Slide the City Coming to Your City This Summer #Slidethecity

I was just thinking the other day that it would be so fun to have large inflatables for adults! I even shared a photo from 10+ years ago of my hubby in an adult like inflatable but that was the last time I saw something for adults. Now that this has been on my mind I got a really cool email about Slide the City! It is a huge water slide for kids and adults! Here is the scoop for one in the St Louis area. Check your city for one as well! 

On Saturday, July 11th - Market Street will be transformed as participants ride inflatables down this giant slide spanning three city blocks. With music, local vendors, and giveaways, this family friendly event promises to be a highlight of the summer. My readers SAVE with promo code USFAMstl -- Get your tickets here! 

A portion of the event proceeds will be donated to Saint Louis Area FoodBanks. The St. Louis Area FoodBank feeds the hungry by distributing food through a network of more than 500 partner agencies and engages the community in the fight against hunger. Participants can purchase a one, three or unlimited slide pass. Tickets are now available, starting at $13. 

Is there an age or height limit?
All who are over 46 inches tall and over 5 years old are invited to slide, but remember if you're under 18 you'll need to get a sign off from your legal guardians.

Are there group rates available?
If you have a group with 20 or more participants send us an email.

What do you do to address water conservation?
Water conservation is also a priority at our events. We strive to have zero environmental impact on the community. The Slide was designed to have zero water loss, and it treats and recycles the water safely and efficiently throughout the day. When permitted, we donate the water back to the community. Methods of disposal include local reclamation centers, parks, golf courses and other places dependent upon local regulations. 

Don't forget, for a LIMITED TIME, my readers will SAVE $5 with promo code USFAMstl

I'm going, how about you? 

X Out Review #mc #sponsored

I really do believe that my teens are busier these days then when I was a teen. My teens all were (are) enrolled full time in the local Community College for their last two years of high school. This has allowed them to get dual high school and college credit. Not only have they been away all day for school, they work and have other activities every day and on the weekends. How about your teens? Are they always on the go? I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for X Out. I received samples of X Out to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating. 

Our last teen at the Community College is also very involved in sports. As you know, sports means sweaty faces! This can cause a lot of breakouts if proper care isn't taken care of the skin. She has had issues with acne this year. She agreed to test out X Out which is a one-step acne treatment. The one step is great for the busy teen who doesn't want to remember to use 3 or 4 various products to just take care of the acne. X Out's one-step Wash-In Treatment has proven to be a powerful breakout fighting medicine that works at the pores to help kill the pimple causing bacteria while protecting the skin and moisturizing it along the way.

My teen loves how easy this product is to use, how great it smells and how clean she feels after using it. You can check out X Out at their website and order your teen a bottle, too! Let her try it for herself! We also follow X Out on Facebook and Twitter. Follow along and see what all the teens are saying about X Out. 

Stay tuned for a video on my teens love of X Out!

Can you tell how much she loves X Out? She definitely has more confidence now that she has found a product that actually works on her skin. She has less breakouts with a product that takes very little time to use each day and no problem with dry, itchy skin. We will keep getting X Out for Emily as it seems to be the best product for her skin. If you are looking for a similar product for your teen, try X Out! 

Help Your Teen with Good Contact Eye Care #mc #sponsored

Did you know that contact lens are considered a medical device? In the United States all contact lenses require a prescription, which I did not know. A lot of teens are using designer contact to change their eye color or pattern of their eyes especially for Halloween. These decorative type of contact lens are purchased without a prescription but should be treated and cared for just the same as the prescription contact lenses. I wrote this review while participating in an Influencer campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. and received a promotional item from Mom Central to thank me for participating.

It is so important for the safety of the teen that good hygiene is used year round for their contact eye care. Here are some tips to make sure that they do from the beginning to establish good habit even when they stay from prescription to non prescription lenses. We have made sure these tips are followed by the teens. 

Contact Eye Care Tips for Teens

• Only use contacts prescribed from your eye care professional (click for more information)
• Wash hands before and after taking out and inserting in contacts
• Follow the wearing and contact replacement schedule on the prescription
• Follow proper lens care, solution use and disinfecting routine as prescribe by health care professionals
• Don't let others wear or handle your contacts
• Properly clean and disinfect contacts when contact drops on the floor, on counter,etc
• Put contacts in before adding on face makeup 
• Remove lenses immediately if you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, and redness of the eye or other problems and promptly contact eye care professional
• Only use recommended lubricants for eye care
• Get even more contact eye care tips here!

Please make sure your teen is using proper contact eye care. Anything else could permanently damage their eyes. Remind your teen that any contacts purchased over the counter that isn't properly fitted by eye care professional can damage the eyes. If they do wear them, make sure that they are using proper eye contact care. 

I've Cheated on my iPhone with a Samsung #SprintMom #Sponsored #MC

If there ever was a phone that has caused my eyes and fingers to wander away from my iPhone it would be the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport. For the past month I have been testing this phone because I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sprint. I received a sample device to facilitate this review and a promotional item to thank me for 
participating. 

I have been cheating on my iPhone and I am OK with that!

I have had a lot of fun being a SprintMom this year trying out some of Sprint's favorite products. I have no control over which products they send me and I'm not sure how they decide but the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport was totally meant for me. I learned that Samsung Telecommunications America teamed up with health and fitness market leaders, Under Armour and MapMyFitness to offer mobile solutions for those who are or want to get active. 

I'm on a healthier lifestyle journey and workout at the gym, home and even outdoors. I am aways looking for the best apps and fitness products to give me a variety of workout choices which includes using my smartphone. The above photo is of me working at Panera and doing computer work. Not only is it a workout partner but also a handy way for me to catch up with Y & R. The new Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport fits right into my healthier lifestyle giving me the ability to check:

• Heart rate at anytime
• Daily pedometer tracking
• Exercise activity tracking with the ability to set goals
• Food journal
• Weight monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Stress level measurment and more

Since using the S Health integrated mobile platform, I got inspired to start doing outdoor bike training. I'm working on a 3 month challenge to ride 100 miles on my bike at one time. The easy activity tracker for the bike has inspired me to do this. I need to keep track of my progress and make sure that I'm eating the right foods. All of that can be tracked on my smart phone. 

The phone allows me to track calories in and out which is so important during weight loss and athletic training. Besides using the cycle, I also take various class at the gym. It is nice to have one place to keep track of everything I am doing. I'm definitely meeting all my current fitness goals and beyond!  

The phone's features allows me to track my fitness activities, share my workout details, and even my calories burned. I love that the app allows me to GPS track my fitness activities, records basic information such as duration, distance, pace, speed, elevation and more. It is super easy to use and find, even for Apple users. 

Right now I either take classes at the gym or workout on my own. I love running and walking in town and ridding my bike . The Sprint Fit Live is a complete mobile heath and fitness package. This allows me to workout, record and even track my fitness activities.

I love trying out new fitness applications but haven't seen anything like this one. I love how easy it is to use the app because it is so comprehensive. When working out I rock to music. Right now one of the best benefits of the SprintFamily plan is getting 3 months of Spotify  for free. This allows a wide variety of music to be added to my workout routine.  You can also get a Gear Fit device to go along with the phone. I didn't get to test this but I do wish it would have been part of this review. 

As part of Sprint’s offerings on this new device, the Samsung Galaxy S 5 Sport smartphone will have the added benefit of running on the Sprint Spark network, which enhances the phone’s LTE service, allowing for high quality video.

WHY I CHEATED on my iPhone with a Samsung 5 S Sport 

Besides the already stated reason of cheating...the healthy lifestyle benefits I also have other features that I love about this phone... here are a few reasons:

• The added S Health™ - an integrated mobile health platform to access health info, map out workouts, and make healthier eating choices. It even monitors heart rate before and after activity with a built-in heart-rate monitor
• Durable case and textured body making the smartphone easier to hold and preventing it from slipping from the hand including when I'm riding my bike or running in the gym
• Water and dust resistant. This is great especially when I had to stick it in my sports bra to run because I forgot my sport band
• Large screen...I repeat (APPLE ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?) large screen! I want a screen that is large enough to see.
• Cherry Red cover...yes this feature is all about me but this is the color I want my phone
• No need to buy expensive, ugly, bulky cases. This phone is the case
• 5.1” HD Super AMOLED™ (1080x1920) screen.... see I listed this a 2nd time
• This phone never crashed the Facebook app unlike my iPhone which crashes it every 3 times I log in
• Very light....lighter than any other phone I have used without feeling cheap

If you are looking for a new smartphone and if you have a healthier lifestyle or want to start one, tryout this phone, it is one of the best apps to track your progress. Find out about the Sprint Framily Plan here, too! They just updated it to give you even more gigs of data for your money! 

Sticky Fingers Craft Book for Teens #SummerBloggin

I'm a mom of 3 creative teen girls. They have done a lot of projects over the years which led to one of my blogs most popular post, 50 Summer Activities for Teens and Tweens. Part of that post is serious which includes links to fun projects whereas the post is also a little snarky I do admit. I believe several times in that top 50 I included eating and sleeping. I can do that because I have teens and I know that they sometimes eat and sleep like it is a summer hobby. I haven't blog a lot of their projects but I do know that besides eating and sleeping that they love to be creative. How about your teens?

Sunglass Case ... Case for Glasses

Sometimes teens need direction and one way is with the Sticky Fingers: DIY Duct Tape Projects book which I'm sharing with you today. This book is part of the Zest Books Summer Bloggin Tour along with The Green Teen Cookbook.  These books are perfect for teens and tweens because they give clear guidance on how to cook and to create. I'm thrilled to participate in the tour and was given the books to share whatever I wish. My own opinions are shared here on my blog as always.

Book: Sticky Fingers DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky is a perfect craft book for any age and any craft level but geared toward teens. As a mom, I love the clear and easy to follow step-by-step approach for each project which gives the crafter total independence with their craft project. Everything is given to get that project created included clear photos. The book is well written for those who need clear, written out instructions. On the flip side, the photos are perfect for visual learners and crafters. They are the ones that need to see it done before doing it! 

Fun Duct Tape Fact: Duct tape is a $150 million a year industry in the United States, and has grown 18-20% per year since 2007. 

Provided Book Description

Any crafter from novice to expert (of all ages), will enjoy these 70+ fresh duct tape project ideas from the fully illustrated guide, Sticky Fingers DIY Duct Tape Projects (Zest Books; ISBN 978-1-936976-54-6; $16.99 PB), by Sophie Maletsky. Making everything from cell phone holders to room dividers, backpacks, jewelry, bags, wallets and more! 

Author Sophie Maletsky is a Nickelodeon Parents’ Pick award winner, a certified teacher on curious.com, and a duct tape expert. An award-winning children’s event planner, craft and kid expert, her website, Sophie's World (sophie-world.com), features thousands of ideas, how-to's and videos for crafts, games, and activities. Known as the “premier authority on duct tape crafting in the United States,” she lives and creates in San Francisco, California. 

Sticky Fingers is essentially a step-by-step by step guide for realizing one’s potential as a duct tape crafter.  Beginning with the basics of brands and types of tapes, through essential techniques, and on to detailed projects for home, for school and to wear, this book gives the reader everything they need to know to create fantastic-looking duct tape projects. Having worked with duct tape crafters for many years, Sophie has developed a teaching method—applied in this book—that makes even the most complicated projects doable. Sticky Fingers provides the reader with the building blocks – all that’s needed is imagination! 

 This really is the perfect craft book for teens. Here are the chapters and some of the creative and fashion forward projects. This book will allow the teen to craft for themselves and give them a chance to make gifts for others. My teens have made my husband and I several duct tape gifts over the years. It is amazing how those simple created gifts are some of the most practical and well used items here in our home. 

Breakdown of Chapters and a few favorite projects in that chapter

Chapter 1: Tools of the trade - Awesome chapter that even taught me a few things about all the different tapes available! It also explains other things which are needed and which ones not to use! This is proof that the author did all of her research on duct tape crafting.

Chapter 2: Your Workstation- I'm in love with this chapter because it lays out how to keep your workstation organized and um....supplies all together in one area. This chapter is worth the price of the book alone! I hope it inspires teens to do the same with their makeup, clothes, school supplies, etc!

Chapter 3: The Basics- Best ever chapter on the basic building blocks of crafting with duct tape. Easily explained steps and used as a reference throughout the entire book. These skills will allow them to easily recreate the projects and give them a chance to create others not even in the book.

Chapter 4: Quick Crafts- Bow, Rosette, Layered Flower and Ruffles

Chapter 5: Wallets- Simple Clutch Wallet, Checkbook Keeper and Trifold Wallet with ID Holder

Chapter 6: Purses, Bags, and Cases- Cupcake purse, Makeup Case, Sunglasses Case, Smartphone Case, Messenger Bag and Tablet Case - I might add this is my favorite chapter as it is full of practical projects for every day items which teens need! These are all perfect projects to make as gifts! 

Chapter 7: Wearable Duct Tape- Lanyard, Headband, Simple Ring, Spike Rose Ring, Choker, Tie, Belt

Chapter 8: At School-Luggage Tag, Locker Organizer, Altoid Tin First Aid Kit, Lunch Band and yes, Backpack

Chapter 9: In Your Room- Desk Organizer, Dry Erase Board, Jewelry Stand, Earring Tree, Woven Basket

Chapter 10: Every Last Bit of the Roll- Love this on Using the End Tape and Using the Center of the Roll. 

Stay tune for future duct tape project here on my blog from my teens!

ABOUT ZEST BOOKS: Zest Books is an award-winning publisher of smart and edgy titles for young and new adults that cover timely topics in creative ways by incorporating solid life advice, practical how-to instruction, and humorous commentary. Distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, you can learn more about Zest Books.

Sunglasses Case

The case is made from felt backed duct tape fabric to keep your sunglasses or glasses from getting scratched. The colorful case can "help" you know where your sunglasses are at all times! ha! 

Instructions:

1- Place the sunglasses down on the piece of felt and mark a rectangle around them that is 3 times longer and 1 inch wider than the sunglasses. Cut out the rectangle.

2-Cover one side of the felt with duct tape. The tape should overhang each side of the felt by about 1 inch. Fold the overhanging tape on the short ends back onto the felt.

3- Measure the length of the sunglasses plus 1/2 inch from one of the ends of the felt and mark it. Cover the opposite end with a 2 inch strip of duct tape to make the flap. 

4-Fold the case in half at the point you just marked The top edge should meet the bottom edge of the flap. If not, add another strip of tape so that the 2 edges meet. The sticky pieces of tape along the sides will stick together, forming a pouch. Trim away the excess tape, being careful not to cut into the felt. Trim the flap into the desired shape. 

5-Reinforce the side seams of the case with 1 inch strips of duct tape.

6-Attach a small square of the sticky backed Velcro to the closure flap and press it onto the case to secure it in place. 

This book is a definite winner for teens and young adults and would make a great gift for any occasion. 

GIVEAWAY: You can enter to win The Green Teen Cookbook and/or Sticky Fingers in the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Green Teen Cookbook with Recipes by Teens for Teens #SummerBloggin

I'm the mom of 3 teen girls. They have alway been active and creative in everything that they do or try. It has been fun over the years to see them develop and fine tune their God given gifts. One thing that I have tried to teach them is that they need to learn to take care of themselves and some day others being that a husband and children, friends, aging parents (yes I'm counting on them to care for me) or others who will come in their path. Here is one of our favorite post, Cooking with Teens. 

Vegetable Toast

I love sharing recipes on my blog and that desire came out of wanting a place to have my recipes for them to go to when they need them. I also share cookbook reviews which is why I'm featuring The Green Teen Cookbook on my blog today (check back later today for another book review for teens and kids).

Book: The Green Teen Cookbook from Zest Books has been written by teens, for teen with recipes for all seasons and edited by Laurane Marchive and Pam McElroy. Ms. McElroy, co-editor of The Green Teen Cookbook, an editor and caterer living in San Francisco, California. She edits books of all genres and caters under the name Meatball Maven. She has also been involved in the food industry since she was a teen--in restaurant kitchens, as a caterer, and as an editor for dining magazines. Her hobbies include reading cookbooks cover-to-cover, shopping at farmers markets, and cooking epic and seasonal meals for friends and family. 

Provided BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Kitchen can be one of the trickiest places for young adults to navigate—add trying to be healthy, eco-minded, and budget-conscious, and things get even more complicated! Now there is The Green Teen Cookbook (Zest Books; ISBN 978-1-936976-58-4; $14.99 PB) to help guide teens through the mysteries of the kitchen and create some amazing meals. With inspiring tips on how to cut through the chaos of going green as well as master over 70 recipes, including a seasonal key that ensures optimal freshness (and a minimal carbon footprint), any teen can become a green culinary expert and learn how to: shop on a budget; get the most out of your pantry; cook more consciously; eat healthier, and more! Featuring full color photos throughout, The Green Teen Cookbook is an all-in-one guide for eating green and eating well—by teens and for teens! 

This book is for people who enjoy cooking great, seasonal food for themselves as well as for other people—on a budget. It’s a guide for customizing recipes for each season, and for learning how to appreciate the different foods available each month. And readers looking to educate themselves on the food industry will enjoy the essays about globalization, vegetarianism, imports/exports, farming in the US and abroad, and much more.

This cookbook is very impressive. It would be perfect for any tween -boy or girl- all the way through college age and even beyond. I was most impressed by the wide variety of foods and 70+ recipes which I will include some of our favorites below in the chapter descriptions. 

The book is a perfect guide to help teens navigate through the kitchen, teaches how to shop on a budget, healthy eating ideas, shopping for local, fresh ingredients and buying and using those unfamiliar seasonal ingredients. I love how each recipe has a photo of the teen with a quote. 

Breakdown of Chapters and a few favorite recipes to try

Chapter 1: A Rough Guide to Healthy, Environmentally Conscious Cooking- Eating healthy tips, seasonally foods, eating organic, vegetarianism, eating locally and discusses fairtrade. 

Chapter 2: DIY Kitchen Staples-Love this chapter on basic homemade recipes which are healthier and more budget friendly- Bechamel Sauce, Mayonnaise, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Spread and Salsa. 

Chapter 3: Breakfast and Brunch- Yogurt Muesil, Energy Bar, Vegetable Smoothie Huevos Rancheros and Seasonal Mini Frittatas.

Chapter 4: Soups, Salads & Sandwiches- Squash Salad, Chicken Noodle Soup with Cheese Muffins, Healthy Burgers with a Kick, Sarah's Ramen

Chapter 5: Snacks & Sides: Hummus, Fava Beans, Begetable Toast, Scallion Pancakes, Mini Piza, Fried Tofu with Peanut Dipping Sauce.

Chapter 6: Main Courses- Green Pesto Tagliatelle, Sushi, Grilled Fish with Chimichurri Sauce, Lemon Tarragon Chicken, Chicken Chorizo Casserole.

Chapter 7: Desserts- Creme Brûlée, Rose Petal Sweets, Apple Chips, Oreo Cupcakes, Seasonal Pies, Crepes with Orange Sauce, Carrot Cake.

Do these sound like recipes a teen would think of making or ask for? Most of them are not which is what totally impressed me with this book. People think that teens only eat junk food but the times are changing and they are reaching out to eat healthier, more aware of the environment and the impact on the food they eat as well as getting the best and healthiest deals for their money.

Vegetable Toast by Jeremy Lickery

Ingredients

4 plain English muffins
1 zucchini, julienned (cut into matchsticks)
3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato puree
4 tablespoons soft goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

Cut each muffin in half and lightly toast. (Two halves per person is good for a snack or appetizer.)

Spread out the zucchini on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil, and place under the broiler until tender. (Leave the broiler turned on.)

Heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in medium saucepan over medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes and simmer until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Add the tomato puree, stir and simmer until everything is incorporated.

Once the sauce has thickened, spread it on the muffins. Top with the goat cheese and zucchini. Transfer to a clean baking sheet and place under the broiler until the goat cheese just starts to brown and melt. Sprinkle with basil and serve.

This book is a definite winner for teens and young adults and would make a great gift for any occasion. 

This post is sponsored by Zest Books. My own opinions are expressed here. It is part of their Summer Bloggin Summer Bloggin Blog Tour where you can go see what the other blogs have shared. 

ABOUT ZEST BOOKS: Zest Books is an award-winning publisher of smart and edgy titles for young and new adults that cover timely topics in creative ways by incorporating solid life advice, practical how-to instruction, and humorous commentary. Distributed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, you can learn more about Zest Books. 

GIVEAWAY: You can enter to win The Green Teen Cookbook and/or Sticky Fingers in the Rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pong Back to School Sweepstakes and Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

It is back to school all over the United States! Did your kids take a phone with them this year? My kids are all teens so yes they have phones with them. No one asked for a new phone case but if the did it would need to be durable, chic and fashionable. I'm super excited to participate in this Pong Rugged Case giveaway. Get the scoop below on why your teens will love this case and enter the giveaway! Good luck! 

Welcome to the Pong Back to School Sweepstakes

Organized by Budget Earth

Sponsored by Pong

 Looking for the perfect case for your brand new smartphone? How about something a bit more chic and fashionable? Back to school just became a lot safer for your phone and you with the Pong Rugged Case. Unlike silicone cases that just protect your phone from drops and shock, these cases also redirect potentially harmful wireless energy away from your head and body, while also increasing your phone outbound signal and prolonging your battery life. Their patented intelligent antenna technology has been tested in FCC certified labs and is the only case on the market proven to reduce exposure to wireless energy while helping increase your phone's signal. On top of that, it reduces wireless energy being absorbed by your by body by up to 82% below the industry standard.

With the conflicting studies about wireless energy, why not be proactive and protect yourself and your phone! To learn more, make sure to read Budget Earth's Pong Rugged Case Review. Would you love to try out one these case for yourself? Budget Earth and some of their favorite bloggers are excited to be working with Pong on this awesome giveaway!

One very lucky winner will win a Pong Rugged Case of their choice {phone model & color} and a $25 Amazon gift code!

To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and then enter through the Rafflecopter!

  Pong Back to School Sweepstakes

• One lucky reader will win a Pong Rugged Case of Choice + $25 Amazon Gift Code.
• Open to US ONLY.
• Winners will be chosen at random Random.org.
• Sweepstakes ends September 9th at 11:59pm ET.
• Winner will be notified via email.
• Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
• Budget Earth is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
• Must be 18 years or older to enter.
• Only one entrant per household.
• Void where prohibited.
• Entering the giveaway form means you agree to terms above.
• Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. Prize fulfillment will not be handled by Budget Earth. Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure? Contact susan.l.bewley@gmail.com to see how I can help YOUR company today!  

Tips on The College Planning Process for Homeschoolers #JourneytoCollege

Homeschooling through high school and then onto college can be challenging if you do not plan ahead.  No one told us what steps to take and when to take them for preparing for college. For our daughters first  2 years of homeschool high school they took classes for their age and interest. During that time and after the fact we did learn some helpful tips to plan for college. Do you have any college planning tips? I'd love for you to share them in the below comments! This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Kaplan Test Prep. I received compensation to write this post, and any opinions expressed are my own, and reflect my actual experience.

Tips on the College Planning Process for High School Homeschoolers

1. Freshman year

• Involve your student in all of the college planning. Don't just do it for them but show them and let them know why and how! Get your free 2014 KapMap College Planner and stay ahead of the curve.
• Include college test prep books or online classes in your homeschool curriculum. This will give the student a chance to get familiar with the test and build their test taking skills. We loved using online classes. Right now Kaplan has a special offer for you. Save $100 when you enroll in their SAT and ACT course through 8/28 and use the promocode: SHESPEAKS100.
• Talk to other homeschool families who have kids in high school or have started college for their advice.
• Keep a detailed transcript of classes, activities, volunteer hours, etc. Search online for homeschool transcripts for examples.
• Check out state guidelines as to what is expected of high school graduates.

2. Sophomore year

• At this point the student needs to be the one to narrow down college choices and find out if the school requires SAT, ACT or both. They should be taking the initiative to do everything else from here on out with you being there guiding when needed. 
• Schedule the required test and take it this year. 
• Enroll in a local Community College to take dual high school and college credit class for the Jr and Sr years of high school. Use the school and guidance counselor to answer questions on transferring to a 4 year.
• Check out the four year colleges of intent and find out which is better for your student, go in as a 2 year transfer student or as a freshman. Let this guide your student on how many classes to take at the local community college. This includes checking out which classes would transfer, if ACT or SAT are required, tuition and scholarship opportunities for both.

3. Junior year

• In the summer before junior year, visit and apply for 4 year colleges during college visit days. The student should be the one finding out all of this and checking dates with you on when the visits will be. Most of the time the application fee is waived during these visits. Come prepared to fill out college application, including the essay. Check online prior to going to know what will be expected on the application. 

4. Senior year

• The student should make final school choice on best fit which can also include the one that gives the best scholarship package. Send all required documents to the school 

Some of these tips seem very basic but for us, we didn't know when to get things going. We didn't check to see if the ACT and/or SAT was required at the school of choice. For our homeschool girls they are taking the last two years of high school as dual credit at our local community college. This has been a blessing and has saved us a lot of money. During these 2 years they can complete all the basic classes for college and even graduate with an Associates degree. One of our daughters just transferred to her 4 year school as a junior with an awesome transfer student scholarship.

I just downloaded KapMap and I wish that I would have had that for our first 2 college girls. The test information and admission tips are very handy and we will use the scholarship information for the next two girls who will eventually transfer to their 4 year school. 

Over all the best thing we have learned in this college planning process is to involve our student in it 100% of the time and pass over the responsibility on to them to take charge of. This way they learn how to deal with the system and feel 100% involved in their own future. 

Women and Men Can Get Rid of Unwanted Hair #SilknProducts #sponsored #mc

Before writing this post I was trying to compute how many times I have shaved my legs and underarms. I think I started shaving around age 13 and I'm now 44 years old. So for 31 years I have been shaving at least once a week, minus the "No Shave November" celebrations. I'm guessing that I have shaved over 1,500 times on each leg and under each arm....so 6,000 shaves? WOW! I'm sure I've over estimated but you get the picture. Yes, a lot of shaving going on over here. How about you? Do you have unwanted body hair that you shave, shave and shave? I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Silk'n Flash&Go. I received products to facilitate this review to thank me for participating.

For this post I am using the Silk’n Flash&Go applicator to get rid of the unwanted hair on my legs and underarms. Yes it is unwanted and after 31 years I'm tired of shaving! One of my teens told me that this applicator is better for young people vs old moms because they won't have to shave for 31 years and then finally do something about it. Too funny! 

Over the years I have tried waxing and products like Nair to get rid of my unwanted hair. None of them gave me good results, obviously. So far after two applications of the Silk’n Flash&Go innovative light-based hair removal application with a third coming up this week, I am loving the results. Normally the day after shaving I have hair growth. Now I have dramatically less hair growth even after the first session. I'm one happy mom!

The Silk’n Flash&Go applicator is just the right size to target and treat unwanted body hair in a flash without dealing with razor burn or ingrown hairs. There was a time when I was on blood thinners for a medical condition. While on the medication I could not shave my legs or underarms with a razor blade shaver. I had to purchase an electric shaver which never got the job done and I had to shave more frequently. 

To start with I have only used the applicator on my legs. I plan on starting my underarms next session. The applicator easily fits in my hand and only took 10 minutes per leg. It might have taken less time but I was doing it while watching TV! Yes you can get rid of unwanted hair while watching tv! 

Here are some details and benefits on the Silk’n Flash&Go applicator:

• FDA cleared technology to permanently remove and/or reduce body hair and recommended by Dermatologist. 
• This HPL technology has been used on over 4 million treatments since 2009.
• Very affordable compared to similar products or professional clinics. There is an optional cartridge that will keep you hair free for a lifetime so no more hair removal products, including razors! This definitely is a plus and will save you money. I can see this as a benefit for the young adults, too! 
• Easy, safe and large treatment size to get it done quickly. 
• Still want more information? Get more on the Silk’n site. 

I totally recommend this permanent hair removal product. I love how it saves me time from shaving at least once a week. I know that there have been so many times that I have chosen to wear pants instead of a dress or shorts because my legs needed to be shaved! Am I right? I know that most of you can totally relate to this. I'm now confident that no matter what I want to wear my legs will be ready for it! I can go do any activity and not worry about the unwanted hair! 

Is this something you would use to get rid your body of unwanted hair? It is clearly made for women and men. Check out the Silk'n site for more information. Right now through September 30th, 2014 you can get 20% off the purchase price by using the coupon code EXTRATWENTY. Take advance of this offer and save even more money!