Since our kiddo was born, I knew that there was a part of me that was going to wish to homeschool her. The decision was a hard one, thought out over the years in which I have gone back and forth trying to decide if it was the right thing for our family. For the past couple of years we have "unofficially" been homeschooling her. In other words, because of her age and laws we did not have to report to any school district in our decision to homeschool. This year, we must. So with my LOI (Letter of Intent) completed we are officially starting on our homeschool journey.
I know that we are going to have an adventure. There are times when things are going to get tough, but we are in it for the long haul. Our little girl has a thirst for learning new things, she is always on the go. She loves art, she loves music, she is really starting to love reading.
Yes, there have been a lot of naysayers who have voiced their opinion in this and truthfully, I haven't had much support from family at all on it. People think that I am going to "ruin" her. Shelter her from life, shelter her from people that she won't learn unless she is in a classroom setting. They think that the only place that you can learn is sitting in a building with 30 or so of kids your age, with a teacher in front for 8 hours a day. That isn't learning, life is learning. Getting to experience life is learning. Being out in the world.
They think she won't be social, at all. This is one of their biggest arguments. That she won't have friends. My gosh, she is friends with everyone she meets. She loves playing with kids at the playground. She has no problem talking to adults (when we are around obviously), she isn't sheltered.
I have quite a few reasons on why I wanted to go this route. I can't pinpoint it to just one that sent me over the edge to make us take this leap. Do I think I can teach her more or that she will learn more from me? Maybe. School shootings? Yeah, that could have had a part in it, but that can happen anywhere in this crazy world. Believe it or not, religion has played no part in this decision. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the man upstairs and talk to him on a regular basis, but I believe that HE hears me just as loud and clear from my own home as HE would in a church setting. I know a lot of homeschoolers homeschool for religious reasons, but not this family.
So, we are off on our adventure. And, it is going to be adventure. Is she ready for it? Heck, am I ready for it? Only time will tell.
Onto the next chapter . . . .
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Six Year Blog Anniversary Coming Up!
Wow. In July I would have been doing our blog for 6 years. We've come a long way in those 6-years but want to go further and further.
We love bringing you all reviews and of course giveaways.
I am trying to line up some giveaways that we can do for the whole month of July for our anniversary. A little party and celebration and you are all going to be invited.
Please stay tuned . . . .
Let's party!!
We love bringing you all reviews and of course giveaways.
I am trying to line up some giveaways that we can do for the whole month of July for our anniversary. A little party and celebration and you are all going to be invited.
Please stay tuned . . . .
Let's party!!
All this pre-party planning is tiring me out ma . . . . . .roof roof.
Orkin Bug Wisdom Backyard Explorers Kit Giveaway
It is that time of year ~ BUGS!
BUGS everywhere!
Me, not a fan (especially when they are crawling on me), the kiddo absolutely loves exploring for bugs.
How would you like to win your very own Backyard Explorers Kit for your backyard explorer?
Just take the "What's Your Spirit Bug?" quiz in the blog app below and post your results as a blog comment and you could win!! That is the only mandatory entry!
Disclaimer: All assets in this post were delivered by Orkin LLC. All words except for quoted red text are my own and were not influenced by any outside source. I received no monetary compensation for this post, however, I will receive the same prize pack that the winner receives for this promotion.
Rules: Giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+. Only one prize pack will be awarded per household. Thus, to make it fair, if you win the same prize pack from another blog, you are unable to win it from this one. All winners information will be verified by the sponsor. Please no PO boxes as the sponsor uses either FedEx or UPS to ship their prizes.
Giveaway will end on July 20, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. and winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email with requested information.
Many thanks to PartnersHub and Orkin LLC for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this promotion.
BUGS everywhere!
Me, not a fan (especially when they are crawling on me), the kiddo absolutely loves exploring for bugs.
When life hands you dung, just roll with it.At Orkin, we never stop learning. Our new “Bug Wisdom” video series is a reminder that some of life’s biggest lessons come from small places. Bugs are smart, curious creatures – we humans can learn a lot from their ways.
Take the quiz to discover your “Spirit Bug,” and check out all the GIFs to soak in every nugget of wisdom that these bugs have to offer!
The Orkin Man always knows what to look for when he shows up at your home. If you want to get exploration down to a science, be sure and enter to win Orkin’s Backyard Explorers Kit!
Orkin Backyard Explorers Kit:
The Orkin 9-Page Activity Bug Book
- Orkin Bugview Bug Catching Tool and Magnifier
- Red/Black Summer Wayfarer Sunglasses
How would you like to win your very own Backyard Explorers Kit for your backyard explorer?
Just take the "What's Your Spirit Bug?" quiz in the blog app below and post your results as a blog comment and you could win!! That is the only mandatory entry!
Disclaimer: All assets in this post were delivered by Orkin LLC. All words except for quoted red text are my own and were not influenced by any outside source. I received no monetary compensation for this post, however, I will receive the same prize pack that the winner receives for this promotion.
Rules: Giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+. Only one prize pack will be awarded per household. Thus, to make it fair, if you win the same prize pack from another blog, you are unable to win it from this one. All winners information will be verified by the sponsor. Please no PO boxes as the sponsor uses either FedEx or UPS to ship their prizes.
Giveaway will end on July 20, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. and winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email with requested information.
Many thanks to PartnersHub and Orkin LLC for allowing Lollipops n' Ladybugs to participate in this promotion.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Bloggers WANTED For Big Back To School Tech Event!!
Back to School Tech-Style Event
Organized by: Mom Powered Media
Grand Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card + HP 14″ Chromebook PC
20 Additional BTS Prize Package Winners
Event dates: 7/15 – 8/15
Giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents.
Sign up here and tell them Lollipops n' Ladybugs sent you over!
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
The Lego Movie Blu-ray Giveaway And Awesome Blog App!
By now you must have heard about the new Lego movie? Every time that commercial came on TV my kiddo was begging me to take her and go see it.
Now I won't have to worry about going to a crowded theater as the movie came out on June 17th!
Here is your chance to win your very own Blu-ray copy of the movie!!
To make your 6-second video:
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation or promotional item for this posting. All words, except for quoted red text are my own. All assets and the prize are from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Now for some rules and regs:
Giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+. You must make a 6-second video (which automatically uploads to the youtube channel) to enter, it will record it for you. Only one prize (Blu-ray) will be awarded per household. Sponsor will check on the winner's addresses to make sure that only one is awarded per household.
Giveaway will end on June 30, 2014, 11:59 p.m. est and the winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen. I have to get the information to the sponsor by July 3rd.
Have fun with the video and good luck!
Now I won't have to worry about going to a crowded theater as the movie came out on June 17th!
About the Lego Movie:
The LEGO® Movie, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller is an original 3D computer animated story that follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.Chris Pratt (Moneyball) stars as the voice of Emmet. Will Ferrell (The Campaign) stars as the voice of his primary adversary, President Business, an erudite, anal-retentive CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life; while Liam Neeson (Taken) voices the president's powerful henchman, known as Bad Cop, who will stop at nothing to catch Emmet.Starring as Emmet's fellow travelers are Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), as Vitruvius, an old mystic; Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games, Emmy nominee for 30 Rock), as tough-as-nails Lucy, who mistakes Emmet for the savior of the world and guides him on his quest; Will Arnett (Emmy nominee, 30 Rock), as the mysterious Batman, a LEGO minifigure with whom Lucy shares a history; Nick Offerman (NBC's Parks and Recreation) as a craggy, swaggering pirate, obsessed with revenge on President Business; and Alison Brie (Community) as a sweet, loveable member of the team, with a powerful secret.
Here is your chance to win your very own Blu-ray copy of the movie!!
To make your 6-second video:
Move your mouse across the GIFs to control the action and play "EVERYTHING IS AWESOME" at the same time to really get crazy with it!
Press the "record" button and make a mini 6 second LEGO GIF video that can be shared to Twitter and Facebook. Videos instantly get posted to YouTube for everybody to enjoy!
Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation or promotional item for this posting. All words, except for quoted red text are my own. All assets and the prize are from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
Now for some rules and regs:
Giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+. You must make a 6-second video (which automatically uploads to the youtube channel) to enter, it will record it for you. Only one prize (Blu-ray) will be awarded per household. Sponsor will check on the winner's addresses to make sure that only one is awarded per household.
Giveaway will end on June 30, 2014, 11:59 p.m. est and the winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen. I have to get the information to the sponsor by July 3rd.
Have fun with the video and good luck!
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Reader Appreciation Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway
Yes, the time has come for another reader appreciation giveaway!!!!
For this one you can win a $10 Home Depot Gift Card.
We do these giveaways to thank you all for following along, reading/skimming/interacting with us on both our facebook page and our blog.
Sometimes it is hard for us smaller blogs to keep up with the ones that have thousands and thousands of followers, but we try our best. We hope that you like, at least, some of the content that we post. The freebies that we share, the stories and whatever else we think of.
So,
Thank you.
Our first campfire of the season!
Rules:
This will end on July 2, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.
Open to both residents of the US and of Canada who are 18+
Please only one entrant per household.
Prize is supplied by Lollipops n' Ladybugs and is not affiliated with facebook/twitter/pinterest/instagram.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide Sweepstakes
Welcome to the Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide Sweepstakes!
Sponsored by: LittleTikes.com
- Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8Please take a moment to read Mom to Bed by 8's Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide review and see how this single waterpark changed her #summerdreams!
Special thank you to our supporting co-host bloggers: Summer That, Finger Click Saver, The Chirping Moms, Our Piece of Earth, Memoirs of a Clueless Woman, Nest Full of New and The Deal Match Maker.
The Slam 'n' Curve Slide is the perfect backyard inflatable water slide! This amazing water slide by Little Tikes features a climbing wall, curved slide and large wading pool area. It is large enough for multiple children to use at once, but folds compactly for easy storage. Woot!
Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve Inflatable Water Slide:
- Inflatable backyard water slide and pool built from puncture-resistant material
- Fun inflatable rock wall leads to a slippery slide
- Slide with a gentle curve at the end for a ride into the refreshing pool
- Roomy splash pool
- Includes: Inflatable basketball hoop and ball
- Step-down inside wall for easy entrance and exit
- Stakes anchor the bouncer firmly in place
- Large enough for several children
- Deflates and folds compactly for easier storage
- Blower required for inflation
- Heavy-duty blower with GFCI plug included
- Comes with stakes, repair kit and storage bag
- Maximum weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Accommodates up to 3 children
- Connect to your garden hose and turn on water flow
- Dimensions: 10'8"L x 13'1"W x 7'9"H
One winner will receive a Little Tikes Slam 'n' Curve Slide.
Giveaway ends June 30th at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Excludes Quebec. Only one entrant per household, per address. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Enter using the giveaway form below. Good luck!Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household, per address. Void where prohibited by law. Winner(s) will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. Contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com if you have any additional questions or comments.
Disney Book Group ~ Book Review of FROZEN ~ READ ALONG Storybook and CD
Disclaimer: We received the following book from the Disney Book Group, free of charge, to do an honest review on.
If you have been anywhere on the planet since late last year you have heard of the movie FROZEN! Yes, FROZEN from Disney. I'm pretty sure I have seen or at least heard it about 150 times since we bought the DVD for the kiddo.
Well to go with the movie, there are books! Actually quite a few books and this is one of the ones that we received to do a review on.
If you have been anywhere on the planet since late last year you have heard of the movie FROZEN! Yes, FROZEN from Disney. I'm pretty sure I have seen or at least heard it about 150 times since we bought the DVD for the kiddo.
Well to go with the movie, there are books! Actually quite a few books and this is one of the ones that we received to do a review on.
Disney FROZEN Read-Along Storybook and CD
This book has become an absolute favorite of the kiddos. As you can see from the pictures, the CD is missing (see the little CD window?). Well, it isn't missing. It is in the CD player and has been in there on a daily basis. So much easier leaving it in there on and off then taking the chance of it getting scratched up going in and out of the CD player.
She loves following along as the story is told. It is really the whole movie in a few dozen pages. The shortened version, so to speak.
Very easy to follow along to, it tells you when you turn the page and the voices on the CD are the ones that are in the movie. So you will hear Elsa and Anna, Hans, Kristoff and of course everyone's favorite snowman OLAF!
The book is rated for ages 3+ but unless they are really a fast learner and reader they would probably have to be a little older to read the book without listening to the CD, but they can easily follow along with it.
The book is priced out at $6.99 US, so it is very affordable.
If your kid or kids are Frozen nuts, then you should really consider this book and read-along CD for them, I am sure that they will get as much enjoyment out of it as my kiddo has, so far.
Many thanks to the Disney Book Group for sending us this book.
Please stay tuned because we have a lot of these types of book reviews coming up. All sorts of Disney books from Frozen, to Mickey, Spider-Man and more!!
Lumenx Mountable Bicycle Light Review
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Do you need a bike light that will shine brightly with different features?
Then you should probably look no further!!
Here is the Lumenx Mountable Bike Light from LumenxUSA
As you can see it also comes with a red taillight as well. You can have this on as a steady light or you can have it flashing. The same way with the front light. On for a steady stream of light, or for some extra safety so that you can be sure that the people driving will see you, you can have it flashing on and off.
Our opinion?
You'll like this light. Really, you will, trust me. It looks small but it packs a powerful punch. The light claims to shine at least 500 feet, but I'm sure it goes farther. The first night outside with it, we were lighting up a spot on the wall at my fathers house (shined through a window) and he easily is 500+ feet away from us. We were able to light up the deer eyes across the road in the field.
As for installing it on the bike? Very easy to do. Just loosen up the ring and it pops on and then tighten it up. Can take them on and off with absolutely no problem whatsoever. The tail light is on a rubber ring and then just pops right on as well.
It is super bright! So, a word of caution, DO NOT shine this in your eyes or anyone else's eyes. This can cause permanent damage.
We will definitely be using this product for a long time. Comes in handy, whether on or off a bike.
My only complaint (and it really isn't a major one): it doesn't come with batteries, so make sure you have 3 TripleA batteries on hand.
If you are interested in this light, right now it is available on Amazon $25.77 which is a $24+ savings. You can click the link here to see it: Lumenx Bike Light
Also, here is their website LumenxUSA if you are interested in reading up on them. Please, check them out if you get the chance and are in the market for a new bike light.
Many thanks to Lumenx for allowing us to do a review of their bike light.
Disclaimer: I received a product, free of charge, so that I could do a proper product review. All words and pictures (except for quoted red text) are my own and were not influenced by any outside source.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Do you need a bike light that will shine brightly with different features?
Then you should probably look no further!!
Here is the Lumenx Mountable Bike Light from LumenxUSA
Product Information:
Never ride blind again! Lumenx mountable bicycle headlight/flashlight is a powerfful 2-in-1 portable LED bike light that will shine up to 500 feet, can effectively light up your path every time and its LED lights are shockproof with a higher light output and life span than other competitive incandescent bulbs. It is easy to install and remove with no tools needed. Guaranteed to be made of the highest quality materials and gives the highest safety and security possible.
Benefits:
* Bright CREE Q5 bulb * Up to 500 feet light visibility * 1x - 2000x zoom and flash mode * Portable and easy to install, no tools required * Durability military grade aluminum * Waterproof with advanced "O" ring seal * Convenient safety features
As you can see it also comes with a red taillight as well. You can have this on as a steady light or you can have it flashing. The same way with the front light. On for a steady stream of light, or for some extra safety so that you can be sure that the people driving will see you, you can have it flashing on and off.
You'll like this light. Really, you will, trust me. It looks small but it packs a powerful punch. The light claims to shine at least 500 feet, but I'm sure it goes farther. The first night outside with it, we were lighting up a spot on the wall at my fathers house (shined through a window) and he easily is 500+ feet away from us. We were able to light up the deer eyes across the road in the field.
As for installing it on the bike? Very easy to do. Just loosen up the ring and it pops on and then tighten it up. Can take them on and off with absolutely no problem whatsoever. The tail light is on a rubber ring and then just pops right on as well.
It is super bright! So, a word of caution, DO NOT shine this in your eyes or anyone else's eyes. This can cause permanent damage.
We will definitely be using this product for a long time. Comes in handy, whether on or off a bike.
My only complaint (and it really isn't a major one): it doesn't come with batteries, so make sure you have 3 TripleA batteries on hand.
If you are interested in this light, right now it is available on Amazon $25.77 which is a $24+ savings. You can click the link here to see it: Lumenx Bike Light
Also, here is their website LumenxUSA if you are interested in reading up on them. Please, check them out if you get the chance and are in the market for a new bike light.
Many thanks to Lumenx for allowing us to do a review of their bike light.
Disclaimer: I received a product, free of charge, so that I could do a proper product review. All words and pictures (except for quoted red text) are my own and were not influenced by any outside source.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Monday, June 2, 2014
Bet On Your Baby Luvs Coupon Giveaway
How well do you know your baby?
Every parent thinks that they know their baby as well as possible! Well, do you? Enough to Bet On Your Baby?
Bet On Your Baby is back on Saturdays, starting on May 31st at 8/7c on ABC and is presented by Walmart and Luvs. Of course the wonderful host is Melissa Peterman.
If you have never seen it: parents try to answer questions and predict what they think their toddler is going to do for prize money for their child's education. So how would you do? Would you go home with a pocket full of cash for your child's education? Or would you go home with the knowledge that your toddler is a complex little person and hard to predict?
Some show highlights:
Feel free to check on Bet On Your Baby on the following social media sites:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/
Now it wouldn't be a show return without the chance to win something that every parent/guardian needs for their toddlers, diapers. Well, actually, the winner will receive three (3) coupons for packages of Luvs Diapers. So to enter just check out the rafflecopter form below and remember to make sure you check out: Bet On Your Baby on Saturdays 8/7c on ABC.
Disclosure: I received absolutely no compensation for this posting. All assets and prizes are supplied by Bet On Your Baby. Lollipops n' Ladybugs is not responsible for shipment of prizes. Please no PO Boxes as sponsor uses either FedEx or UPS to ship prizes.
To make it fair for all entrants, there is a limit of 1 prize per household. Thus if you win this same prize from another participating blog, you are not eligible to win it from us. Sponsor will be verifying all entries to make sure everyone has a fair shot.
Giveaway is open to residents of the USA and will end on June 10, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. est. Winner will be contacted by me after giveaway is over and will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or another winner will be chosen.
Good luck and happy watching!
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