Skincare, Homeschooling Curriculum, and Smoothie Recipes (or not)
Every Monday, I answer a few of the questions that my readers send me. If you have a question you'd like me to answer in a future Q&A post, just leave me a comment here or email me (thefrugalgirl [at] gmail [dot] com) and put Q&A in the subject line. I look forward to hearing from you!
I'm a big fan of your blog! As you look wonderful, I would like to ask if you have any frugal ways on skincare or maintaining beauty?
Thanks!
Wing
Aww, thank you. I'm so glad you enjoy my blog. 🙂
I have a pretty low maintenance skincare routine, which basically consists of washing it with gentle soap and warm water twice a day (once in the shower in the morning and once at night to remove the day's makeup) and sometimes using a moisturizer in the winter if my skin gets dry.
But I have kind of oily skin, and if that weren't the case, I'd probably need to modify my routine to include more moisturizing and less washing.
Though I may change my mind as I get older and my skin needs more help, I'm currently of the opinion that the beauty industry sells us a lot of over-priced stuff that is unnecessary/ineffective.
As far as makeup goes, I keep that pretty simple too...I usually use drugstore brands (not department store brands), and I generally stick with foundation, powder, and eyeliner, and maybe some eyeshadow, mascara, and lip gloss when I feel like doing a little bit more.
I am planning on homeschooling and have read through most of your posts. I find your simplistic approach to homeschooling refreshing and encouraging! My question is do you have a post where you break down what you teach by grade/age level and which curriculum you use? I would definitely pay for an e-book! I know there are several on-line, but I have been overwhelmed when looking at many other sites. I want to keep it simple!
Thank you,
Suzanne
So many of you have emailed to ask what curriculum I use, and I just have not managed to put together a good list, except for kindergarten.
(I put together a list of the basics I use for kindergarten right here.)
I realized recently that Amazon has a feature where I can set up a grouping of books, though, so I tried it out to make a list of what I use for second grade materials.
I've never used this feature before, so apologies if anything is wonky.
The books on that list cover math, grammar, handwriting, reading, vocabulary, history, science, and art. In addition, I'd add 30 minutes of library-book reading and a daily journal (here's how we do journals). Also, for PE, my kids are enrolled in a martial arts class and for music, they take piano lessons from yours truly.
Zoe is technically in second grade, but she is one smart cookie, so she's actually doing the third grade versions of a number of those books.
Oh, and Zoe is also is using the BJU reading textbook and workbook.
Big Fat Disclaimer: There are a lot of things about BJU that I am not a fan of, but the reading curriculum has not had any racist/legalistic issues. The books are mostly workbook-style stuff which I am not a huge fan of, but to a degree, I think it's good for my kids to be exposed to this kind of thing simply because a lot of it is similar to what they'd see on a standardized test. So, we use this, but I do not think it is the pinnacle of curriculum, nor do I think it's the most helpful thing we do. I think my kids get way more out of their 30 minutes of daily reading time.
By the way, the list is on Amazon because that's the simplest way to do it, but Amazon doesn't always have the lowest prices. I also check half.com, ebay, and CBD to see where the best deals are.
If you guys find the Amazon store list to be helpful, let me know, and I'll put together pages for other grades as well.
Also, just so you know, if you buy something through the Amazon links in the store, a small percentage of the sale goes to support this site.
What are your smoothie recipes?
Thanks,
M. Shatz
I don't usually use a recipe, actually...I just eyeball it every time because I don't want to mess with measuring and getting more dishes dirty! I usually use maybe 2 cups of yogurt, a banana, and then a random assortment of frozen fruit, depending on what I have in the freezer.
If I'm using spinach in a smoothie, I like to blend that up with the non-frozen stuff first and then add the frozen fruit. Also, if you're using spinach, you can make it look more palatable by adding blueberries or blackberries. Your smoothie will then be purple instead of green (or brown, which is what it will look like if you use spinach and strawberries!)
I'd recommend experimenting around to see what works for you and your taste buds.
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Readers, have at it! If you've got opinions about the topics today, do share.
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Joshua's 365 post: Bogged Down
Suzanne,
When I started homeschooling, one book that really helped me was Home Learning Year-by-Year (http://www.amazon.com/Home-Learning-Year-Homeschool-Curriculum/dp/0609805851). Because of the book's age, and because of the explosion of new curriculum options over the past few years, it doesn't cover every curriculum choice out there, but it is very helpful in providing guidance of what to try to achieve each grade level and gives good book recommendations. Good Luck! It's a fun ride! - Renee
Renee, thank you for the suggestion. I will check it out!
I recently started using olive oil to clean my face since I found soap a bit harsh. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but the olive oil dissolves the oil on your face and leaves your skin feeling really soft. Since I buy olive oil in 3L tins, it's super-cheap as well.
I did a post about it recently if anyone is interested: http://www.economiesofkale.com/2013/07/using-oil-to-clean-your-face/
I am constantly amazed by people who can put spinach in smoothies. I eat spinach salads all the time but for some reason I just cannot bring myself to put it in a smoothie. I think I need someone else to trick me with the first one. Feed me a spinach smoothie and then tell me afterwards then perhaps my eyeballs would bet over the idea.
Our favorite smoothie is simply frozen banana slices, frozen strawberries and enough milk that the blender doesn't break from the frozen banana. I have an old blender and it can only do so much. I think I start with a Cup and a half of milk and add from there until it's the right consistency. We also add vanilla yogurt sometimes-if they haven't been eating the yogurt for breakfast and I need it to get used
Great suggestion on mixing spinach with blueberries & blackberries. My kids love spinach in salads, but we have not added it to our smoothies yet. I bet this would work with Kale too?
While looking for the best prices on homeschool curriculum, I found that Rainbow Resource Center (rainbowresource.com) had great prices and a wide selection of items.
I've always wondered for my kinder kiddie how long would you suggest taking each day for school work? I don't want to over tax her and make her dislike school but I want her to be getting the most out of it also. Thanks
How do you like the art book? I have a second grader, and we aren't doing any formal science yet this year. How do you like the science books so far?
I also just throw what I have in the blender for most of my smoothies but I do have a couple of recipes too.
first:
1 cup Orange Juice
1 frozen banana
enough frozen strawberries to make it thick.
Or
1 cup of milk
1 frozen banana
a little brown sugar and vanilla
I love seeing your 2nd grade curriculum list! I have heard great things about Drawing with Children. I need to get that one. I like the Handwriting Without Tears, too. We are doing pretty well with printing. When do you usually start cursive? BTW, if you ever wanted to do a post about homeschool organization, I wouldn't be sad about it. 🙂
Currently, I am homeschooling an 8th grader. Next year will be the move to high school - 9th grade. I would love any feedback, recommendations, etc. on best homeschooling a 9th grader. I know high school brings a different level of academics. Do you participate in a co-op or even think that is necessary?
There's a book out there called "Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies". I was hoping that someone else would mention this, but I guess I'm going have to put on my big girl pants and be the GBM.
"Simplistic" means "overly simplified", and not in a good way. It is misused at an alarming rate these days. I think you're trying to say that Kristen's "simple" or better still, "simplified" approach is refreshing and encouraging. I'm positive that you meant to be complimentary.
Why comment at all? Because the topic is schooling.
There. I'm done now. Thanks for listening.
Diane C. , I am confused by your comment.
"Simplistic" is a word that sounds like one thing, but means something else. To say that Kristen's approach to homeschooling is "simplistic" is not a compliment.
Another example would be "spendthrift". Some people think it has to do with being thrifty when in fact, it's the opposite.
I only brought it up because the topic was schooling. Hope that helps!
I agree that the skincare companies are always trying to sell us so called miracle treatments which are mostly good for nothing. Talking from personal experience. I am now following a very simple routine, also because i have sensitive skin and can´t risk any chemicals. Only the 100% natural ingredients.
I am very good in smoothies, will come back for sure and leave a recipe soon.
Really enjoyed reading your blog 🙂
I had to bounce back to this post about makeup, because I found an awesome website selling cheap mineral makeup! It's called Eyes Lips Face (elf), and although I just placed my order tonight and have yet to try it, I am super excited. Makeup has been a very hard area for me to be frugal with, so I'm hoping this will be a decent replacement for department store brands.
Target (at least mine does) sells e.l.f products, fyi. The pricing might be even better, and it will be easier to return.
Thanks, I'll keep my eyes out for it!