New Review!!! Yuck! From Buckets-O-Fun!

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received four free samples of YUCK! from Buckets-O-Fun.  What is Yuck?  Well, it's some weird stuff, let me tell ya!  LOL  There are four kinds of Yuck:  Chunky, Saucy, Snowy, and Sticky.  Basically, it comes as a white powder and you it buy in one, five, or 50 pound buckets. You simply add water and you get, well, yucky stuff!  Words cannot explain, so check out these pics!  :)

Chunky

Saucy

Snowy

Sticky

What are the pros of this product? Well, it's certainly different!  I suppose even the most reluctant schooler will jump at the chance to try this!  LOL  If you're real clever, you can make it a science project.  These products are made of polymers, and come with some interesting information if you're into that kind of thing.  :)

I only got a very small amount of each kind of Yuck, but if you purchase a pound or more there are all kinds of interesting crazy, messy games you can play with this stuff.  They actually suggest putting a little Saucy Yuck into a water balloon or squirt gun.  As matter of fact, they actually sell Yuck accessories on the Buckets-O-Fun website.  (Oh, and I should mention, they actually sell all sorts of crazy stuff like finger rockets, 8 ft. beachballs, and rubber chickens!  LOL  I always wondered where you could get a rubber chicken.  Okay, not really, but it's kinda good to know.  Just in case.) 




What's not to like? Well, it's messy.  You have to be really careful not to get it everywhere.  I would say, this is best used outside.)  Also you CANNOT put it down the drain or you'll likely be sorry.  Remember, the stuff expands in water.  Probably not a good pick for a cleanie or one who does not enjoy messy, slimy, gooey stuff.  My friend was over when my kids made the Sticky Yuck, and she was completley grossed out.  My kids, on the other hand loved it.  LOL 

Ever washed a disposable diaper or one of those potty training pants in your washer?  You know all those little gel balls that get everywhere?  (Don't ask me how I know.)  Well, I'm pretty sure it's basically the same stuff.  NOT fun to clean up if you get it everywhere.  So just be careful.  Also, germs can live in it, so keep that in mind.  Please read all the instructions that come with Yuck VERY carefully before you use it. 

And please DON'T EAT IT!!! 


The Crazy Mom take:  Needless to say, this was interesting stuff.  I am glad I didn't get buckets full!  LOL  The tiny little packs we got (about the size of a sugar packet) were plenty enough for me.  Because my kids are all messies like me, I wouldn't trust us with any more than that.  As it was, it was a challenge to keep them from getting it everywhere.  Some did end up on the floor, and it's kinda hard to pick up.  LOL 

I did have them read the info that came with it.  I don't know whether they really learned anything from it or not.  Because we aren't doing chemistry right now, it's not really relevent to anything we're doing.  My idea was really to just let them have some fun and check it out for review at the same time.  Fun was had, though I wish now I'd have had them make it outside.  They did end up making quite a mess, but we did get it cleaned up and we survived. 

The kids mostly liked the Sticky Yuck.  Personally, I liked Snowy Yuck because though it looked like snow, it was nice and warm.  I joked to the kids that it was "Global Warming Snow."  You know, if snow felt like that, I would really like winter a whole lot more!

So what's my final take?  I'm not sure!  It was fun, but I'm not sure I'd want to buy it just for my family.  It does seem to be marketed to bigger crowds.  I mean, I can't even imagine how much of this stuff a 50 gallon bucket would make!  It would be fun for a large event, but it isn't exactly fun to clean up.  You can't just throw your clothes in the washer, everything has to be thrown out.  Well, not your clothes, I just mean the Yuck has to be thrown out.  LOL  The paperwork said it is biodegradable and can simply be thrown in the garden, but I did wonder if animals would eat it.  I'm guessing no, but I was sure to put it in the trash in a can. 

So, I dunno.  I think it is fun to play with, would be a blast to have at a large event, but I think I'll avoid volunteering for clean up!  LOL

Happy playing!!!



What's the bottom line?  $16 - $20 per one pound bucket.  Larger quanties are also available.  Get the same free samples I got by writing
orders@buckets-o-fun.com. 


I am going to give Yuck 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.buckets-o-fun.com/index.html



See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783298/





*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2

Have a Taco Night, and win a Taco Night Prize Pack!!!

The winner has been chosen!!!  Congrats to Michelle Smith!!!

Hey there everyone!!!  I know it's been a while since I've had a contest, so here you go!!!  This time I am giving away an Old El Paso prize pack!  Check it out below.  EXCITING NOTE!!!  THE PRIZE PACK ALSO INCLUDES A $10 VISA GIFTCARD TO HELP PAY FOR THE REST OF YOUR YUMMY TACO DINNER!!!

As part of this promotion, I was sent one of these prize packs.  I actually didn't use the taco seasoning for tacos; I used it for burritos.  Please do not tell.  :)  Still, it was yummy nonetheless.  I have not used the cute chip and dip tray or serving dishes.  I teach beginning Spanish at out homeschool co-op and I thought I'd put them aside for our next fiesta!  (Funny thing, my class is smaller than my family, so this will work out perfectly!  LOL)

You can actually use the Old El Paso seasoning for all kinds of things.  Here's something different.  How about fish tacos?  Check out the recipe here.  Wanna add a little fun to your taco night?  Check out El Tacodar on the El Paso website. 

Would you like a coupon to help defray the cost of your taco night?  Download it here. 

Now, if you are 18 or older, and not in my immediate family, how about entering the contest?  It's easy!  All you have to do is leave a comment telling me how you would use the Old El Paso seasoning if you won it.  This is mandatory.  If you want additional entries, follow me with Google Friend Connect or "like" me on Facebook.  Leave a comment telling me how you follow me and you will get that extra entry.  If you do both, be sure to leave TWO additional comments so you get credit for doing both!  :)

Also, since I love sending my posts right to your e-mail inbox, I will give you THREE additional entries if you become a Feedburner subscriber.   Just leave THREE comments telling me you subscribed.  (So, each reader can get up to six entries!)

The contest will end Friday, October 29, 2010 at 11:59 pm Eastern time.  I'll choose a winner at http://www.random.org/ and annouce it within a few days. 

NOTE:  The coupon, information, and prize package for giveaway were all provided by Old El Paso through MyBlogSpark.

New Review!!! Map Skills E-book from Soli Deo Gloria Resources!

I'm so sad. :(  No one is signing up to get my posts through e-mail.  Won't you please help a girl out?  Become a Feedburner subscriber today!!!  :)

About the product: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I was given a free download of the Map Skills E-book from Soli deo Gloria Resources.  This e-book is a three week map skills unit study created for grades K-3 which teaches foundational geography and map-reading skills. 

The book teaches basic directional skills, basic map reading, the correlation between physical direction and spiritual direction, and language skills that relate to map reading, directionality, and basic geography.  The book uses crafts, games, activities, worksheets, and more to make learning these skills fun. 

What are the pros of this product?  Being an e-book, you can download this and start using it right away.  (A printed version is also available.)  Print it out as many times as you want for use in your own family.  Great for families that love unit studies, new homeschoolers who are not yet comfortable with preparing their own curriculum, or for veteran schoolers who prefer a lot of hands on activities to book work.  I can also see this as a great resource for a homeschool coop. 



What's not to like? If you aren't into unit studies or are adept at making your own, this would probably not suit your needs.  Due to the fairly simple topic, and the young age it's geared towards, I would think that most moms (or dads) would probably already work a lot of the material into their everyday lives.  However, if you have a gap in this area, this is a good way to fill it. 

The Crazy Mom take: This particular e-book was not a good fit for us simply because we have covered this subject in other ways.  For example, my youngest son, Baber, is the child in the age group this product is geared towards.  He already very familiar with North, South, East, and West from a little game he plays.  Also, we have traveled extensively, and the kids always get the maps out and follow along.  We have even had four compasses engraved with scriptures that relate to direction which each of our oldest boys have received on their 13th birthdays.  So, we have it covered!  LOL  I did find a couple things to do with the kids in the e-book, such as having them make a map of our house, and I did use one of the scriptures for their copywork. 

If you're like me and don't really need a map skills e-book, you might want to check out some of the other products from Soli Deo Gloria.  As a matter of fact, members of the crew have reviewed two other products, the Young Hearts Longing for God Bible Study in the Psalms and and a William Tyndale Unit Study.  Check it out!!!


Happy Studying!!! 



 

What's the bottom line? $11.50

I am going to give Soli Deo Gloria out of 3 out of 5 smileys!!! 

Check it out! http://www.solideogloriaresources.com/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @ http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783241/


*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.
 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.
 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.
 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House

New Review!!! Lanschool!

Well, hello there!!!  I'm so glad you stopped by!  :)  I bet you'd like to get my posts delivered right to your inbox, now wouldn't you?  So why not sign up for Feedburner?  Check it out, it's right there in my sidebar!  Thanks!!  :)

About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew I received a free license to run Lanschool v7.4 from Lanschool Technologies on three of my home computers.  (This is the home version.)

Okay, I am going to make an attempt to describe what this software does.  It does a whole lot, so I won't probably do it justice.  However, feel free to check it out yourself.   (You can take a guided tour here.)

First of all, this product was created for the classroom. You can imagine the insanity if you sat 20 or 30 kids down in room full of computers and attempted to get them all to go to a particular document of website.  The Lanschool software gives the teacher total control.  The computers can be controlled remotely, websites can be blocked, and if the class or a particular student is not paying attention, the teacher can put up a blank screen at any time.  The teacher can also put up her screen on the students' computer, and vice versa.  At any time she can see what the students are doing.  Genius!  :)

So basically, the home version does the same thing.  If you send your child to his or her room to check out a website and you hear what sounds suspiciously like somebody is playing a game, you don't have to get off Facebook or turn off your favorite show, you can just click a button and see your child's screen.  Don't like what you see?  Blank the screen, block the game site, send a message or all of the above!  LOL 

Also, even if your child is completely trustworthy (and I'm sure that is the case) it is just convenient if you can communicate through the computer, pull up your child's screen remotely if he or she has a question, or show him or her something you are looking at on your computer.  It's really just an all around handy tool.



What are the pros of this product? There are multiple benefits to running this program.  You can monitor your child's computer use, communicate with your family more easily, teach multiple children in multiple rooms at the same time, and do it all while sitting in a comfy chair sipping a cup of chai!  LOL



What's not to like? Some folks might not feel comfortable with some of the more "stealth" aspects of this program.  However, you don't have to use every feature. 


The Crazy Mom take: Well, I have to hang my head in shame.  I really goofed on this one.  I said I would be able to do the review because my computers are networked, and they are, but right now they are not running Windows as we've had several virus issues.  On top of that, one of the hard drives is ready to crash.  The laptop is the only computer I have right now that is working properly, so I couldn't install this program.

Bummer.  This looked pretty darn cool.  Let's just say we have issues here at the Crazy House.  You might not want to believe this, but sometimes my kids actually play games when they are supposed to be doing their school.  Please don't be shocked!!!  And sometimes they stay up late at night on the computer long after "lights out."  Scandalous!  And sometimes, this is very humbling to admit, sometimes I don't want to get off my sorry behind to go to another part of the house to help out a child in need.  (Well, sometimes I am actually working with one child on one computer when someone else needs me on another.  However, that is not so dramatic.  LOL)

Anyway, the Lanschool features would REALLY help me out.  I mean, I'm always looking for a little extra help.  If someone was playing a computer game and I wanted them to do a chore, it would be most delightful to be able to press a button and "Poof!" blank out their screen!  Oh, the joy of it!!!  And it would be great to simply block out certain websites that my kids love, but I don't exactly approve of.  Nothing seedy, but there are just a lot of mindless game sites out there that I could honestly live without around here.  We have lots of rules, but my kids seem to like to prove out that old adage "Rules are made to be broken."

Without going into detail, there have been several rules that have been broken around here by certain people.  I can't sit behind my kids 24/7.  Now, I'm not saying they need 24 hour surveillance, but there are times that their behavior suggests something "forbidden" is going on.  You know, quickly changing tabs when I walk into the room, or things like that.  So, in those instances, it would be nice to be able to check it out, you know, to prove their innocence.  Of course, since we have other operating systems installed, this would be of no use when dealing with my older, computer savvy kids. 

The other aspects of the program are completely positive.  It would be cool to be able to watch the same thing on all three computers.  With so many of us, it is not easy to crowd around the screen.  It would also be fun to be able to communicate back and forth with out having our Facebook or e-mail open.  (Can you say temptation?) The ability to control the computers remotely has all sorts of potential.  And I know my kids would love getting a pop up quiz once in a while, especially if it was about something silly! 

Anyway, I regret not being able to actually check this out personally, but I think it looks like a great idea.  Not all of it is a good fit for every family, and it might not even be necessary for some, but I think there are plenty of features that could be of benefit in most households.  But who am I to say what is right for you?  Check it out yourself, and see what you think!!!

Happy Computing!!!



What's the bottom line? The cost for the home version is $99 for a perpetual license to run the software.  (While the license if free to educators, homeschoolers do not qualify.)  The fee includes three years of upgrades and support. 

I am going to give Lanschool 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.lanschool.com/lanschool/home-version




See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783135/





*The Smiley System:

I can't really recommend this product.

I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!


Disclaimer!!! I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew. I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others. Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way. I am in no way obligated to give a positive review. I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal! What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive.

As with all products, you must do the research before buying. Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying. I can't guarantee that a product will work for you. You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s). I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review. I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else. I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath. Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2010 Ramblings from the Crazy House 2