Search Results for: topic tag basically

The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World

Can you see the hidden Mickey in the ceiling of this Epcot store? The last of my books about Disney World, “The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World,” is for the park’s devotees. Its subtitle is, “Over 600 secrets of the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom,” and author Susan Veness makes good on that promise. If you’re a fan of Disney World, not just of its rides but of its whole experience, this is the book for you. If you’ve been to the park so many times that now you’re starting to notice all of its … Continue reading →

Are You a Ride or Die Woman?

Are you a ride or die woman? I watched an infuriating episode of Dr. Phil last week that was on this topic. A ride or die woman is basically one who stays by her man no matter what. While that sounds great and I am definitely all for keeping a marriage together, there are limits. The woman on this show was refusing to leave her husband who had cheated on her numerous times. There was also no indication that he would stop. Yet she wasn’t willing to leave him because she loves him and she didn’t want her son to … Continue reading →

Some Interesting Movies About Insurance

Would you watch a movie that was about insurance, insurance agents, or the insurance industry? Most people would immediately decide that those kinds of movies are better used a sleep aid than as a form of entertainment. There is a new movie called “Cedar Rapids” that might make you think differently. It’s about insurance agents, stars Ed Helms, and is getting good reviews. What makes you decide to see a movie? It could be that you are a fan of the actor or actress starring in a certain movie. Maybe you have a favorite genre, like “Action/Adventure”, “Science Fiction”, or … Continue reading →

Balancing Mulitple Ages in Your Homeschool

Homeschooling moms of multiple children face a unique challenge. These homeschooling moms need to manage multiple ages and stages of children under one homeschooling roof. Basically, she needs to learn the art of a one room schoolhouse or a juggling act. Each option comes with its own challenges yet each can be successful. A mom must decide for herself how she will balance her day and her children’s education. There is no right way but oddly enough there are plenty of wrong ways. For example, if your home is a source of stress or children falling behind in their studies … Continue reading →

Fitness Reminders

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to squeeze in daily exercise. Whereas I do have a fitness routine (which is punctuated with several hours per week of marathon training) I also mother a child, work, run a household, and basically try to keep my head above water on a daily basis. Needless to say, when I do have time to get to the gym I don’t have the luxury of spending hours upon hours there. I need to get in, get out, and get on with my schedule. In doing so I often forget to complete basic portions … Continue reading →

Why am I so Sore?

Typically, I hit my marathon wall around mile 18. That’s when my legs feel like heavy wet logs en route to a paper mill’s pulp masher. For years I blamed my pain and stiffness on lactic acid. Lactic acid. If you run, lift weights or simply know someone who does, then you are probably familiar with the term. Heck, even my cousin, who complains about strolling to the end of the driveway to fetch the newspaper, knows about lactic acid thanks to a marathon volunteer, who insisted he bring me over to the massage tent post race so I could … Continue reading →

Middle School Homeschool Basics: Math

Middle school math, i.e. 6th 7th and 8th grade math are generally the same math concepts repeated at a slightly greater difficulty each year. It basically prepares students for algebra. If middle school students do, very well with middle school math they can start Algebra in 8th grade. Here are the concepts your middle school student must master (at 90% accuracy) before moving on to Algebra. Place Value: Students should be able to name place value up to a billion Decimals: Estimating, rounding, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and conversion to fractions Percent: Students should be able to calculate a percentage … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: May 5 – 11

From some unusual celebrations like National Grump Out Day to some common ones like graduation and Mother’s Day, and from weather events to Reasons to Move, we have a good variety of topics this week. Here is a handy round up: Pulling Out the Vinca Ground cover. It’s a love/hate thing. It can be a beautiful addition to your yard but it can also take over. Mary Ann has pacasandra, or is it pachysandra? Either one works, and either way, it can stay; but Mary Ann says the Vinca has got to go. Read more… Invitation Etiquette Why don’t people … Continue reading →

Photography Lessons: The Rule of Thirds

I’ve touched on the topic of composition in previous blogs, but I’ve never gone in depth about the “Rule of Thirds.” It was one of the first lessons I learned during my college photography class and one that I have continued to apply to improve my shots over the years. The act of composing a shot boils down to focusing your attention on the subject and its surroundings in the viewfinder. Basically, you want to pay attention to how you set up your shot before snapping your picture. If you are shooting with a digital camera you have the advantage … Continue reading →

“You’ve Got to Try This Product!”

Have you ever been at a party or chatting with some friends and the topic of some new product or business comes up and it seems everyone has tried it but you? Can you remember that feeling of being just a bit left out and wondering what all the fuss was about? Chances are, you probably went out and tried it for yourself (or ate at that new restaurant or saw that movie)–this is one of the most successful marketing techniques ever: word of mouth and peer pressure. Often, that whole snowball “you’ve just got to see this movie!” happens … Continue reading →