Young Love by Mat Kearney

We have been Mat Kearney fans since we first heard his music, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review his latest CD, Young Love. Young Love combines quite a few upbeat, fun tunes with his mellower, ballad style. It opens with a catchy song called Hey Mama, which had me hooked from the first time I heard it. I'm singing this one all the time. Which is okay, because it's a really fun song. Whether you're a Mat Kearney fan or haven't even heard of him, I highly recommend this CD. Check out this totally cool, interactive graphic: ps- sorry for the weird alignment of things - apparently I'm having issues with the groovy, interactive graphic. Get the CD, though. It's awesome.
Disclaimer: As a member of the One2One network, I was provided with a free copy of this CD in order to review it. The opinions stated here are my own.

School Supplies - a Review

DaySpring has some awesome school supplies this fall. They pack a punch with their messages about Jesus in a fun way. I had the opportunity to review some items from this new line. I received a binder, spiral notebook, and a folder of each design (perfect for my two teenage boys).

What a great reminder of the power of God. I think that's one that most of us can use. I know I can.

I love that this design reminds us of the freedoms that we still have here in the U.S. Sometimes we just take things for granted. It also serves as a good reminder to pray for those who don't.

Great message. Great quality.

If I didn't already have them, I would definitely buy some for my kids. But there's always me, right? I'm pretty sure I might be needing a new binder for this new school year. And there are some other terrific designs. Click the header above to see them.

If you like this set, it's currently on sale for just $13.09 for all six items! Check it out at the DaySpring site. It's a fantastic deal.

Speaking of deals, if you order before the month is over, you'll get 20% off your entire purchase! Use this code: DEALS20



Disclaimer: I received the above products for free to review. The opinions stated here are my own.

Jet Pens - a Belated Review

If you've been around for any length of time, you may recall that I have a slight obsession about pens. Okay, maybe more than slight. Yeah, lots more. I like fine point pens. I like a variety of colors of pens. I like certain types of pens on certain types of paper. I have similar feelings regarding pencils.

Come on, everyone has their quirks, right? Besides, I come by it honestly. I got it from my mom.

Well, one of my biggest issues with pens these days is that the manufacturers of pens sold in the US have changed the sizes, but not the names. Rather than regale you with further ranting, I direct you to this post. Please go read it. I'll wait.



You may have noticed that I mentioned a company called JetPens. Let me just say that I think the heavens split open and angels began to sing when I discovered them. I don't even recall how I found out about them*, but it was a glorious moment, for sure.

I left a couple comments over at their Facebook page and lo and behold they contacted me. They wanted to know if I would review some products for them. I nearly spilled my chai as I hurried to get my response typed to them.

YES, YES, YES.

And again I say YES.

Because I love their pens.

I think I mentioned that already. But I didn't want you to miss that point.

So dear sweet Lily at JetPens sent me a happy little package of pens which contained these three beauties.



The top pen is a lovely Ohto F Spirit Fountain Pen (fine nib) fountain pen - the tidy kind where you use an ink cartridge instead of a bottle of ink. They even have blue-black ink. It's such a cool color.





The second one is my favorite. The little Pieni is sweet, handy, and tiny. At about 4-5" long, it fits easily into a small purse pocket along with my Moleskine Volant X-Small Ruled Notebook



The third pen is a Tasche Needle Point Ballpoint Pen. This one is rather amazing because . . .



. . . it's actually a 0.7mm tip pen. Shhh! Don't tell anyone that I like it! It writes like a 0.5mm. It's another nifty little 4-5" pen. You take the cap off, put it on the back and you have a full-sized pen.



Not only do they have some of the best pens around and the best colors, but you also get free shipping if your order is over $25. And they ship quite quickly. My most recent order included these goodies:



The Jetstream Color Ink Ballpoint pen. This one writes so nice and smooth. Loving it.

But then, there's my most favorite of all. The one that write beautifully on Moleskine pages. The very fine, precise, beautifully colored UniBall Signo RT Lavender-Black gel pen in 0.38mm. Sigh. I buy these in multiples. It's a sad day if I run out. Maybe that's why JetPens is currently out of them. Well, that, and my mom buys them in multiples, too. It's probably her fault. Tee hee. Just kidding, Mom.



Thank you, JetPens for fulfilling my every pen dream.

Go shop the JetPens store. They even sell things besides pens. You never know what you might find over there.

Check out their blog. Sometimes they give away stuff.

Follow 'em on FB here.

* I do recall how I discovered them. I was looking at Moleskine hacks and someone mentioned having the right pen for writing in a Moleskine. That person shared a link with JetPens, as well as the name and info of said pen.

Wonder Maps - A Review

Bright Ideas Press has an exciting new program called Wonder Maps. This comes from the same people who created Illuminations (you can see my review of that here. I think that Wonder Maps has to be the best thing since sliced bread. I can't tell you how many times I've been in need of a particular map and had the hardest time locating one. But no more, because Wonder Maps covers all the bases for your map needs.

The Wonder Maps program is installed on your computer and when you open it, the Home page comes up in Adobe Reader.

You then have the option of choosing from World Maps, United States Maps, Historical Maps, and Thematic Maps. In total there are over 350 customizable maps available to you. Once you locate the map you want in the appropriate section, you then have the flexibility of tuning various layers on and off, depending upon your particular needs.

For example, if you are studying US Geography, you can print out maps for each child with all the relevant data; state and city names, rivers and their names, capital locations and names, etc. Once you're ready to quiz or test your child, you can go back to the same map and turn off those layers, leaving you with a black and white outline map to print out.

Perhaps you need an historical map. In that section, there are four categories, The Ancients (Creation to 33 A.D.), The Middle Ages (33 A.D. to 1456 A.D.), The Renaissance, Reformation, and Growth of Nations (1457 A.D. to 1707 A.D.), Revolutions to Rising Times (1708 A.D. to present).

Now let's say you want specifics about the Aztec Empire. You simply go to the Renaissance option and scroll chronologically down to the desired map.

You may now select the layers you'd like to have on or off to customize your map. There is also a Modern Overlay which will show you what the map looks like in modern times. This can provide a very interesting perspective as you study historical maps.

The Thematic Maps section includes Biblical maps, Chinese Dynasties, Native Americans, Explorers, American History, World Wars, and 20th Century Treaties. Additionally, if you use Mystery of History or All American History (Bright Ideas Press), you can easily locate the maps that coordinate with those programs.

There is also a Teacher's Guide page on the Home site which provides you with additional resources; quick start guide, video tutorial, user manual, bonus MP3 workshops, and other helpful resources.

There is so much flexibility and so many map options available and yet the program is only $49.95. This is a product you will be able to use for many years, grades, and subjects. It's not consumable and you can print as many different maps as you need, or just review them on the computer.


Learn what other TOS Crew members had to say about Wonder Maps at the TOS Crew Blog.

Disclaimer: I was provided access to Wonder Maps to utilize their program for review as a member of the TOS Crew. The opinions stated here are my own.

GoTrybe - A Review

GoTrybe is an online, interactive social community dedicated to the health and wellness of our youth. Their mission is to change some of the normal sedentary screen time into activity and health education. If children are going to spend time in front of a screen, why not make it productive?

You child will have an online account with GoTrybe where they can will have access to fitness, nutrition, motivation and wellness information. He or she can personalize the experience with a customized avatar and My Page. The fitness portion can be individually designed for each child, including instructional videos. They offer reward points as your child completes his or daily exercise program. The points can be redeemed for enhanced online rewards such as avatar upgrades.

GoTrybe is made up of three Trybes for kids to join:

ZooDoos up to 5th grade
Trybe180 6th-9th grade
Nextrybe 10th-12th grade

While I had hoped this would appeal to my not very active teenage son, since he loves all things computer related, I just couldn't get him on board with this. I imagine that it would be a little easier with younger or more motivated children.

You can find out more about the program and sign up for a free one-day trial at the GoTrybe website. If you want to subscribe, it's $19.95 for one year.


Learn what other TOS Crew members had to say about GoTrybe.com at the TOS Crew Blog.

Disclaimer: I was provided access to the GoTrybe site to utilize their program for review as a member of the TOS Crew. The opinions stated here are my own.

Nutrition 101 - A Review

Are you tired of fighting the food battle with your kids? Does it seem that they don't really listen when you try and tell them why some foods are good for them and others aren't? Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is a comprehensive health and nutrition curriculum that can help take that pressure off of you, while helping you teach your children to understand the effects of food on the body for themselves.

Growing Healthy Homes is a site created to educate and train families regarding God's plan to optimum health as outlined in the Bible. Their product line includes family-centered and health-infused books/e-books, as well as educational materials for users of pure therapeutic-grade essential oils.

I was excited to have the opportunity to review Nutrition 101: Choose Life!. This 448-page book (also available on a CD-ROM or as a combo package) teaches about the major body systems; particularly how they function and the effects of food, both nutritional and not.

The twelve main body systems are covered in six units:

Unit 1 - The Brain and Nervous System
Unit 2 - The Digestive System
Unit 3 - The Respiratory, Olfactory, Auditory, and Visual Systems
Unit 4 - The Muscular and Skeletal Systems
Unit 5 - The Cardiovascular and Immune Systems
Unit 6 - The Endocrine System & Emotions

The program is designed to be taught over the course of a year. Each unit consists of four chapters which teach all about how that particular system works. They're engaging with fun facts, colorful images, and vocabulary words. They also include discussion questions, activities, additional resources, and recipes. There's a plan which outlines teaching one chapter per week. In addition, the recipes and an answer guide to the activities follow the six units and there are also 120+ pages in the Appendix, offering charts, tables, and articles to enhance your discussion and activities.

One of the goals of Nutrition 101: Choose Life! is for your child(ren) to learn to take responsibility for his or her own health. Instead of feeling like they have to eat certain foods or can't eat other foods just because their parents say so, they'll learn why those foods help or hurt their bodies, so that they're empowered to make intelligent decision on their own. If you're concerned about having a picky eater, one of the co-authors shares her tactics in the beginning of the book for just such a situation.

The book and CD-ROM are available at the Growing Healthy Homes website. You can read an excerpt from the book here. Just scroll down a little ways to the link.

I would definitely recommend this curriculum for teaching (or supplementing) your children about health and nutrition. It's a well thought out, comprehensive program.

You can also see what other TOS Crew members had to say about Nutrition 101: Choose Life! at the TOS Crew Blog.


Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of Nutrition 101: Choose Life! for review as a member of the TOS Crew. The opinions stated here are my own.

Life to the Full

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 NIV



I have had my eye on this collection for quite some time now, so I was very excited to have this opportunity to review a set of Dayspring's Life to the Full 4-piece place setting.



This collection is bright, cheery, colorful, and fun! Of course, living in a household of guys {other than the cat and she just doesn't care}, that isn't overly impressive to the majority. But I absolutely love using these plates. The sweet little 6" Bread Plate happily greets me each morning with my cinnamon apple streusel toast. Either the 8" Dessert Plate or the 10" Breakfast Plate is a perfect fit for my lunch, and the 10" Breakfast Plate is also quite lovely for my dinner.

The large 12" Dinner Plate has done an excellent job of serving up pancakes for dinner, cool ranch chicken, and other items. We don't tend to use large dinner plates for dinner, except at Christmas, Thanksgiving, and a few other times throughout the year - like tonight when it nicely accommodated my Chipotle kid's meal. But they still get plenty of use as serving plates in the meantime.



In addition to this beautiful 4-piece place setting, there are two 16" platters (in blue or red), matching coffee mugs, 6" bowls, and a gorgeous pitchertea towels, reversible place mats, and a table runner, all in the red design.

Oh, I almost forgot - they're microwave and dishwasher safe! Does it get any better? Whimsical, practical fun! Actually, it does get better {I feel like an infomercial, but it's really exciting!}.

They are THIRTY PERCENT off this month!! Yes, I know, there's not a lot of month left, but seriously, that is a killer deal. Just use the code LIFE30 when you go here to order and you'll get the deal.

Hurry. Order now.

So you don't forget.

You'll thank me when they arrive at your front door.

In case you don't believe me, you can also check out what some other people had to say about these beautiful dishes here.

Virtual Nerd - a Review

It seems like math and science are two of the more difficult subjects for many families to teach in homeschool - particularly as the kids move into the higher grades. Private tutoring can be a huge help, but it can also be a huge expense, which some families just can't manage. If you're looking for some assistance for your kids, particularly in 7th - 12th grades, you should definitely check out Virtual Nerd.

Virtual Nerd is an online tutoring program that I've found to be pretty awesome. They currently have Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra II and Physics videos available (1,000+) and plan to add Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Physics with Trig, and Chemistry in the next year. Biology will be following that.

You select the concept that you want some help with and a new window opens to a video with an instructor at their patent-pending Dynamic Whiteboard™. On the right side, you'll see a step-by-step script which follows along with the instructions.

If you don't need the first portion of that concept explained, you can skip ahead to the part you want, by clicking on that section in the script. Or, if there's something you don't understand, a term or concept, you can mouse over it in the script box and it will show a pop-up window that provides you with other tutorial videos which will explain that term or concept. In the meantime, it puts the original video you were watching into the background, but remains in the same place, so you can return to it. You can continue to bring up new videos over and over, as you review or learn about portions of a concept. Once you're done with that, you can close it, and go right back to the previous video.

The videos are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. I love the fact that your child can skip right to the portion they need help in; they don't have to sit through a video of information they already know. This helps to keep them engaged and interested. I think the individualization is an incredible feature of Virtual Nerd.

Virtual Nerd is available on a subscription basis and there are four different options, so you're sure to find one that meets your needs. You can take a look at those choices here. And in case, you think you'll have to sign up for something long-term, there's even an option for a single day. Sometimes that's all it takes to get your student back on track.

You'll find an introductory video as well as a lot of other information and FAQs. It's definitely worth taking a look at - for both you and your student.

If you need more proof, take a look at what other TOS Crew members had to say about Virtual Nerd at the TOS Crew Blog.


Disclaimer: I was provided access to the Virtual Nerd site to utilize their program for review as a member of the TOS Crew. The opinions stated here are my own.

Wits & Wagers Family - a Review

My family loves to play games. Hubby, the boys, and me, but also my parents, sister, and her family. We all love Wits & Wagers Family from North Star Games. We played when the game arrived and then on Thanksgiving night, we played with family members ranging from 11 to Grandpa and everyone had a terrific time. Well, we've also played plenty of times since then, too.

From the website:

Wits & Wagers Family simplifies the rules and scoring system of the popular Wits & Wagers. Now families and kids can get into the Wits & Wagers action! First, every player writes down a guess to a fun question. Then players try to score points by choosing which guess is closest to the right answer without going over. That is it!

The game features 300 new family-friendly questions. And even better than that, Wits & Wagers Family includes Meeples-- fun, cute, human shaped wooden pieces that the players use to select which answers they think are correct. Meeples have been a hallmark in European style strategy games for years, but this is the first time they have made an appearance in a party game.

The Meeples are the cutest! I think I'll have to keep an eye on them. I have a certain niece who might like to take them out for a spin. Or ClayGuy may think they'd make a good clay accessory.

On the box, the game is for ages 8 and up and can be played by 3 to 10 people. With 3 to 5 people, you an play as individuals, but more than 5, you play in teams of two. We've played both individually and in teams. Both ways are every bit as fun as the other. It's great that you don't have to know the answer to the questions, you just have to be good at figuring out who has the closest answer.

If you're in the market for a new family game, I would absolutely recommend Wits & Wagers Family.

Oh, if I didn't do enough to convince you, you can go to the TOS Crew Blog to read more reviews.

Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of Wits & Wagers Family to play and review. The opinions stated here are my own.

ALEKS Math - a Review

ALEKS (Assessment and LEarning in Knowledge Spaces) is a web-based math curriculum that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide an adaptive, individual learning program. It able to identify what your child does and doesn't know and then directs him/her to the next appropriate math skill to learn. It provides examples, assessments, and immediate feedback for the student.

Yes, I am able to do high school algebra, but there's some re-learning involved (it's been more than a few years!), so it's nice that my son has a program that gives him individualized lessons and help. He really likes using ALEKS in our homeschool. While math is a sequential subject, he has the flexibility to jump around from one math skill to another - all within the confines of what ALEKS identifies appropriate for his learning path. So if he's a little stuck or bored with a specific topic, he can work on something different for a time, and come back to that later.

He also really likes being able to see his progress immediately (no waiting for mom to grade papers!). A Student Pie Chart is provided which is split up into pieces for various learning areas. At the center of each pie wedge, a darker segment of color extends out, indicating mastery in that particular skill set. It's nice for both him and me to have a visual review like this. As you mouse over a particular area, a window comes up which further explains what's covered and includes a link to an example of that skill.

ALEKS doesn't use multiple choice questions, so your child has to come up with an answer, not just guess. Because it's individualized and the student has to reach mastery of foundational skills, he/she is not moved on to new topics until ready. ALEKS is also able to identify gaps in your child's math knowledge and provide the lessons and practice needed to cover them. Courses are available from 3rd grade through 12th, from basic arithmetic to Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry. There is also a wealth of resources available and are listed by education role (parents, students, homeschoolers, and tutors).

ALEKS uses Java and is compatible with both Windows and Mac. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial to try it out and see what you think. If you decide to continue, it's a subscription-based program with three payment options. Monthly - $19.95, 6-months - $99.95, or 12-months - $179.95 (one child). For multiple students, there are family discounts at the 6- and 12-month levels. There are no textbooks necessary, just the internet.

There's so much to this program, I'm not sure I've done it justice! Please be sure to read more about ALEKS in other reviews at the TOS Crew blog.


Disclaimer: I was provided with a free trial subscription to try out ALEKS. The opinions stated here are my own.

Illuminations - A Review

As much as I like to make my own way, there are certainly times that having things planned out for you is an wonderful blessing. So it is with Illuminations from Bright Ideas Press.

I reviewed the High School, Year 2 edition. Illuminations is a wrap-around program designed to be used with Mystery of History or All American History (also from Bright Ideas Press). It's available for grades 3 through 8 and high school. The flexibility of this program is so cool! It has lesson plans all laid out for you, just ready to print when you need them. But the terrific part is that if there's a particular subject that you have different curriculum you prefer to use, you just click in the box and type your own plan, replacing what is there. Then you can print it out, all nicely modified and personalized for your own students.

The weekly schedule prints out in a grid format and they lightly color each subject in various shades for easy readability. My boys and I all love having a weekly plan at a glance, so this is a great format.

Just what does the product cover?

History - Mystery of History (or All American History)

Bible - reading plan that includes memorization and journaling

Writing - WriteShop 1 & 2 or The Write Stuff Adventure

Literature - Literature Guides are included; you'll need to purchase specific works separately, although some are from the Bible, and some are available online or at the library. There's a nice variety of literary works included.

Vocabulary - English from the Roots Up, Volume 2

Grammar - Winston Grammar

Geography - The Ultimate Geography and Timeline Guide

Humanities - The Art of Poetry

Life 101 - Cracking the SAT, Do Hard Things, Hollywood Worldviews, Precepts: Finances

You provide your own math program, which makes the most sense since student can be in so many different levels at this age.

The program runs in Adobe Reader 9 (free!) and is very simple to use. Everywhere you need to go has a clickable link. The start-up screen offers you the following choices:

1. Quick Start - Provides an excellent introduction and instructions. Here you will find directions for individual subjects. There is also a User Guide, Book & Program Checklist, Notebook Spines you can print out, and a Literature Evaluation form to assist you in grading literary assignments. You will also find Supplemental Activities and an Evaluation/Grading Rubric in this section.
2. Browse by Subject - Specific lessons related to each subject. Also included are Supplemental resources and Graphic Organizers (a tremendous asset, particularly for visual learners).
3. Browse by Date - Click on any week of the year to see that week's specific plans.
4. Contact Info/License - Contact Bright Ideas Press through a variety of means, take a look at their catalog, or read the license agreement.

The high school program is priced as follows:

Full year download = $95.00
One semester download = $47.50
Full year on CD = $115.00

Pricing for grades 3-8 can be found on the Illuminations site. Many of the necessary resources can be purchased from Bright Ideas Press.

For a look at the actual product, check out their sample pages.

If you want to have well thought out, organized, yet flexible, plans for your homeschool, I highly recommend looking into Illuminations. Bright Ideas Press, check out the TOS Crew Blog.

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I was provided a free copy of Illuminations - Year 2, High School to review. The opinions stated here are my own.

...Featuring Norah Jones

I haven't been a fan for a long time, but I have really come to enjoy the talents of Norah Jones over the past year. She has an incredibly rich and smooth voice with remarkable versatility. Earlier this week, I received a copy of ...Featuring Norah Jones courtesy of One 2 One Network for review. From the CD cover:

Recorded from 2001 to 2010, the cameos, duets and collaborations on this compilation span the musical spectrum and show Norah Jones to be one of the decade's most diverse musical connectors.

When I first opened the CD, I was a little curious how well it would work to have such a wide array of musical styles together. Norah sings with artists from many genres from Wilie Nelson to the Foo Fighters, Herbie Hancock to Outkast, and many others in between. Yet, the Norah's flexibility beautifully ties the various styles together.

While I've had just a few days to enjoy the CD, my favorites right now are:

• Love Me with The Little Willies {Rarely do I care for Elvis remakes}
• Turn Them with Sean Bones
• Ruler of My Heart with Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Robert Randolph
• Here We Go Again with Ray Charles

...Featuring Norah Jones was released earlier this week, so you can pick up your copy.

{Disclosure: I am a member of One 2 One Network, who provided this CD for review; opinions expressed are my own. I am entered to win a gift card through One2One Network by participating in this campaign.}