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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Educational Opportunities for Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads

Those of us who have been, or are, stay-at-home moms or dads know that it is at least a full time job. For those stay-at-home parents who wish to further their education, the most daunting task may be to find the time.

The biggest difference between a full-time job and being a stay-at-home parent may be that those employed full time have a set schedule and a steady income. The stay-at-home mom or dad doesn't have the luxury of knowing what's going to happen and when. Nor are they being paid for their work. Not monetarily anyway. Time and money may prevent many parents from taking advantage of educational opportunities.
Stay-at-home parents can take advantage of the flexibility, both location and scheduling, that online classes can provide. Internet courses allow parents to work on course work any time their schedule allows, and they can be completed at home. There is no travel to a campus or classroom involved. You can learn more about the flexibility of online classes here.

Online schools are usually cheaper than traditional colleges as well. Tuition may be less expensive, but students attending an accredited online school are eligible for federal financial aid programs and online institutions offer scholarship opportunities.

Although the U.S. Department of Education does not accredit educational institutions or programs, it does publish a list of those that have received accreditation. In order for students to know they are receiving a level of education recognized by the education community and employers, their search for an online degree program needs to begin with accredited institutions of higher learning. Completing an accredited online degree program ensures the diploma earned will be worth the investment of time and money.

Whether stay-at-home moms and dads are seeking educational opportunities to make them better parents and homemakers, or they wish to enter a new career outside the home, there is an online school to accomodate them. The main decisions for stay-at-home moms and dads are what they wish to study, what kind of program they want to attend, and finding the right school to meet personal education goals.
Educational opportunities abound on the internet. Just about any topic that comes to mind is available for study via distance learning. There are vocational technical programs as well as university programs available through internet courses.

The tougher part may be making a decision on which opportunity to pursue and which program to attend. The program choices are:
  • Certification programs can provide entry-level job opportunities or provide introductory knowledge on a specific topic.
  • Associate degree programs require about 60 credits to graduate. People choose this opportunity to gain admittance into a bachelor's degree program, advance in their career, or to gain entry-level employment.
  • Bachelor's degree programs usually take approximately 4 years to complete. A bachelor's degree is the minimum required in many professions. It is also required if the desire is to continue on to a master's degree or PhD program.
  • Master's degree and PhD programs educate students on a specialization within a career field. Master's degrees provide graduates with options within the industries that require their area of expertise. A PhD is the highest academic degree given. Most often PhDs use their degrees to teach at the university level or conduct research.
There are many education opportunities stay-at-home moms and dads can take advantage of. It really depends upon individual interests and goals.

Stay-at-home moms and dads have plenty of educational opportunities to choose from, particularly if they look to accredited online schools. The flexibility of online degree programs are attractive to stay-at-home moms and stay-at-home dads. There are a myriad of online certificate and degree programs available that will fit into their busy schedules and won't break the family bank.

Monday, April 30, 2012

May Day Giveaway Hop- Vizardz Photo Light Box Giveaway

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Welcome to the May Day Giveaway Hop
hosted by
A fun group of blogs have gotten together to celebrate May Day with a giveaway hop!
Please make sure to visit each blog on the Linky to enter to Win!




PinkMama's Place is pleased to be able to giveaway a Vizardz Photo Light Box or Night Light!  




Please read REVIEW HERE.  I love my photo box. 


Also GREAT NEWS Vizardz is running a Mother’s Day Special: discount of 40% with Free shipping on entire order (no minimum required) use HAPPYMOM during check out to redeem the discount. The offer is valid until May 15 2012.


Want to order one for MOTHER'S DAY then go to http://www.vizardz.com/ and make sure to enter HAPPYMOM to get your 40% off with Free Shipping! a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclaimer: PinkMama's Place and the May Day Giveaway Hop Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Louis Vuitton Purse Giveaway: FREE Blogger Event SIGN UP NOW!


Madame Deals Free Events


Madame Deals is offering a Louis Vuitton Purse Giveaway – SIGN UP HERE 
Please make sure you let them know PinkMama's Place sent you!

You will need to PROMOTE the event which runs May 12- June 12th.  The more blogs that sign up more exposure for everyone!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Mother's Day FUN~ Python Printables Review: 2 Thumbs Up!


In my house Mother's Day consists of me working then coming home to a wonderful dinner and lots of LOVE from my family but we really don't do much more than that.  Well this year might be a bit different since I was able to review Mother's Day Printables Packet.  There are all kinds of cute games we can play together (one I can play with my hubby...wink wink) and some cute printables that the kids can fill out.  All good family fun!  I LOVE the LOVE COUPONS!  


We are going to PLAY this one for sure: 




I would like them to do this one too (maybe I can get a CLEAN house out of it): 






If you want to have some Family Fun on Mother's Day ( some can be used anytime by the way!) then I suggest Python Printable Games to the rescue! The Mother's Day Printables Packet contains 20 games that retails for $19.95. 

  •  Mother's Day Trivia
  •  Mother's Day Left-Right Gift Exchange
  •  Mother May I?
  •  Mother's Day Keepsake Kids' Craft
  •  Hot Actors Trivia
  •  Around the House Tidy Up Hunt
  •  I Love You In Any Language
  •  The Color of Music
  •  Tangled Tongue Twisters Tango
  •  Crazy Cookie Recipes
  •  Famous Moms and Daughters Celebrity Trivia
  •  Sexy Scavenger Hunt for Mom and Dad
  •  Champagne Trivia
  •  Survival of the Fittest party game
  •  Nasty British Food Trivia
  •  Pretty Pony Print-Out Paper Dolls for kids
  •  Romantic Coupons for Mom and Dad
  •  Flowers Trivia
  •  Homemade Matinee Kids' Acting Game
  •  Chocolate Trivia 

Some games are suitable for just kids, some for teen to adult, and some for adults only (for Mom and Dad to enjoy in the evening!). There is something for all ages and tastes. Many of the games can be used on other occasions -- the games don't come with restrictions or time limits. You can keep these games forever and reuse them for other parties, so games that might not be useful now may come in handy later! 


PinkMama's Readers can get a 25% off code- PINKMOMMA25 (good until May 5th) so get your Mother's Day Party Games TODAY with this code!


Also if you SIGN UP for their Newsletter you will get a FREE 30-page game pack plus exclusive coupons and freebies every month.  SIGN UP NOW


Ways to CONNECT Python Printables:
Follow on Twitter: @printable_games
Like on Facebook: Python Printable Games


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.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Shoplet Roaring Spring Notebooks/Pads Review




When the Mail Man came knocking on my door with a box from SHOPLET I was so excited to open the box.  I was not disappointed for sure.  I love office supplies and SHOPLET ROCKS with their products.  

My kids and hubby took off with a couple of the items but I asked them for their REVIEW of the products they stole from me LOL!

My Hubby LOVES the  Roaring Spring Environotes Sugarcane Notebook  he enjoys the SIZE which is  9 1/2" x 6" Ruling: College Number of Sheets per Pad: 80.  He is an artist and he takes this notebook now when he meets his clients because he says he can draw on the sheet plus put all their info on it right there for them to see.  He loves the feel of the paper too- very smooth that's why he likes drawing on it.  So I guess when he gets done with this notebook we will need to get him a new one!  He couldn't tell me anything he didn't like so we give this notebook a 5 STAR!.  The best part I like is it's produced from sustainable sugarcane fiber- how awesome is that!  

My Son took over the  Roaring Spring Landscape Format Writing Pad College Ruled  because he wanted write his stories on this size paper. This pad is 11" x 9 1/2"  with 40 pages. We are homeschooling these days and he has a lot of writing to do.  He doesn't like spiral notebooks and he says he likes how wide it is and the length.  He said it fits perfectly on his desk.  I have never seen a note pad like this and I would use it for sure.  I asked if there was anything he didn't like about it and he said- HE LOVES IT!  5 Star for sure.


I was thrilled when I saw the  Roaring Spring Wirebound Notebook 3 Subject because I knew this would be PERFECT for myself.  It has 3 different colors, I can tear out the pages if needed, and also has a pocket so I can keep things in the notebook.  I use the purple for home-school, the blue for household schedule, and pink for my blog!  It goes everywhere with me now.  I love the fact its made from recycled paper.  Makes me feel better when I'm using it!  I give this  paper notebook a 5 Star!  I also couldn't come up with anything I didn't like.



If you are looking for a notebook online I highly recommend all the paper notebooks/note pads I got to review!

We also got to review a product that we were all a bit uneasy touching at first LOL! Roaring Spring Elephant PooPoo Paper
Yes, that says POOPOOPAPER- it's made from Elephant Poo!  When I took it out of its package of course I sniffed it and NOTHING!  It's Recycled and odorless- way cool!  It's a cute little notebook that fits perfectly in my purse and I was able to review the INSPIRE theme.  


About the Company~  and Shoplet carries this product!

Roaring Spring supplies products produced with different sustainable papers. These included recycled papers, sugarcane fiber paper, and poo papers.
  • Recycled Papers
    1. Roaring Spring uses papers made from post-consumer waste.
    2. Post-consumer waste, if not recycled, would typically end in a landfill.
    3. Most of the Roaring Spring recycled items contain a minimum of 30% PC waste.
    4. Recycled paper comes in both white and colored versions.
  • Sugarcane Fiber Paper
    1. Sugarcane fiber is waste material from the sugarcane refining process.
    2. This waste material is then used as pulp tp produce fine paper.
    3. The result is a smooth, bright sheet produced at very green paper mills.
    4. We produce sugarcane items in both white and canary options.
  • Poo Paper
    1. Poo paper is the ultimate recycled product!
    2. Poo paper uses the fiber that is recovered from actual animal poo.
    3. Odorless and clean, we carry poo paper from elephants, cows, horses and donkey.

Disclosure:
I received the above mentioned products from Shoplet.com in exchange for an honest review which I have provided.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

My Baby is 8- What am I going to do NOW?

I know my body is not going to produce anymore babies (boohoo but that is another post on another day)so it hits me the other day like "smack in the face" that that Lil Mama is no longer my little baby! She can't really fit in my lap anymore, she is so independent, and it seems like the less she needs me. I felt a bit sad for a...... second! But then I remember back when they were babies and I think I like the path we are going- forward!

I love my sleep and when I had babies in the house I never slept sound. I always anticipated them waking up so I never allowed myself to really fall in that deep sleep. But NOW wow I sleep like a baby...LOL! That's been happening for about 3 years now.

I love reading ADULT books (no not porn- something other Dr. Seuss)and enjoy them. We always have reading going on in our house but now I can read my books while they are reading their books.

I have other kid smells and things to deal with but I can at least get their help cleaning the mess, babies not so much help! Plus dirty diapers were gross and I'm being honest that I'm so happy that is not been on the daily agenda for a long time- don't miss that!

What am I going to do now..... I'm going to enjoy 8-16 (or 13 with Lil Mama) because I know after that I'm going to have real problems and WISH I had a baby not a teenager!

 Love my kids! They keep me going and striving forward everyday!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Earth Day Birthday~ Win Custom Airbrushed Grocery Bag



EarthDay BirthDay
Can you believe this is the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day? Do you think things have gotten better or worse? The Kids are Grown, Now What?, Planet Weidknecht and Going Crazy, Wanna Go? are bringing you this giveaway hop. Each participating blogger is holding a giveaway for an earth friendly product worth at least $20.  Go forth and enter all of these wonderful giveaways and let us know what you are doing to celebrate Earth Day 2012!
                   
PinkMama's Place will be giving away a CUSTOM GROCERY REUSABLE BAG~ you get to pick the design you want on the bag!!!!  

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The GROCERY BAG will be bigger than the one in the picture.  My hubby did this bag for our daughter and she loves putting her books in it!  Please check out my husband's website~ Mr Airbrush Hands
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Calling all Blueberry Lovers! Mother's Day Special!


I want ONE!!!  Hint Hint... Hubby!  Anyways,  if you want one for yourself, mother/father or friend it is!  Sells for $49.95 but you get $25 Social Bucks- so you really are getting it for $25.  Buy HERE.  



This is the perfect gift for any blueberry lover! This set comes with blueberry jam and syrup as well as pancake and waffle mix, all made by Stonewall Kitchen. The gift comes in a ceramic blue batter bowl with blueberry motif and a spatula for making pancakes or waffles.


Maine Blueberry Jam -- Just sweet, intensely flavorful wild Maine blueberries, the right amount of sugar and a splash of lemon is what we use in our crafted, top selling Wild Maine Blueberry Jam. Bursting with tiny, hand-raked Maine blueberries to enhance your favorite morning bread. Perfect to spread on pancakes, enjoy an extra special pb&j, or surprise someone with breakfast in bed! 


Maine Blueberry Syrup 8.5 oz. - Mix this brightly flavored Blueberry Syrup into your favorite smoothie recipe for great taste and a healthy dose of antioxidants. Delicious served traditionally with pancakes or French toast, Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Syrup is also great drizzled on top of ice cream or a biscuit topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.


Farmhouse Pancake Mix - 16 oz. - Sensory overload may be the best way to describe the aromas and taste of fresh made Stonewall Kitchen Pancakes right in your own kitchen. Make everyone's day and whip up a batch of our best selling Farmhouse Pancake Mix.

This is MaggiesDirect.com Mother's Day Special- offer good until May 13th.  



Also ENTER the 


If you are a blogger you can sign up for the Pro Bloggers Program~ HERE

OMG LOVE the PhoneFetcher! 4 Thumbs UP!

I love big purses but I could never find my phone in time but PhoneFetcher has SOLVED my dilemma.  I attached it to my purse and haven't had a problem finding it when it rings now.  Woohoo!! I love how easy it is and so useful.  My family is jealous- they all wanted one too!


The PhoneFetcher ROCKS!  If I didn't like it so much I would give it to my son who seems to loose his phone on a hourly basis.  Maybe someday I'll get him one too!  



silver chain model will be available in 6 weeks!  Also this would make a WONDERFUL GIFT for any MOM or anyone!!! Hint Hint.... Mother's Day is coming up soon.  

Like PhoneFetcher on Facebook and follow on Twitter.





Product Description~ PhoneFetcher takes the stress and hassle out of a person's day, by allowing you to always know where your cell phone is!

No more digging in our purses to find a ringing phone and missing calls! No more leaving your phone on some remote table or countertop!

No more forgetting phones, and leaving them places (home, office, restaurants, cabs etc.), only to have to backtrack to find it. No more mini panic attacks!

PhoneFetcher attaches to a purse, back pack, gym bag, baby bag, belt loop, etc. on one end,and the other end attaches easily to the earphone plug of a smart phone, mp3 player etc.

PhoneFetcher is made on a stretchable bungee cord, which allows texting and viewing without having to disconnect the phone. When the phone is removed from the bag, we leave our PhoneFetchers hanging out of our bag to alert us as we leave, that we do not have our phone with us.

Phonefetcher is as easily removed from your phone as an earphone is, and comes in 8 fun colors!

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.

I'm Officially a Home-School Parent

A little background~ We have been at this school for years and very active I may say as well!  We have been through a lot with this school but we always held our faith in believing it will turn out the way we wanted.  Guess What?  It didn't!  This school had such wonderful teachers (still does) so we kept on going but what a change this school has made in the last 2 years.  I've seen many wonderful families/teachers come and go. This year however has been the biggest change!

I've been a part of the PTA for 4 years and can you say BURNT OUT!  WOW...and that is understatement.  I've participated in every event and has been at every PTA meeting for 4 years except for maybe 1 or 2- one last year due to my daughter's bday!   I've put in MANY MANY hours with very little appreciation from others.  Teachers/Staff are always thankful but as for other parents- as long as they can enjoy the event or their kids have music (all fundraising pays for music) then why say THANK YOU!  As you can see my resentment has grown and I'm so happy I can let that all go now.  I don't have to plan and organize nothing now except for my kids stuff!

Side Vent~ a couple weeks ago I organized, put together, and ran ALL BY MYSELF the scholastic book fair for the school.  The only help I got was from the 2 other parents on the PTA who helped me box up the fair/bingo night. But we are considered the USUAL SUSPECTS!  I asked for help many times!  When parents came in to buy books all they did was bitch about the books and how much they were...really people!  The excited in the kids eyes and how they talked about what books they wanted is what kept me going!  I worked that Book Fair from 8am- 6pm Monday- Friday by myself- without hardly any breaks because every time I left to go to the bathroom or get something to eat some kid found their way down there and took a book or two!  I got several back from the other kids.

Now why we are leaving....the school environment is so different.  There are several issues going on but mainly the parent contribution is absent, even in the classrooms!  When you don't have involved parents then you don't have students who care for the school either.  The kids who do care about the school seem to be targets for the bully's.  The bully's have taken over and the kids are either scared or think that this is cool so they back up the bullying.  There is a lot of lying on others and calling kids who do tell the school adults "snitches".  No one is speaking up so these kids are getting away with all this mean behavior every day.  My son has had a "bully" on him all year long- we have had many episodes with this kid but nothing works.  So finally this kid came up to my son the other day and said " I'm going to bust 15 caps in your ass and shoot your house up with AK47 and I will get the right house because I know what car your mom drives".  Of course that spooked my kid and he refused to go back to the school.  I knew this kid wouldn't do this but my son doesn't.  This was the last straw for us and let me tell you I feel good about leaving.  I won't ever put my kids in a situation that they feel unsafe.

So I filed the home-school affidavit and BAM I'm a home-school provider for my kids.  NOW WHAT is the big question.  I have support so I'm doing okay but I know I have a lot to learn.  The kids are happy and we are enjoying the learning that is going on and looking forward to bigger and better things to come!

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