wraps will be on my shopping list for school lunch and after school snacks. Oh yeah I have a new helper in the kitchen. Thanks Land O'Frost!


I was given the Oven Roasted Turkey & Pepper Jack and Black Forest Ham & Swiss wrap kits by Land O'Frost free of charge to review. All opinions are my own.

update pregnancy 28 weeks

Went back to doctor office the midwife wasn't there so seen a different doctor. He ask why I was there I told him of the contractions and last weeks visit and that I was told to come back today. He said he still didn't understand why I was there and he needed to go read my chart. 30 mins later he came back and asked why I haven't done the glucose test yet I said I did that last week! He said let me go see 10 mins later he says ok you passed that. He said I see they checked your cervix last week that looks good perfect size right where it should be. I said well the midwife said it was short he said no it looks good. Then he measured my belly and said I was measuring big. I asked what that means and he said just something we need to keep an eye on. He said I don't see any problems with anything so just come back in 2 weeks. This is why I want to see just 1 person so I don't have 5 different people telling me 5 different things! It's so frustrating!

Pregnancy 28 weeks

Went to doctors office done my gluclose test and passed yay! Told the midwife I was still have pain so she did the ultrasound on my cervix and said it looked short. I ask what that ment just said they like it to be longer. My blood pressure was kind of high she said. So she sent me home with a jug to do a 24 hr urine test to see if there was protien in mine. She sent me to OB department at hospital to get monitored for contractions. They only hooked me up for 30 mins no contractions in that time frame. She told me to come back in 1 week.

Pregnancy update 27 weeks

Well the past week has been so uncomfortable!! I made a trip to the ER last week to see what was going on but all that has done is make me worry. I was having some contractions but the nurse thought I might be dehydrated so I was sent home and told to aim for 64 ozs of non-decaffeinated drinks a day. I am trying to do this and I have been living in the bathroom lol! I am have pain on and off but mostly just uncomfortable. I have called my doctor's office and told them but they want me to just try to take it easy which I am and they will see me Aug. 4th. This is my 4th baby and I have never made it to 40 weeks my first was 6 weeks early and spent 2 months in NICU. Thank God he is healthy today but I do NOT want another baby to go through that! My 2nd baby was 3 weeks early but she was born healthy, and my 3rd baby was between 4-6 weeks early the doctor's argued over how early they thought he was because he weighed almost 6lbs he had to stay a few extra days in the hospital because his oxygen level was low. So I have never had any problems this early and it is really stressing me which I know can make matters worse. I just want the doctor to understand and take my concerns seriously. I would feel better if they check my cervix to make sure I haven't dilated maybe that would ease my mind somewhat.

The Endangerbles CD Review & Giveaway

My son love's animals! He would enjoy going to the zoo everyday if we could. When I got the opportunity to review a cd about animals I knew he would be excited. This cd is about endangered animals and it's a great fun way to get started talking about how we can help endangered animals. Extinction for extinction is one of the songs on the cd and it's a good motto. I think the the only thing cuter would have been to have videos for the songs.
Everyone who reads this can get a free song to download by going to their website endangerbles.com sign up to be a deputy (it's free) and select SSA for how they heard about them. You’ll receive a link to the free download via email. While you're on their site check out the plush toys cause one lucky reader will win a copy of the cd plus their choice of one of these plush toys:
•Ulysses (Eagle)
•Milton (Orangutan)
•Sasha (Baby Seal)
•Bucksnort (Indian Rhino)
•Ms. Scarlet (Scarlet Macaw)
•Khul (Tiger)
To enter just leave a comment and tell me which is your favorite Endangerble character. Don't forget to put your name and email address in the comment so I can let you know if you're the winner!
Bonus entry by liking my facebook page Amanda Love's to Save leave a different comment letting me know you liked the page again don't forget to have your name and email address in your comments. Good Luck!
Giveaway ends 11:59 pm CST on August 10, 2011. Open to US and Canada

Disclosure: I was given a free copy of the Endangerbles CD for review as well as a giveaway to one of my readers. No other compensation was provided for this post and all opinions, as always are my own. Also all prizes are shipped from the companies. I am NOT responsible for deliveries of prizes.

DIY Wannabe

As if I didn't have enough on my plate I took on making over the ugly half bath in my bedroom! I thought it would be easy I mean I watch all those HGTV shows and I have the internet so smooth sailing right? WRONG! To start let me tell you the top half of the walls were wallpapered but seeing how I've seen wallpaper removed on tv I still thought it would be easy. So off to the store to get wallpaper remover spray. Come home get straight to work. some wallpaper comes off along with the top layer of drywall!! So I thought I won't use the spray I will just rip it off yeah right! That left me with the fuzzy backing now I'm lost cause I can only get this mess off when I wet it but doing that again more drywall coming off! I read online that if you take off the top layer of drywall all you need to do is mud it, sand it and prime it and then you're good to go. It's just so much more added work. I will let you know how that turns out. Who knew such a small bathroom would be this big of a headache!