28 April 2013

Keep Your Clothes Looking New, Longer with Woolite Everyday


Woolite introduces it's Woolite Everyday laundry detergent to keep your clothes looking newer, longer.  That's right ladies, Woolite isn't just for your delicates any longer!  You can also pick up their new Woolite Darks laundry detergent to keep your darks looking newer and darker for longer.  Some laundry detergents can leave your clothes looking faded over time, something I've personally had problems with in my own home with our laundry.  There's also the not so fun topic of shrinking and stretching of your favorite clothes.  Woolite is different because it's gentle.  Woolite doesn't use harsh chemicals like some common household detergents.  This eliminates the hassle of fading, stretching, and shrinking woes!




Thanks to Woolite and Crowtap I recently had the opportunity to review Woolite Everyday in my own home.  Over the past couple of weeks I have switched out my regular laundry detergent with Woolite Everyday and have already seen some great results!  The first difference is the scent of my laundry.  Woolite Everyday leaves my laundry smelling clean and fresh, not strong and perfumy, which I love.  Another benefit I have noticed is the stains from the kids' clothes come out easily.  Grass and food stains are eliminated with ease!  I'm going to continue to use Woolite Everyday and I'm excited to see the long term use benefits over time in regards to fading, stretching, and shrinking.  I'm also planning on picking up a bottle of Woolite Darks soon as well to see how well it works to keep our darks looking darker, longer.  So far though, I'm impressed and would recommend you give Woolite Everyday a try!

 
Visit Woolite here to get a coupon for $1.00 off!

Also, be sure to follow Woolite on Twitter and visit them on Facebook




*Disclosure:  This post was written on behalf of my partnership with Crowtap.  I received sample products in exchange for my partnership and for this blog post.  All opinions expressed in this blog post are 100% mine and are not a result of any outside influence.

25 April 2013

Mother's Day Gift Ideas From Novica - Plus a Giveaway!



Mother's Day is quickly approaching, and if you're looking for that special gift to get, you simply must see the wonderful selection of unique gifts for Mom Novica has to offer!  Handcrafted gifts made by artisans worldwide give that added special touch that Mom will be sure to love.  Each handmade item comes to you straight from the artisan packaged with a note with some background information about the artist, giving your item a personalized feel.  Your purchase helps to support the artisan that handcrafted your item and gives these artisans a global platform to showcase their talents.  Novica offers a wide arrangement of items from home decor, jewelry, paintings, and much more!

I have personally purchased a tote through Novica before and was very pleased with the detail and craftsmanship that went into my bag.  It has hand painted Indian elephants on it and I continue to get many compliments on it to this day!  I love the uniqueness of the items that you can get through Novica because they are truly one of a kind.  It also feels good to support artisans worldwide to continue doing what they love!


For more inspiration, be sure to check out jewelry gifts for Mom  ,which is another one of my favorite sections to browse on Novica.  You can find earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings, brooches, and anklets.  You also have the option of browsing by style, material, region where the item is made, and price range.  If you can't decide there's always the option of getting Mom a Novica gift card as well!


Here are just a few of my favorite Mother's Day gift picks from Novica:











Giveaway Time!

 Prize: Thanks to Novica (1) lucky reader of Textbook Mommy is going to win a $50.00 online gift code to use on Novica.com

Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years of age and older.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner will be chosen.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!

Giveaway Ends:  May 5, 2013 at Midnight EST



*Disclosure:  I was provided a gift code in exchange for this post, as well as a gift code to provide for a winner of the giveaway detailed in this post.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine and are not a result of any outside influence.



Best of Warner Bros. 100 Film Collection - Plus a Giveaway in Celebration of Mother's Day!




This Mother's Day, how about treating Mom to a movie night?  Watching a classic film together is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with Mom!  Warner Bros. is proud to announce the arrival of the ultimate collection of classics that Mom will appreciate adding to her library of movies, the WB 100 Film Collection.  This collection boasts 100 classic movies, including 22 of Warner Bros. Library's Best Picture winners. This collection comes featured on 55 discs and is presented beautifully in book style premium packaging.  The WB 100 Film Collection also comes with added bonuses such as two featured documentaries that take you behind the scenes with lot tours, hours of commentaries and bonus featurettes, a limited edition 27" x 40" poster, and a postcard series of Warner Bros. movie posters designed by the great artist Bill Gold.

Check out the blog app above to play the fun game Guess-The-Scene and see how well you know the most famous love stories and movie tunes!  Up for another fun one?  Try the Words in Film function of the blog app above.  You simply pick the current mood you are in and quotes and images from popular WB films will be instantly populated on screen to fit your current mood.  How fun is that?  The Movie Night Conversation Starters is also a fun one with prompts to help you get the conversations started in your own home for an engaging movie night that is sure to be a hit!


Be sure to get involved with the hashtag #BestofWB across your social media accounts!
 


  

What would be your perfect Mother's Day?  Warner Bros. invites you to click on this downloadable fill in the blank "My Perfect Mother's Day" sheet so that you can fill it out and print it off.  Then, simply hang it somewhere handy, like on the fridge, for the whole family to enjoy! 



Giveaway Time!


Prize:  WB 100 Film Collection (MSRP: $597.92)

Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years of age and older.  No P.O. Boxes.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner will be selected.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form below.  Good Luck!

Giveaway Ends:  May 5, 2013 at Midnight EST




*Disclosure:  This post was written on behalf of Warner Bros. and all personal opinions disclosed in this post are 100% my own.  I received no form of compensation for this post. 

Are You the Kind of Student Who Can Excel in an Online School?

Online degree programs are increasingly common today as employers embrace this delivery format as a valuable method for training tomorrow’s leaders. Some students respond better to in-person classes if they have different learning styles, while others have the traits necessary to excel in online degree programs. Here are a few of the common attributes and other aspects that generally lend to success in online education.

Exceptional Time Management Skills

 











Image via Flickr by @bastique

Some online degree programs require students to attend virtual classes at specific times, while others are entirely self-directed. In either case, students who have good time management skills perform better in online education programs. That’s because they’re able to prioritize and complete tasks self-sufficiently, even when there’s no professor looking over their shoulders.

Flexibility to Balance Personal and Education Responsibilities

 

Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of online degree programs, but it takes self-motivation to balance that flexibility. You may be able to attend class whenever it’s convenient for you, but you still must attend to reap the full benefits and be successful in the program. It’s easy to let school responsibilities go in favor of personal demands when you don’t have to show up in the classroom every day.

Above Average Writing Abilities

 

It’s hard to administer exams in an online education program. Much of the coursework for online courses involves written assignments to gauge students’ learning. Students with good writing skills navigate these requirements with ease, while those with below-average writing abilities will struggle with the writing aspect. This may result in lower grades based on writing ability, even if the student has mastered the course material.

Proficient with Technology

 

As an online student, you’ll be spending a great deal of time on the computer. You may be researching, attending live lectures, communicating with professors and other students via instant messaging or group conferences, using complex software and more. Spending more time trying to figure out the technology you need to use to attend class and communicate with your instructors leaves you less time to focus on studying.

Comfort with Virtual Communications

 

Online schools, such as Bryant & Stratton Online schools, rely heavily on virtual communications. Not only do you need to be comfortable with the technology you’re using, but you need to be comfortable reaching out and asking questions via email and other formats. Students who embrace virtual communications and are at ease communicating through electronic communications are more successful navigating online education programs.

Access to an Appropriate Study Space

 

Online courses require students to access materials using their own resources and facilities. Students who have a quiet, dedicated workspace remain more focused and have an easier time managing their time and priorities. It’s tough to study when you’re surrounded by pets, children and other distractions common in the home environment.

Online education programs provide a number of benefits beyond traditional classroom settings. Students who adapt readily to the online delivery format and have the drive and motivation to self-direct their own course of study generally do better in online programs than students who require more supervision. But any student can succeed with the right tools and support in any setting.




Author Bio: 
Angela Stringfellow is a professional freelance writer and content marketing strategist. When she's not busy producing compelling content and executing digital marketing campaigns for clients, she spends most of her time enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and two sons.

23 April 2013

Little Miss Pepper Designs Mother's Day Giveaway

LMPDMothersDayGiveaway

Mother's Day is right around the corner and that means it's time to start thinking about what to get the special mom in your life. I don't know about you, but I don't know a single woman that doesn't love a beautiful piece of jewelry, especially one that is personalized just for her. Well, thanks to Little Miss Pepper Designs and Life With Two Boys, one very lucky mom is going to win not just one piece of jewelry, but a custom jewelry prize pack just in time for Mother's Day!


What does this awesome prize pack include? 
* Pure Love Necklace on an 18 inch chain with 1 sequin tag, 1 large stone, and 1 mini stone accent
* Sterling Silver Love Cuff Bracelet
* Sterling Silver Photo Keychain with two photos
Total Value: $205

This giveaway is open to US residents only, ages 18+.

This giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 11th.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Good Luck!




Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. Textbook Mommy is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Top 5 Uses for Wicker Baskets

Photo Credit: Wickerfurniture via Compfight cc


Wicker is one of the most versatile furniture materials available and can be used in various places throughout the home. There are many benefits to using wicker storage in the home.  It’s light yet sturdy construction make it a perfect storage solution.  Wicker is also relatively inexpensive so it can be a great alternative to more expensive wooden or plastic storage, without the hassle of any complicated assembly.  Below are some examples of the best uses of wicker.


1. Storage Baskets
Wicker storage baskets can be perfect for keeping the home or office tidy. They can come in handy in almost any room in the home and are available in various shapes and sizes.  They are perfect for storing toys, books, magazines and produce to name just a few. Thanks to wicker being a lightweight and durable material its ideal for packing away any household items for quick storage, they can be stacked to add handy storage to any room, making them ideal for children’s room for storing toys.


2. Kitchen
Wicker also has its uses in the kitchen.  Wicker baskets are great for general kitchen storage and are ideal to keep your fruit and vegetables protected and may just give your kitchen the rustic feel you’ve been looking for.  There are a wide range of shapes and sizes available which make them ideal for storing cutlery or condiments that may clutter up your kitchen.  Wicker furniture is also very easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for the kitchen.


3. Linen Baskets
Wicker baskets are ideal for laundry; they are sturdy and lightweight for easy lifting and carrying and are ideal for keeping your laundry tidy. They are available in various sizes and come with or without lids to suit your needs.  They are available in a variety of colors, so should look great in any style room.


4. Garden Baskets
Wicker isn’t reserved just for inside the home, its perfect for the garden too. Garden baskets can fulfill all kinds of uses in the garden.  Home growing fruit and vegetables has become more common in the past few years; wicker baskets are ideal for collecting the latest harvest. Baskets can even be left outside in the elements with little to no worry of rust or water damage.  Alternatively why not make your life easier and grow your produce directly in a wicker basket, they make for great flower pots or displays for your garden, and thanks to being lightweight, you can quickly and easily re-arrange your garden with relative ease.  As a further incentive wicker is environmentally friendly as it’s made from a natural fibre making it biodegradable.


5. Hampers
It’s hard not to mention wicker without talking about Wicker hampers. If you are looking for a picnic hamper or just want a durable shopping basket, hampers are ideal. They come in a wide range of styles to suit all needs. They can also make great gifts as you can fill the hamper with anything from food to toiletries.


Luke Kingston is marketing manager for East 2 Eden, Online homeware and garden gift retailers based in the UK.

21 April 2013

Moms Love Mombo! - The Mombo Nursing Pillow

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.




Introducing the Mombo nursing pillow, the one moms love!  Why do moms love Mombo?  Moms love Mombo because it has a unique shape and two-sided design known as "Firm2Soft" that features a different experience with each side.  The firm side allows for great support for mom while nursing the baby and the soft side is perfect for relaxing or getting in some of that valuable tummy time!  The Mombo nursing pillow also offers a great feature that no other nursing pillow offers, a vibration feature for soothing your little one.  The pillow requires one C battery for this function (not included).







Mombo nursing pillows are available for purchase at both Toys R Us and Babies R Us and come in a variety of pillow styles and slipcover fashions.  You can choose your style from Standard, Deluxe, or Nude.  From there you can choose from a variety of fun slipcover fashions.  My favorite Mombo nursing pillow is the Hoppi Haze one pictured above!  I just love the frogs and the bright colors this design includes.  There are even some slipcovers that include "taggies" for the little ones to grab on to and explore.  There are so many fantastic designs though, you really do have to see them for yourself!  Be sure to also check out all the other great Mombo products available at your local retailers.


Be sure to head on over and like Comfort & Harmony on Facebook (makers of the Mombo nursing pillow)
and follow Comfort & Harmony on Twitter


Visit Sponsor's Site

Momma's Jewels Necklace Giveaway



Welcome to the Momma's Jewels $339 Necklace Giveaway hosted by Measuring Flower! I have teamed up with a few other bloggers to present you with this fun giveaway–and just in time for Mother's Day!


About Momma's Jewels







Stacy Rosenthal, the mommy to a 3-year-old and 5-month-old, was frustrated with the unending task of picking up a teething ring off the floor and brushing it off for her wee one. So she set to work to invent a convenient option to end this chore and ultimately founded Momma's Jewels. The resulting producs are beautiful, fashionable necklaces that make mom feel stylish and special while keeping her teething baby happy and away from floor germs.



Momma's Jewel's Jewelry Features





  • Absolute Safety. Safety is Momma's Jewels priority. Each piece of jewely and its chain has been thoroughly testes to ensure strength and safety for baby chew.






  • Beautiful Design. Each piece is quality constructed from sterling silver and fashioned in trendy styles for modern moms. The jewely is not only perfect for moms with teething babies, but also beyond that stage as regular fashion accessories.






  • Convenient Functionality. Every necklace is naturally cool to the touch, making it perfect to soothe baby's gums. They're also entertaining for babies and toddlers. And since it's around mom's neck, no worries about it falling to the ground and getting yucky.


Buy It







You can purchase Stacy's gorgeous necklaces and bracelets online at www.MommasJewels.com.


Win It


The Prize




Momma's Jewels 3 Ring Sterling Silver Teething Necklace



$339 Value


How to Enter



This giveaway is being run using a Rafflecopter form. To use the form, log in using your Facebook account (make sure your primary Facebook email is one you can be reached by if you win) or your name and email. You can read more information about logging into the Rafflecopter form HERE. Your information will be kept completely confidential and safe.



Giveaway Rules




  • Each entry must be accomplished exactly as it is stated, including providing anything in the "Extra Info" field, for it to count.






  • You can perform each entry type ONE TIME ONLY unless otherwise specified.






  • If there is a "leave a comment" entry type, be sure the name you type in the comment's name field is EXACTLY the same as the name you use in the form (this is so I can verify your comment).






  • Make sure to leave a VALID email address in the Rafflecopter's email field so you can be contacted if you win (or ensure your Facebook account's primary email address is one you can be reached by).

The Deadline

 

Giveaway Ends


May 12, 2013


Open to U.S. Residents





Disclaimer: Textbook Mommy and its authors are not responsible for prize fulfillment.












20 April 2013

How Online Education is Making it Easier to Pursue a Degree

 










One of the greatest advancements in education to come about as a result of the technology of our world and, of course, the Internet, is the ability to go to school online. Pursuing a college degree or technical certificate online is more popular than ever before, thanks to more colleges, universities, and trade schools offering students the opportunity to complete all of their studies from the comfort of their own home.

Online Degrees Versus Traditional Degrees

 

Online degrees and certifications are just as valuable and just as recognized by employers who are looking for qualified employees. These programs are also just as expensive and expect just as much effort from their students, proving that they are effective at creating individuals who are ready to get out into the real world and get to work doing what they love.

When you enroll into an online program, you’re entering a virtual classroom with like-minded individuals who are also working towards the same goals. You’re being taught by professors who are highly qualified in their fields and who are ready to help you succeed as well. These professors often work in brick and mortar colleges, trade schools, and universities as well, although there are some that work exclusively online with students from around the world.


The Advantage of an Online Education

 

One of the biggest advantages of an online education is the ability to go to a school that is not located in your area. Gone are the days of needing to relocate, as many schools now offer a variety of their traditional classroom programs completely online. Students are allowed to pursue their degrees from the comfort of their own homes, and they can work at any time of the day or night without needing to worry about traffic or schedules, unless their classes meet online at specific hours of the day.

Many programs are not yet completely online and may require a combination of online as well as in-person or classroom training. While there are still many programs that may require you to have to relocate to be closer to your chosen school or dorm, you are more likely to find schools that accommodate online students today more than ever before.


All Levels of Degrees Offered Online

 

Believe it or not, you can pursue any level of degree online, from an associate’s to a bachelor’s or master’s degree; some schools even offer PhD programs. Therefore, with the right school, you can really pursue your dreams from anywhere in the world, using just your computer and your technology at home. You may need to invest in specific computer programs and books, of course, and the cost of the tuition will likely the be same or perhaps a little less than what it would be if you went to a brick and mortar location, but you are getting the same higher education, no matter how far you want to go, and that is all that matters.


About the Author: Annie is a writer who likes the fact that students can now pursue their higher education completely online. For those individuals who love working with people and in business, human resource online programs could be the perfect solution, especially if they are already busy working at a job to make ends meet.

Host a #ShareandTell Party - Plus a Giveaway!



Did you know that for every pound of new goods that are produced, 71 pounds of waste follows as a result of the manufacturing process?  This week NBCUniversal has partnered with the fantastic and ever growing popular sharing site yerdle to show you how to minimize your impact on the planet, simply by sharing!

You can use the blog app above to join the party and post stuff that you would like to share, as well as find the things you want.  It's all about giving new life to used items and helping each other along the way!  Why not grab a bunch of your friends and family together for a fun swap party and see what items you can share?  Use the blog app above to get started with some fantastic ideas.  If you prefer to swap online, the blog app can get you started with that as well!  Be sure to help spread the word by sharing your personal stories of sharing by using the hashtag #ShareandTell across your social media site conversations.

The blog app above also includes an Eco Quiz where you can find out how green you are.  Be sure to also check out 7 Ways to Share Your Stuff where you can get great tips on how to get started sharing within your own community.  And just in case you were looking for a little more inspiration, there's Story Time! - a collection of heart warming stories submitted by real yerdle users.






Giveaway Time!

In the spirit of sharing, (1) lucky reader of Textbook Mommy is going to win a Green is Universal prize pack!  The items in the prize pack may vary and details are below:

  
    One Green is Universal canvas tote bag (made from recycled cotton)
   
    along with two of the items below (chosen at random by sponsor)

    - Planet Ocean DVD
    - Green is Universal T-shirt (made by Alternative Apparel)
    - Green is Universal colored pencil kits (made from recycled newspaper)
    - Green is Universal Vapur water bottles (BPA-free)
    - Green is Universal hardboard cover spiral bound notebook

     - Green is Universal burlap FEED bag


Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years of age and older.  No P.O. Boxes.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner will be selected.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form. Good Luck.

Giveaway Ends:  April 30, 2013 at Midnight EST


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure:  I have provided this post on behalf of NBC Share and Tell.  I received no form of compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

 

19 April 2013

3 Steps To Getting Started With Yoga


Photo Credit: BrittneyBush via Compfight cc


For the exercise-weary, or just plain lazy, yoga can seem like an attractive option. You hardly move, and it's still counts as exercising! However, new practitioners shouldn't be fooled by yoga's seemingly easygoing appearances. Yoga is a real workout. If you're serious about taking charge of your health, yoga can be a great introduction to getting to know your body better, strengthening your muscles, and building up muscle tone.


Dress Properly & Equip Yourself

 

If you're a total yoga newbie, ask your friends for help. Since yoga is such a popular sport, there's bound to be at least one or two friends who can introduce you to the basics, loan you equipment, and help you go shopping for the right clothes. When shopping for yoga workout clothes, opt for form-fitting pants and shirts that are comfortable, but won't get in the way. Athleta and Puma are two sports retailers that carry a wide variety of sportswear, from sports bras and tanks to yoga pants and sneakers. They also sell yoga mats and duffel bags, which are essential for your yoga classes.

Educate Yourself & Choose The Type Of Yoga You Want To Do

 

Not all yoga is the same. There's no end to the types of yoga out there, so chances are you'll be able to find something that fits you, your personality, and your lifestyle. The most popular type of yoga is called Hatha yoga, and is probably what you are most familiar with. Hatha yoga focuses on the balance of the mind and body, and is considered to be one of the "easier" types of yoga. Hatha yoga combines yoga postures with breathing and meditation to balance and relax the body.

Bikram yoga, also known as "hot" yoga, is known for the buckets of sweat it draws from the body. It combines 26 poses with a heated room of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be one of the more challenging forms of yoga, but passionate adherents swear by its effectiveness for increased flexibility and weight loss.

Ashtanga yoga is known by its other name, "power" yoga. This form of yoga takes the practitioner through the same series of poses in a set order. The challenge is in the quickness of the changes in poses. You'll have to work hard to keep up, and true believers practice every day.

Decide When, Where, & How You Are Going To Practice Yoga

 

Nowadays, new yoga converts have a wide variety of options when it comes to learning yoga. You can practice with a book, or by watching yoga instructional videos online at home, which allows you to set your own pace, and embarrass only yourself if you mess up. You can find a local yoga class that teaches the type of yoga you're looking for. Many yoga studios will offer a free introductory class, so you can try them out before you commit to going on a regular basis.

Once you do decide on the when and where, you should really commit. The rewards of yoga can only come if you practice it on a sustained, regular basis. So what are you waiting for?


Kimberly Lau is a staff writer at BluePromoCode.

18 April 2013

3 Simple Steps for Kids to Tackle Spring Cleaning in Their Bedrooms

Photo Credit: musekisshilikus via Compfight cc


Let's face it; spring cleaning isn't the most enjoyable task for us moms, let alone trying to recruit the kids to pitch in!  I like to get the kids to focus on their bedrooms and getting those in order with some clear organizational ideas for them to follow to guide them along.  Here are three simple steps to help your kids tackle spring cleaning in their rooms!


Step 1:  Start by Making Piles

I have found this method to work well with my girls.  I have them sort everything right from the start into piles such as dirty clothes, clean clothes to be folded, trash items, things to donate, etc.  Trust me when I say this will save time as your child goes along in their cleaning!


Step 2:  Do a Complete Closet and Dresser Overhaul

During spring cleaning, and really a couple times a year a good idea to have your child/teen go through their closet and dresser to see what clothing items they no longer wear or fit into.  The items that are not in suitable condition or beyond repair can be tossed, and the items that are still in great condition can be donated to your local thrift store for the next person to enjoy or your family can organize a yard sale where your child can make some spending money from their used items!

Step 3:  Put on the Finishing Touches

Have your teen or child if they or old enough vacuum their room, dust where necessary and clean any bedroom windows to give their bedroom the last finishing clean touches!  At this point all the piles should be gone and everything should be put away in its proper place.  


* Bonus *

Kids and teens love incentives for doing housework.  You might want to check out Music Magpie because they have a wonderful program where you can trade in those great spring cleaning finds of gently used CD's, DVD's, and Games for cash!  There's a great incentive to get them going!

15 April 2013

How To Teach Children Through Gardening


Getting together as a family to do some gardening can provide a great platform for teaching children right in your own backyard. Greenhouses can also provide a great backyard lesson for the kids, especially for gardening year to year! While the kids are nurturing seedlings into thriving fruits and veggies, they are also learning basic associations such as how different factors like weather and pests can affect the plants. They are also learning responsibility and how their own actions of watering and weeding help to nurture the plants. Getting to experience the transitional process from a seedling to a full grown plant also teaches a child patience, a vital life lesson.

Another great reason to get the little ones involved with gardening is that it can actually help with picky eaters! By helping to have a hand in growing their own food, your child will be more likely to want to try their own hand picked fruits and veggies. Try taking it a step further by having them help cook the meal with the harvest they help to pick from the garden and you may just be surprised to see your picky eater excited to taste their own creation! Picky eater or not, it's worth noting that children that are involved with gardening will be more apt to choose healthier foods in their diet now and as they grow. And as if you didn't need yet one more reason, it gets the kids away from the television and the electronic gadgets. Now that's a reason to get excited about! These very important and crucial life skills gained through gardening are perfect for the little ones and a great reason to gather the family together outdoors for some quality time! For gardening and greenhouse supplies, be sure to check out these products to view. There are so many helpful things you can find here, and yes, you can have them shipped to you!


{Guest Post} 5 Reasons a Balanced Checkbook Can Help You Out In College



While college is one of the most rewarding and exciting times of one’s life, it can also be one of the most tricky to navigate, especially when dealing with the fiscal aspect. One of the things that has helped my daughters out in college has been writing checks keeping a balanced checkbook, even though most of their payments are made through debits cards. Here are five reasons that a balanced checkbook can help you out in college.


Real-Time Balance
While I don’t pay for everything by check, I do record every transaction that I make in my checkbook’s register. It’s too easy, especially for college and even high school students (my son will attest to this) to lose track of how much you’re spending when all it takes to get whatever you want is the swipe of a plastic card. Keeping a physical balance can help to keep those spending urges in check (pun absolutely intended).


Creating a Budget
College is a time of constant change. Classes, schedules, living situations, events—all of these things can affect how a student spends money. After keeping a physical balance for long enough, a student will begin to see more and more what they can and cannot afford, and consequently will begin to budget their expenses. I’m not saying that you really even need to sit down and physically construct a written-out budget as a student; seeing that balance in the register is generally enough to give you a general idea of what you can afford.


Watching the Bank
Keeping a real-time balance can help you to confirm that your bank is handling all of your transactions properly. Out of all of these tips, I would say that this is one of the least important because of how unlikely it is to happen—but the bank has botched processes before, and, even more commonly, merchants have been known to charge customers the incorrect amount before. These types of things are less likely to slip by you if you are consistently comparing your checkbook register with your bank statements.


Rent Payment
Depending on what your living situation is like, you may be moving into an apartment, shared house, or even a fraternity house that will require you to pay some sort of rent or fees. A lot of times these places will require that you pay rent with a check, or go through a third party website that charges a fee per transaction. While usually a minimal fee, it can begin to add up after 9 or 10 payments—avoid paying any more than you have to by using checks to pay to your rent.


Forming Good Fiscal Habits
Last but not least, realize that by keeping a balanced checkbook register, creating a budget, and watching your expenses closely, you are forming habits that will serve you well fiscally. On top of that, once you get out of college and have more and more bills to pay, you will already be familiar with your check book to the point that the process won’t seem so foreign to you.
Do you have any other reasons that a checkbook should be used in college?


About the Author: Annie Harrington is a small business owner and freelance writer. She is also keenly interested in all aspects of design, including how to order checks online.

12 April 2013

How to Plan an Internship

Why is Planning an Internship Important?
Why is Planning an Internship Important?

Internships are increasing popular due to the countless benefits they have to offer to people in the short and long run. These days, no one seems to be going anywhere without going for good internship programs as they provide immense help in getting recruited within notable organizations when it comes to having a proper job in the future. It is the best way to receive on the job training and is something which cannot be gained otherwise. The most important benefit of a great internship program is that it goes straight to the resume of an individual, which is always seen for references in the future by the employers and can create a great impression. In order to go through the best internships offered around them, people must fully plan them to achieve their goals in the long run, as without an appropriate internship, individuals cannot find proper training in their career or future field. Planning an internship can be difficult for beginners but after following the right steps, it becomes rather easy for almost anyone and everyone. The time runs out quickly, therefore people are always recommended to put a stop to all their other plans in order to plan their internships in the most effective way possible.

Know what one wants from the Whole Experience
Know what one wants from the Whole Experience

In order to plan an internship adequately, people must always decide on what kind of internship they want. If they go for something mindless, they might gain nothing and therefore, land in trouble in the long run. Many students make the mistake of going for random internships in the hopes of gaining an effective reference on their resumes but that is simply not just the point as the skills gained from the whole experience play a great role in determining the entire value and the learning attained from the internship. Students must always decide what exactly they want from the internship in the first place. Numerous kinds of internship program include paid, summer, nonprofit and credit based internships. These can be achieved according to what the people prefer or want to gain, following their preference. People should see how these internships can fit into their everyday life and help them maintain their schedule adequately as it is essential to do so. For those who seek doing internships from abroad,an internship in England can be a treat.

Internet Research and Preparing for the Final Interview

The next step in planning the perfect internship includes searching exactly the kind of internship which suits or relates to the future fields of the individuals. These can be searched on the internet at all times since it is a vast medium as it's the source for finding many amazing opportunities online without having to struggle too much. Students should always contact the coordinators of the concerned internship and have their school set up appropriate meetings in order to prepare properly for the internship interviews which are essential to clear.


Adam likes to pass on education information which can help people. He is working for The Intern Group where you get International Internship opportunities.

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