Vintage Indie

Teach Me: Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game

Four little children, stretched on a blanket and four hours of fun later they have learned a lot. I had to do a double take when I was proofing this article. Four hours? Yes, four hours of playing this game. Mind you there was some running around involved, drink breaks and a half hour dinner break but still, that's a long time.

 

When I first heard about ! the game, I was totally thrilled. It was right when I started my journey of learning more about using herbs in our home for medicinal and food purposes. This was a great opener to start teaching my children about herbs and plants for uses they aren't used to. After the initial talk about not eating or using any plant unless you have permission, I was comfortable with them learning how plants benefit them.

As they were stretched out on the blanket outside they began to squirm and take off running through the yard. When I went outside to find out what was going on and to put up the game, they told me not to. They were trying to see if they could find Plantain in our yard for their "plant cards". Sure enough, they did this several times, finding specific plants in our back yard from the game.

 

Boys Review;

 - I thought it was great, fun to learn with.

 - You learn a lot.

 - Its a good game to play with friends.

 

I think Wildcraft! is a great game for kids. It makes a great conversation starter and for me, someone who didn't know a lot about plants and herbs (most of us call them weeds), a great opportunity to learn right along with my kids.

If you're interested in learning more about Herbal Medicine visit family owned and operated Learning Herbs to check out Wildcraft! and more.

 

Truth in Review: Learning Herbs provide us with the game in exchange for our review.  We were not paid for any contents of our review or required any certain text within the review. We speak truly from our hearts and hope that you and your family will gain trust from Vintage Indie reviews so that you may enjoy learning opportinties like this one and more.  All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, editor in chief.

Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

 

Teach Me: Home Educating Family Magazine The Well Planned Day

If you haven't heard me talk about the Home Educating Family Magazine then I encourage you to check out my past reviews. Just recently I became and affilate of Home Educating Family Magazine and I'm thrilled with the opportunity to be working with them.

 

In our home school journey, it is often publications like these that motivate us and get us through those days or weeks that are tough. I like to try and keep on top of things which is why I like to have my Well Planned Day planner with me. I absolutely love my planner and would not recommend it to you as much as I do if I didn't.

The truth is, we school almost year round and we do that for flexibility within our schedule. Take today for instance, we started a full schedule and plan to truck on through July with our full studies. We're planning a trip in September and to make sure we aren't behind then, we'll get a head start now. The Well Planned Day Planner is set up starting with July 2011 and goes all the way until July 2012. It helps me keep track of things like our assignments, family calendar, menu and weekend plans as well as record keeping. There are even pull out card stock quality report cards!

If you haven't had a chance to check our the Well Planned Day, I'm encouraging you to do so today and get a head start on being organized for your families school work! Be sure to get an inside peak of the planner while your're at their website!

 

Truth in Review: The above links are affiliate links to the Well Planned Day and Home Educating Family Magazine websites. We love our relationship with this company and encourage you to support them, me and your family with the great things they offer.  - Gabreial, Editor.

Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure Page for more info.

Teach Me: Home Educating Family Magazine & Yours Truly

As I approached the midnight hour last night while I was working on Vintage Indie's new look, I peered over at our counter to find my husband had brought in the mail and the latest issue of Home Educating Family Magazine. I am super excited about this issue. Not only because of the wonderful Todd Wilson and family who are the featured family in this issue, but my first article on Book Clubs is published there on page 72 & 73!

If you haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of the magazine I highly suggest you do so. I've often touted my love for their Yearly Planners, and their newest edition for the 2011-2012 school year doesn't disappoint. I'll be back with my highlights and review on those later.

Now, back to the magazine. Todd Wilson is such an inspiration to fathers and home school mothers.Check out this little video he did for Home Educating Family Magazine. I think you'll really enjoy it.

 

 

Aren't they sweet! Pick up a digital preview issue at Home Educating Family and find fabulous, inspiring articles to encourage, enrich and help you feel more confident in your homeschooling journey.

Teach Me: Product Review A Kid's Guide to Drawing the Presidents of the United States of America

Recently Timberdoodle Co. gave my family the opportunity to review  A Kid's Guide to Drawing the Presidents of the United States of America. We were sent the Lyndon B. Johnson book from the collection.  It didn't take us long to read through the 32 page book. Along the way we leaned many facts about President Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Included in the book are of course, drawing lessons. The first is President Lyndon's birthplace, where the student learns how to draw a home with a front porch. Of course my children moved past the parts of learning how to draw a home and moved to the more exciting things that interested them like the Great Seal,  the silver star medal awarded to Johnson for his bravery during a mission, the patch from the USS Maddox and the Apollo 8 spacecraft.

 I think these books are a good launching point or accompaniment to your presidential history lessons. Providing something a little different than straight facts. My youngest a first grader, thoroughly enjoyed following the block style directions to create his drawings. 

 Find these history books and other history curriculum as well as art curriculum at Timberdoodle.

 

Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with A Kid's Guide to Drawing the Presidents of the United States of America free of charge.  I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, Editor Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

Organic & Whole Living: How to Make Cultured Butter

Back in the good ole' days, I remember in 4th grade making homemade butter. We were reading Little House in the Big Woods Laura Ingalls Wilder at the time and learning about the process of how the Ingalls family made things at their homestead. (You all remember them playing with the pig's bladder right? I won't forget that either!)  I remember the day we learned about churning butter. The teacher brought in heavy cream, a ball glass pint jar and some salt. She added all of the ingredients into the jar and gave each one of us (I think there was at least 20 of us) a chance to shake the jar for a few seconds. By the time it reached the last student we had butter!

I remember her opening that jar and spreading fresh butter onto crackers for each of us. I can still remember the creamy and slightly salty taste. I've often thought back on that memory and wished to create my own butter at home. This time I'm more savvy about natural milk, and where my heavy cream comes from. I've also read up on cultured butter and the benefits of it.

Just in case you haven't heard of the term cultured butter, cultured butter is delicious butter created naturally by fermenting the butter. From Wikipedia -  "Butter made from a fermented cream is known as cultured butter. During fermentation, the cream naturally sours as bacteria convert milk sugars into lactic acid. The fermentation process produces additional aroma compounds, including diacetyl, which makes for a fuller-flavored and more "buttery" tasting product."

 

  If you've never tried your hand at making it from scratch, you really should give it a go. It's tangy, creamy, and oh so buttery!

Ingredients:

•  Natural Heavy Cream (that hasn't been pasteurized) Make sure you are getting your cream from a farmer that keeps his milking process clean.I've read about other recipes for making cream with buttermilk, sour cream, creme fresh, but this recipe covers the natural cream method.
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt (or your salt of choice)
• Time

Pour your cream into a glass dish, and allow to sit at room temperature for 24 ours until you have a mildly sour cream.  This can also be done by allowing your natural cream to sour in the refrigerator but it takes longer. I used about two cups of heavy natural cream for this batch.

 

When you start to notice your cream beginning to look thick, and pull away from the edges with a slight sour smell, you'll know it's ready for making butter. 

Put your "soured cream" into the fridge until chilled.

Once your cream has chilled, pour it into the bowl of a food processor.

 

Start pulsing your cream, scraping down the sides if necessary until the cream begins to separate.

Once the separation has occurred, give it a couple more pulses just to make sure you've allowed all of the cream to give off it's whey. Now pour off as much whey as you can and add the butter to a clean bowl.

This next process is known as "washing & kneading" the butter. I like to use a wooden spatula to do the kneading and fresh filtered water. I want to make sure my butter is getting the best possible care.

Continue to use the spatula to knead your butter and wash it, dumping the "milky water & whey" off between each washing. 

Once your butter yields no more milky water and the water is clean after a good kneading, you know you're done washing. Make sure all of the cloudy water is out of your butter, this is an important step to insure healthy longer lasting butter.

At this point you can mix in your pink Himalayan salt to taste or leave unsalted.

You can choose to add your butter to a mold, roll it in parchment paper and make a log or add it to your favorite vintage dish. My hubby added this piece of Blue Sapphire Fire King to my collection last year for my birthday. It makes a perfect butter dish.

This type of butter is great for spreading on freshly baked sourdough bread, crackers or melting over steamed veggies, anything you would add butter to, but not cook.

I hope this post inspires you to make cultured butter. It really is so easy and if the kids are around they will enjoy the process and helping you knead.

 

Teach Me: Must See Booths at the Midwest Homeschool Convention, Home Educating Family Magazine

Visit Home Educating Family Magazine's editor at the Midwest Homeschool Convention starting tomorrow! 

They are located at 1127 and 1026 – this is an end-cap dead center of the exhibit hall. 

While you're there checking out their magazine, be sure to pick up one of their gorgeous planners.

 You may have seen my review of these planners here on Vintage Indie awhile back.

I was a fan then and I'm still loving my planner today (I'm on my second one)

I'm looking forward to reviewing and using the student planner with my oldest next school year. Stay tuned for a review in the future!

Have fun at the convention, bundle up it's cold here in Greater Cincy!

 

 

www.homeeducatingfamily.com

 

Teach Me: Midwest Homeschool Convention March 31- April 2, 2011 Printable Curriculum Cost Comparison Sheet

Click to download the free Curriculm Cost Comparison Sheets.

The first one is specific to the Midwest Homeschool Convention;

Download Curriculum Cost Comparison Sheet_Midwest Homeschool Convention 2011

 

This second one, is for all conventions;

Download Curriculum Cost Comparison Sheet_Homeschool Convention

 

Enjoy!

Gabreial

Teach Me: Midwest Homeschool Convention March 31- April 2, 2011 Printable Planning Sheets

Did you know that the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention is less than two days away? 

I've been working on a few things that I think will be helpful to you. Below are a few printables to keep you organized, on task and within your budget while you are there. *Planning pages for each day, including session notes. 

*Be sure to check with the Midwest Homeschool Convention's PDF file to confirm convention speakers and times, these are subject to change and beyond my control.

 

Download 2011 Convention _Workshop Plan Thursday March 31st

 

Download 2011 Convention _Workshop Plan Friday April 1st 2011

Download 2011 Convention _Workshop Plan Saturday April 2, 2011

Download 2011 Convention _Notes

 

Would you like to be a guest reporter for Vintage Indie at the convention? Send me some photos of you and your family at the convention. We want to know your favorite parts of the convention.

Making the Most of Monday: Listening to Your Kids Part 2

If you are new to the magazine, Making the Most of Monday is a regular part of our features. Mondays  signify one important thing, a fresh start. It's like a new years resolution at the start of every week.

Hopefully by Monday you've taken some off time during the weekend to rejuvenate, spend quality time with loved ones and friends, which makes Monday your chance to really get to work and make the most of your week.

 Listening to Your Kids Part 1.

 

 

 

 

Do you ever have those parenting moments when your heart breaks for them? The struggles, the trials and the problems they face. Sometimes they are insignificant and part of growing up, but to them they are everything. Sometimes these trials are more serious in nature and speak to the heart of your child and you as a parent.

I've been faced with a few of these lately and it has been truly hard to swallow. Usually anger tries to creep in, and on some levels it does, and I have to put my hand over my mouth. Thankfully the Holy Spirit brings lessons of forgiveness and love into my heart towards the people who are hurting my children with their words. I'm so grateful when He does, so that I'm able to look at the heart of the matter and grow my children to be stronger men of God for it. I take comfort when I seek peace from the Lord. I hope you can find comfort in Him too.

Our Bible lessons tend to just stem from what we're facing in our lives at that moment. Some of these trials are all new to me as a parent and I find His Word comforting. James 2-8 is not an easy lesson for those of us living in this world, but it's is where we can find true joy in this life when we're faced with difficult life lessons.

James 2-8 (NIV) ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Have a great day,

Gabreial

Teach Me: Product Review Evan Moor Daily Geopgraphy Practice

Recently Timberdoodle Co. gave my family the opportunity to review Evan Moor's Daily Geography Practice Grade 4 & Evan Moor's Daily Geography Practice Grade 1. I have to say I have a lot of mixed feelings about these books and have to specifically point out the differences in each grade level. 

First, I'd like to talk about the Grade 1 book. The book layout is confusing as a teacher. The lessons, answers and information are all together. The student can easily look at the answers if they wanted (they are not hidden in the back of the book). Copying the sheets for the child doesn't make sense, since the answer keys would still be printed on the back of a sheet you would need for your student. I reviewed the book as if it was a consumable workbook. I looked all over to see if the book was a "teacher's manual". I couldn't find that to be true.

Each book contains lessons based on a week. For instance week one is "What is a Map?", During the week you have a specific question to answer for that day. Monday for this lesson was, " You use a map to find? Friends or Places". That's it. That's all there is for Monday. For my 1st grader this moved way too slow. He prefers to do a "week" at a time. He answers all of the questions Monday through Friday all on one day. This goes against the idea of the "daily" practice premise of the book. However, If we do a weeks worth in a day, this makes for a great geography book as far as the information it teaches.  (1st grade is fairly easy for my child) had I chosen the books by looking through them I may have chosen the second grade book for him and he would have started with the Grade 1 book in Kindergarten.  The 36 Transparencies are nice, but since we do homeschool, they aren't necessary and would require a projector. I feel that is a waste of materials.

 

I have mostly the same feelings and review for the Grade 4 book, accept that I believe the information and level of difficulty for this grade is appropriate and challenging.

The books would have been perfect for the homeschool setting had the answer key and instructional part replaced the transparencies in the back of the book or printed separately as a teacher's guide.

Visit Timberdoodle Co. for these books and other great Geography Curriculum, Puzzles, Supplements.  You can also order a free Homeschool Catalog.

 

Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with Evan Moor's Daily Geography Practice Grade 1 & 4 free of charge.  I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, Editor Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

Teach Me: Cincinnati Homeschool Convention March 31st - April 2,2011

Did you know that the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention is less than a month away? It is time to start planning if you haven't already. I've been working on a few things that I think will be helpful to you. In the meantime below is my planning checklist. The forms mentioned will be available to you soon. 

Get the most out of the convention by planning as much as you can in advance.

• Have a plan for your children. The children’s program was wonderful last year. My boys have talked about it for over a year. There are age restrictions, so plan accordingly. Be sure to register them early, as space does fill up quickly.

• Save on costs. Book hotel reservations early and look for blocks that have been reserved for convention pricing. Book a room somewhere a little farther away from the convention center with a short distance to travel for cheaper rates.

• Save on food at the convention by planning to pack a lunch each day. This saved us a lot on food costs as they were priced high and not very nutritious choices. The convention center does not allow for you to bring food in. We had car picnics, with the windows down and the sunshine pouring in. It was a great time!

• Use the curriculum cost comparison sheet to see if there are better deals at the convention compared to prices you’ve found online.

• Prepare your convention binder in advance so you can enjoy every minute of it.

• Bring along a rolling tote, backpack (if you can handle the load) or a small rolling suitcase to carry your purchased curriculum in. I won't be going the backpack route this year. I had a sore back for a month!

 

• Plan to incorporate the cost of workshop audio cd's for the workshops you'll miss into your budget. I was so happy they offered these last year. I have enjoyed listening to them at home. There are over 300 workshops this year!       

• Most important, pray before you go. I took my mom’s advice the first time I went to the convention and asked the Lord to show me the best resources and curriculum that would work for my family. I feel like he’s been guiding me since then. I’ve probably made a few bad choices on my own, but I learned the hard way, and had to get different curriculum because of it.

Have you attended the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention? Do you have any tips to share? Please include them in the comments below.

I personally enjoy the convention. My husband is taking a couple of days off to go with me this year. I'm excited to hear Todd Wilson and other speakers right by his side.

I'll have some fun convention planning printables for you shortly!

xoxo Gabreial

Teach Me: Midwest Homeschool Convention March 31-April 2, 2011 Duke Energy Convention Center Cincinnati, Ohio

First, I want to mention I have no affiliation with the Midwest Homeschool Convention, other than the fact I've been and I love it and I'm going this year.

 

 

If you plan to attend the Midwest Homeschool Convention March 31- April 2, 2011, I suggest registering soon as prices will continue to rise.

 

March 31-April 2, 2011 Duke Energy Convention Center Cincinnati, Ohio

We are excited about the next Cincinnati Homeschool Convention! Look forward to:

• Huge Exhibit Hall
• OUTSTANDING Speakers
• Information Packed Workshops
• Curriculum Shopping
• Worldview Teen Track
• Encouragement, Fun and Fellowship

…and More!!

 

Stay tuned for a helpful printable next week that will help you maximize your time at the convention. Oh, and if you haven't purchased your Tim Hawkins tickets, I say go right now and do it. I laughed so hard last year, I made myself sick. It was truly refreshing!

Gabreial

Teach Me: Easy Watercolor Valentine's Day Banner

 

Step 1: Gather your materials.

1. Hearts Template. We searched on-line for a printable hearts template. There are many out there to choose from. I liked the one we found since it has many different sizes of hearts. 

2. Watercolors & Brushes.

3. Newspaper or covering for your work surface.We used brown craft paper that came in a package mailed to us. A great way to use and recycle packaging materials. 

4. Water & Paper Towels.

5. String for hanging later on.

Step 2: Paint your hearts in a collection of colors. We chose to go with reds, pinks, a white and one blue. The boys ended up experimenting with color blending and came up with a great purple and other colors from this family.

 

Step 3: Wait for your watercolor to dry, apply a second coat if you like dark colors.

 

Step 4: Cut out each heart.

 

Step 5: Measure you length of string, we chose some triple ply embroidery thread. Attach the hearts to the string. We used tape and placed hearts of different sizes and colors in a row down the string.

We decided to use leftover hearts to give the fridge some love.

Happy creating!

 

Teach Me: Product Review - Building Thinking Skills Book 1 & 2

We're heavy into our school year crunching subjects in hopes of a warm and lazy summer. What about you? I've been hearing a lot of ho-hum glum is going on in home schools around the globe.The snowy weather has our minds trapped in when are these cold gray skies going to give. How about a little change of pace for breaking up the long winter school days. I'm talking about the Building Thinking Skills Books from The Critical Thinking Co.

Recently Timberdoodle Co. gave my family the opportunity to review Building Thinking Skills Book 1 & Building Thinking Skills Book 2. These books are a great go-to when the kids need a break in their every day routine of Language Arts, Math, History and their other everyday subjects. I tell them to grab their Building Thinking Skills Books and pick a page.

My youngest is doing 1st grade work in our home school and he is using the Building Thinking Skills Book 1. It is recommended for Ages: 7-8 Grade Levels: 2nd-3rd, neither of which he is, but I found with a little bit of direction or explanation of the directions, he caught on very quickly and soon didn't need my help at all.

His review - I like the cool stuff that you do and it helps you to think. He also mentioned he likes the black and white pages. The books aren't colorful with no distracting images.Important for my guy who is a story teller and likes to day dream over images.

My oldest is doing 4th grade work in our home school and is using Building Thinking Skills 2 which is recommended for  Ages: 9-11 Grade Levels: 4th-6th. He can follow the directions on his own and has really been enjoying the books.

His review - I like Building Thinking Skills Book 2 because it has things that challenge me. It offers things that I don't normally get to do during the school day. It's great to take on the road and do in the car too. 

 

Visit Timberdoodle Co. for these books and other great books by Critical Thinking Press. You can also order a free Homeschool Catalog.

 

Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with Building Thinking Skills Book 1 & 2 including shipping. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Wyatt, Editor Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

Teach Me: Chronicles of Narnia Voyage of the Dawn Treader Movie Review

I'm not sure I've mentioned it much here, but we are big Narnia fans. I can honestly say that as a child, I never had any favorite books. Now that I'm older, I have fallen for the excitement that is C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. If you've never read any of his work, you are in for a treat. A friend of ours lent us the Focus on the Family Radio Theatre - Audio Drama series and we were hooked. We couldn't wait to get in the car and go somewhere so we could start where we left off. I found us sitting in the grocery parking lot for over thirty minutes just to hear what was going to happen next. We even folded laundry as a family just listening to the series. It was that good.

While on vacation my family and I were able to see Narnia The Exhibition at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville AL. It was in deed a treat for us. Quite pricey at that, but I figured what other time would we get to step into the life of C.S. Lewis (just a bit anyway) and see up close and personal life-like creatures and actual wardrobe pieces from the movies. The boys enjoyed a walk through the "wardrobe" and into Narnia. We even saw the famous piece of art that comes to life in the latest movie produced The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

We headed out a few weekends ago to catch the Dawn Treader, not in 3D. It gives me a headache. As far as I'm concerned it was perfect just the way it was.

 

Our family would give it 100 stars if we could. The graphics, the acting, the sets, the characters, the voices, were all simply amazing. Of course, what would Narnia be without C.S. Lewis, what an imaginative mind he had.  We think it was just as good if not better than Prince Caspian produced by Disney. I think Walden Media did a fantastic job. We loved it.  I hope the they continue with the rest of the series. I know my family can't wait!

Did you see it? If so, what did you think?

 

Narnia: The Exhibition is coming to a town near you!

“An excellent family experience that should not be missed” —

Be a part of this state-of-the-art exhibition in a venue near you. If the venue or city you wish to purchase tickets for does not appear here, sign up for the email updates and check back later. More cities will be added soon.

DATES	VENUE
6/4/2011 - 9/18/2011	Louisville Science Center LOUISVILLE, KY
2/5/2011 - 5/8/2011	Buffalo Museum of Science BUFFALO, NY

 

I was not paid for my review. My family and I truly love the Narnia series. We paid full price to the movie and to the exhibition. Ya know, just in case you're wondering.

Teach Me: Advent through Nature

 

Christmas is such a glorious time to celebrate and no matter how fast it seems to come though media and marketing, our eyes should be focused on the reason why Christmas is Christ-mas. Our eyes should be focused on Him. Advent seems to be a wonderful way to slow down our thoughts on gifts and purchases and direct our hearts towards Jesus.  

Recently a lovely lady from our home school co-op introduced me to the idea of "Christmas School". The idea is that you celebrate Christmas daily within your school time. Whether you're choosing a special book to read that's been wrapped like a present or creating writing prompts to reflect upon Christmas and the heart. Whatever that it is you choose to do, it's to be made special

I recently had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at another great way to focus on the reason for the season and a great idea for "Christmas School", a Nature Study Advent!

I'm talking about the new Nature Study Through the Holidays. A mini book of nature studies for advent. I don't know about you, but I'm one of those home school moms that needs directions and specific instructions on how to make school fun. I love the idea that this mini nature study by Shining Dawn Books is as easy as downloading the pdf file, printing out the pages for each child and taking off! It's full of ideas for incorporating nature though traditional advent. They've even included scripture references and hymnals along withe their nature topic.

Do fun things like explore your neighborhood by candle light and discover all the reds and greens you can find on a winter walk. I think this Nature Study would make a great addition to any home whether you home school or not. Create a new tradition this year and learn more about nature while you focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Visit Shining Dawn Books to purchase this down-loadable ebook for only $5.00!

Truth in Review: Shining Dawn Books did provide me with a digital copy of their Nature Study Through the Holidays. I was not paid for the review or required any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

 

Teach Me with Games: Solitaire Chess

It's that time of year again! Time for Christmas gifts, and boy do I have a great one for you. Recently Timberdoodle Co. gave my family the opportunity to review Solitaire Chess.

I have to tell you, from the get-go it has been a hit. My oldest son has found a love for the traditional game of chess, so he was very excited to learn about this new game. After a quick overview of the instructions,ThinkFun Solitaire Chess was packed in our travel bag for our recent 14 hour car drive. The game conveniently includes all of the pieces in a handy self contained storage box making it perfect for travel. 

My oldest love playing Solitaire Chess at our condo on vacation. I do want to point out the video game on the side (not being played)

As somone who hasn't played chess or know anything about chess I have to say, this is a nifty game. My youngest son has already memorized the chess pieces and is already diving in to play.

Solitaire Chess is a great way to sharpen your chess skills practicing only traditional chess moves. From the website;

This logic game, based on the rules of chess, will not only help you learn the game, but also greatly improve your ability to "think chess." Fast-paced Solitaire Chess includes 60 challenges from beginner to expert, ten chess pieces, and a storage bag. Ages eight to adult.

My husband has also been finding some time to play and says that once you move through the basic beginner stages of the game, it starts to pick up and provide quite a challenge. Learning happens all of the time strategy is great for the brain and teaches patience and thinkiing skills. It makes me smile to see all three of them huddled around the game board working on a strategy together.

Since there are four of us in the house, we each gave it a thumbs up or down. This game got a full four thumbs up from our family. Check out Timberdoodle Co. for ThinkFun Solitaire Chess, or more family and educational games. If you are a homeschooler be sure to also check out their free catalog. 

Truth in Review: Timberdoodle Co. did provide me with ThinkFun Solitaire Chess including shipping. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer/Disclosure  for more info.

Teach Me: Essential Atlas of the World by Usborne

As home-schoolers it never ceases to amaze me the adventures that a single book can take you on. Just recently we received a copy of The Usborne Essential Atlas of the World to review. It took us on a fantastic journey all over the globe. 

When we opened the book pages four and five started out our journey with Maps & Atlases. Teaching us the difference in Maps and Atlases. This book also happens to be an "internet-linked" book which means it provides you with internet-links to learn even further about the subject. After learning the differences, we moved on to learning what a map key is as well as a map scale.

Those two really peaked their interest. By the time this exploration was finished my boys were excited to create and outline of our living room including a map key. Only two pages in, and we've already learned so much. Next up we plan to move to pages six and seven to go over longitude and latitude since we covered that last year and start looking into the Earth with Satellite Movement, Remote Sensing and Satellite uses.

If you've never picked up an Usborne book before, you are in for a real treat. Usborne books are informative and visually pleasing no matter what the subject. Usborne books aren't just for home schooling. They have many books including readers for beginners, lift and flap books, travel books, puzzles and so much more. Visit Usborne-Books.com for this book and the other topics mentioned.

Have fun learning!

Truth in Review: usborne-books.com did provide me with a copy of this book to review including shipping. I was not paid for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer  for more info.

 

 

Organic & Whole Living: DVD Review The Art of Canning with The West Ladies

I've talked a lot about whole foods, and whole living here at Vintage Indie and it is a topic I hold dear to my heart. When I know my family is getting the best nutrition that they possibly can, we stay out of the doctors office. When I eliminated processed crap from our diets we all started feeling better. Mind you it wasn't overnight but day after day every little bit has helped. I still have a special place in my heart for Chipotle.

In order to achieve my goal of 100% whole foods in our diet I've been considering canning quite a bit lately. While canning may not be the best option for nutrition, it is a good option for organic tomatoes and apple sauce and of course fermented veggies like sauerkraut and pickles. A frozen cucumber just doesn't go over well.

A couple of weeks ago my boys and I sat down to watch The Art of Canning from the Homestead Blessing series sent to me from Franklin Springs. The West Ladies consist of a mama and her daughters who have created a series on the "homestead" life. You may remember my review of their bread-making dvd in which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Since I had already poured a lot of research into canning, I knew a lot but having a visual was very helpful. Although I loved the bread-making dvd I can say that the canning one wasn't my favorite. In many of the books I've researched there is a lot of talk about the seriousness of botulism and other harmful bacteria that can grow in your canned foods if you don't can properly. To me the video didn't cover the safety aspects of canning that I would have preferred. Being a new "canner" these sorts of things make me hesitant on what I'm considering to can.

The dvd did offer tips, tricks and helpful tidbits for canning that maybe only your grandmother would share with you or things you'd otherwise have to learn on your own. This dvd is a great addition to our library since the boys really enjoyed it, but I wouldn't use it as my only source of information for canning.

Truth in Review: Franklin Spring Family Media did provide me with all of the products mentioned to review including shipping. Franklin Springs Family Media did not pay me for the review or require any certain context within my review. All reviews posted by me are truthful in content and not bought. Gabreial Visit our Disclaimer for more info.

Teach Me: Blockus

As some of you may already know, we homeschool at our house. With that, and my love of board games, there are plenty to play around our house. We have a few that are still in their packaging, but we're getting around to them with our new summer schedule. With the new schedule we are able to stay up a little later and enjoy more family game nights.

Just recently we played Blokus for the first time. It is a strategy game for up to four players, but I'm sure you could do teams if your family is larger. It resembles Tetris in a way because of the shapes, but I think it is a lot harder.  We also recently enjoyed a game of Score Four . I don't have a photo of this one, but my father-in-law deems this " the best game ever". It's very challenging and great for kids and adults.

Did you know game night can be frugal? Make homemade pizzas and pop some fresh popcorn for an easy dinner. Music ads another fun element and makes the kids feel like they're having a party.

Have fun playing!

xoxox Gabreial

That link is not an affiliate link. I actually purchased Blokus during the Christmas shopping season at our local grocery store for about five dollars cheaper than the Amazon price.

Teach Me Resources: Mazes to Print!

I don't know about you, but I have a little guy who loves to do mazes. He finds mazes and follows them with his little finger, at a restaurant that's the first thing he likes to finish on his menu. He could do a whole book of them, they make great entertainment in the car too!

Mazes to Print is a brand new website with a ton of free mazes to print, they also offer word mazes.

Enjoy kiddos!

Teach Me: The Chronicles of Narnia (Focus on the Family Radio Theatre)

You may have heard me talk about our love affair with books on tape. We listened to two other editions of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe as well as A Horse and His Boy, from our local library until a friend of ours gave us her set from Focus on the Family Radio Theatre.

Several trips in the car and huddling by the radio while folding laundry, we've have completed all seven in the series. I have to tell you that these are the best stories I've ever heard. Certainly better than their movie counterparts, although I thoroughly enjoyed The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe when it was released on DVD.  I think I felt such a connection as an adult with the relationships in the stories because of their implied relationship to the Bible.

This series comes highly recommended from me and my two children. We're sending our copy off with friends to listen to while driving along to their vacation destination. This review was not paid, or asked of me to do. I'm sure Focus on the Family Radio Theatre has never heard of me. Check your local library, for each individual story. They had started to carry them at our local branch the last time we were there, but be sure you get the Focus on the Family series, we feel it is the best.

Now, what to listen to next? That has been the question of the day.

Happy listening and learning!

Shining Dawn Books Giveaway Winner

Hey everyone!

I'm terribly sorry this is so ridiculously late! We finally have a winner for the Shining Dawn Books giveaway that was posted along with the Home Educating Magazine Giveaway. Congratulations to NordykeAcademy.

NordykeAcademy said..

I entered to win the prize from Home Educating family above. I also tweeted about it !!! :)

There was a slight problem though with this winner, I don't have your email address. Please email me by May 11th to claim your prize or I will have to give it to the next winner.

Thanks for entering everyone!

And The Winners Are:10 Subscriptions & Two Planners from Home Educating Magazine!

Thank you everyone for your patience for getting the winners list out to you!

 

2- Well-Planned Day Winners Are:

julie@qu...

brendagluck...

 

10 - Subscription:

dammi_g

RosemaryDG

nordykeacademy

shanrei

cjwhit

mlietha

ltdmt809

shirley.harrison

littleallenia

chandracourtney

Winners should have entered their mailing address and should not need to do anything to claim your prize. If you don't receive your winnings within a month, please let us know!

Congratulations & Thanks for entering! 

I'll be back with a winner for the Shining Dawn Books giveaway very soon!

Teach Me: Homeschooling Foodies

There is a new site in town for "homeschooling foodies"!

The Homeschooling Foodies blog is an ever changing recipe resource in collaboration with homeschoolers across the globe.

If you would like more information on participation please visit the "about page".

xoxo

♥ Gabreial