Home School Blogger Spotlight: Giving Up on a Clean House

I must say that I love the title of this blog. The title, Giving up on a Clean House, is not a statement of the state of her home but a reflection of her state of mind. The mindset that says children and family are more important than dishes in the sick or the socks on the floor. Stacy keeps her head above the piles of laundry (not to say she has piles of laundry) by slowing down a keeping life simple. That simplicity is the focus of her blog which reflects family. She says “I have slowed down, committed … Continue reading

Sharing Space in Your House

We often think of the home as being the woman’s domain. It’s generally the woman who chooses the furniture and carpet, selects the wall decor, and hangs the drapes. When someone comes to the home and admires the atmosphere, it’s the woman who receives the compliment. But is there equal space for the man to keep his things, as well? Or is the balance a little bit off? In some homes, the husband has taken over every closet, cupboard, the garage, and a spare room, leaving just one or two corners for the wife. This is off-kilter as well. It’s … Continue reading

What Does it Mean to Be Head of the Household?

What does it mean to be the head of the household? That’s the question someone raised recently in response to an earlier blog written by someone else on this site. In this blog I’m going to try and answer what it means for a marriage for someone to be the head of the household. Let me start by saying what I don’t think it means. It doesn’t mean that one person is in charge and rules everything that happens in the marriage. I don’t believe, as the last person who commented did, that it means the head of the household’s … Continue reading

Ask a Pets Blogger: Why Flea and Tick Prevention Fails

I treat my cat regularly with Advantage, but she keeps turning up with fleas! Why won’t they go away? You’re not alone with this problem — flea and tick management can be a constant battle. Here are some things that might help turn the tide in your favor. Make sure you are applying the medication correctly. The liquid needs to go on the skin, not on the fur — hair won’t absorb the medication. Make sure you place the medication in a place your pet can’t reach to lick off. Be sure to apply ALL the medication! Make sure your … Continue reading

Deer in the House

Did you happen to see that story today about a deer jumping through someone’s window and into their study? The homeowner, he lives in Michigan, simply opened the door so the deer, a six-point buck, could leave. While a deer crashing through a window and into someone’s home is not that common, I have noticed that there has been a lot of deer activity lately. Last year, we would be delighted if we would spot a deer or two off in the distance. This year, they practically knock on the door twice a day. Just looking out of my kitchen … Continue reading

The Best of Children’s Literature – Olive the Other Reindeer (Deluxe Edition)

Olive was a favorite in my house last year and now Chronicle Books has upped the ante by creating a hardback, pop-up version of this modern day holiday classic – to celebrate the book’s 10th Anniversary. Let’s take a look inside and see if it worth its weight and its hefty price tag ($19.95 – although I’m sure it can be had for cheaper online) Olive the Other Reindeer – Deluxe Edition By J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh I must admit, off the top, that I love the story of Olive. I must also admit that I was apprehensive … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: “Dear Me” and Deer Me

“DEAR ME” That’s a phrase hotel staff at The Palmer House in Chicago are bound to hear a few more times in the coming months. The legendary property is offering a jaw dropping deal to some of its oldest guests. The promotion really is astounding—–it is applicable to any guest who visited the property more than 50 years ago. Under the program, any guest who can provide an original receipt from his or her stay will be given the same room at the price they paid more than a half-century ago. And if you think that the hotel hasn’t had … Continue reading

Make A Frugal Greenhouse

With all of our trips to local parks and gardens, I have really been itching to have a garden and grow our own vegetables. My grand plans will have to wait until next year, when we can install some protective fencing. Otherwise, my garden will wind up feeding the deer and the bunnies. But, I’m going to get started anyway, growing some things indoors. I checked into buying a greenhouse to help start my seeds and nurture the young “plantlings” indoors. But, the whole greenhouse set up can get very expensive. So I found a way to be a bit … Continue reading

Holiday House Tour

What a fun time of year to be young! So many lights – on trees, hanging from roofs, wrapped around deer and snowmen…everywhere! This season, be sure to get outside as a family, on foot or in the car, and see up close how the neighbors decorate for the holidays. Many families may already make such a trip to see the local lights, so consider trying this new idea and make this activity a little more interactive this year. Print out a scorecard, using the following guide (or make your own) and assign grades to the houses you visit. Pick … Continue reading

Christmas Unplugged

Forget about dreaming of a white Christmas this year, most parents I know are hoping for an unplugged version of the holiday; a Christmas void of blaring televisions, raucous radios and vociferous video games. How likely are you to enjoy a genuine silent night this Christmas? If you want to know how to make your dream a reality, take some advice from the Bear family. In The Berenstain Bears’ Old-Fashioned Christmas, Brother, Sister and Baby Honey Bear get a taste of what the holiday was like pre-TV, when they travel to Grizzly Gramps and Gran’s house. After rolling up in … Continue reading