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parenting – Page 7 – Luv Saving Money

Category: parenting

Best Way SleepLux Mattress Review

So about a month ago, my mother in law asked me if she could stay over night at our house to spend some time with the kids. She said her husband was working late shift and she didn’t really want to be by herself anyway. So I said, of course. I figured she could sleep in my one son’s room since he wasn’t there that night anyway. Well my two youngest told her they wanted to stay to all sleep in the living room. My mother in law ended up having to sleep on the love seat, my youngest son slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. My daughter tried to sleep on the couch with grandma but didn’t make it and ended up going upstairs to her own bed. I had thought a few times before that we needed an air mattress but this really did it.

Then about a week later my son had friend sleep over. We had received the SleepLux 22 ” Queen mattress and the SleepLux 15″ twin mattress to review. The kids got to try out the mattress that night.

I could not believe how easy they were to set up. If I can go back about a decade or so ago, we had an air mattress but we had to pump it up with a bicycle pump and it was a real PIA to set up. It ended up getting a hole it in it, we tossed it out and hadn’t had one since. BUT the Bestway SleepLux ones are AMAZING. You just plug them in to the wall with a little plug that is attached and tucks away in it’s own compartment. You turn the little knob to the right and it pumps itself up! Less than 5 min y’all!

You would not believe how excited our guests were to try it out too. The adults wanted to try it out, the kid wanted to try it out, you name it. Well The kids ended up sleeping on it for the slumber party. They all told me it was really comfortable and asked if we could leave the up for a while.

To take them down, you just turn the knob the other way and wait for it to deflate. Once deflated you can fold them up and put them into their own convenient storage/carrying bag. The bags are actually pretty sturdy and have a strap on them so they are easy to take with you on a camping trip, for a sleepover, or wherever you might need to use it.

Unfortunately, some of our guests couldn’t make it. The flu has been going around something fierce in our area. I just had my son off of school last week due to some flu-like symptoms. But that brings me to another point, these mattresses are easy to clean too.

Bestway SleepLux air mattresses are surprisingly affordable for the value!

You can find Bestway SleepLux air mattresses at Walmart

I received the above mentioned products at no cost from Tryazon. This post also contains affiliate links.

Science Resource for Homeschooling: Greg Landry Homeschool Science

This post is sponsored by College Prep Science.

My kids love science. It’s one of their favorite classes in school. Homeschoolers don’t have to miss out on the science projects and education. Greg Landry is a veteran in the homeschool science subject.

Greg Landry is a homeschool science pioneer and offers online classes (for science leaning students and “non-science” students, science labs, ACT prep, a podcast for homeschool moms, and homeschool student-produced print publications.

Greg says he is first and foremost grateful. “The Lord has made me very aware of my need for a grateful heart. I’m grateful for a God who knows me and loves me (with all of my faults), for my family, for the thousands of homeschooling families I’ve had the privilege of  working with over the past 20 years, for the magnificence of His Creation, and for the trials in my life (James 1:2-4 ) that shape and mold me, humble me, produce perseverance, and mature me in my faith.”

Greg is a husband to his bride of 30+ years, a homeschool dad, and a former college professor. He and his wife homeschooled their two daughters. Both of them have graduated from college, and Greg says, “most importantly, both of them love Jesus. For that, we are very grateful.”  He grew up in French / Acadian South Louisiana (three of his grandparents were French speakers) and he loves the South Louisiana culture. At age 18 was invited to tryout with the Philadelphia Phillies baseball organization. He played baseball and football in college and holds a master of science degree from LSU (Louisiana State University).

He has a heart for students and a passion for science… but more specifically a passion for teaching students to see God’s hand in every aspect of His creation that surrounds us. His goal is to help them see that God’s creation didn’t just happen by chance – it wasn’t an accident, a fluke of nature.

Greg has spent the past 20+ years teaching science. He taught at a university, taught thousands of homeschooled students, has mentored students planning to pursue science / pre-med degrees, has designed and directed a university anatomy and physiology/biology cadaver lab, has published and presented scientific research, has academically counseled hundreds of college pre-professional (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-physical therapy, etc.) sophomores and juniors, has designed science labs for homeschooled students, and has written science lab manuals. 

Ten years ago he originated the “pre” classes (Pre-Biology, Pre-Anatomy & Physiology, Pre-Chemistry, and Pre-Physics) as a means of minimizing the intimidation of high school level science and preparing middle school age students for specific high school level classes. As one homeschool mom described it, “Greg has a unique ability to pull out the most important information and present it in a way that’s interesting and easy to understand.”

The thrust of Greg Landry homeschool science is to give homeschooled students access to Christian Worldview science that is focused on scientific inquiry, critical thinking, process reasoning, data collection, and the graphical and written representation of research. Greg says, “we want to prepare competent, confident students for their remaining high school years, their college years, and life. 

Greg and his wife live near Nashville, TN. His desire is to follow the Lord’s leading in teaching students to illuminate the incredible creation the Lord has put all around us. It reveals His glory!

​Homeschool dad, scientist, and former college professor, Greg Landry, offers live, online homeschool science classes, Homeschool ACT Prep Bootcamp, the Homeschool Mom’s Science Podcast, in-person two-day science lab intensives nationwide, freebies for homeschool moms, and student-produced homeschool print publications.

NEW Snail Mail For Kids: Kids Get Personalized Letters in the Mail!

Kids love getting stuff in the mail. I know mine do. Snail Mail for Kids is a new opportunity for them to get something fun and personalized through the mail.

Snail Mail for kids will send your kids a personalized letter once a week. You can choose monthly, 3 month or 6 month plans. You kids or grand kids will receive letters personalized to them with fun things included like stickers, trading cards, souvenirs, and more.

I know my kids would be coming home from school going “Did my snail mail come in yet?” Everyone likes getting something fun in the mail right? Hmm maybe they should make this for adults too lol

I was surprised to see how affordable it was to get weekly mailings. You can get your first box for 50% off!

My question personally was, ok I have 2 kids that would enjoy this I guess I’d have to pay for 2 subscriptions. NOPE it actually says that if you have 2 children it says they can include 2 kids and 2 enclosures at no additional cost. I think that’s awesome. If you have more than 2 kids you can have the letters addressed to the entire family. IE The Smith Family. That’s awesome. As a mom of 4, so often I’ve had to pass on things because I just couldn’t afford to do it for everyone. It’s hard to get a subscription box for one kid then another kids going “Can I get one too?”

While some subscription services can get pretty expensive this one is much more affordable especially for families with multiple children!

I think this could be an interesting way to encourage reading in kids. My youngest is 6 years old and learning to read. She’s doing pretty well but, anything I can do to encourage a love of reading, I’ll try it.

Snail Mail for Kids is also giftable. Just choose the gift option.

This post does contain affiliate links. I will get a small commission from sales made through my links.

Win 3 Months Of Math Tutoring & More: Giveaway

This giveaway is brought to you by After School Math Tutoring Services. All opinions are my own. It is so crucial that your kids get a good education and really understand math. It will help them in many ways. But sometimes they don’t get the help they need.  Sometimes they miss one concept, and they are lost for the year.  Math Tutors are expensive, and it’s a hassle to spend time in the car to go to a tutor.  

I have a better solution for you! 

After School Math is a Tutor + Interactive Learning Program that will bring SUCCESS! They help your students build a STRONG foundation in math in early school years that will last a lifetime. They offer personalized learning with weekly Online Sessions with a Tutor PLUS 24/7 Access to their Interactive Math Program. Their tutors work with your kids to address their individual learning needs, and they pay close attention to each student’s unique learning needs to ensure success.

After School Math has an online interactive program that provides everything your student needs to excel to the next grade level & beyond

The curriculum package includes 8 different grade levels: 1st – 6th, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra. As a parent, you can see how your child is improving with weekly reports.

With After School Math, you have a Tutor + Online Interactive Learning Portal = SUCCESS ~ for just $29.99/month. 

Sign up now for After School Math!

  Visit Saving You Dinero to learn more about this affordable way to help your kids excel in math! 

This is a great time for this service. If your student’s math grades aren’t up to par or they want to improve them. 3 months of tutoring could get them through the rest of the school year. It could bring their final grade up!

Giveaway Details:

  • Prize: (1 winner) 3-months of Weekly Online Sessions with a Tutor + 24/7 Access to Online Interactive Learning portal. A $149.97 value.
  • Open to US Residents
  • Giveaway Ends February 13 2020, at 1159pm EST

Finance Solutions When Preparing For College

My oldest son is halfway through his senior year. I can’t believe it. We’re getting information on ordering graduation announcements. My son’s last prom will be coming up. It just all seems surreal. I’ve also realized there are more expenses when planning for college than just going to college.

high school graduation prep

There are fees I didn’t even think about like:

  • college application fees
  • SAT and ACT fees
  • Transferring SAT scores to applied colleges ($12 by the way)
  • travel for campus visits
  • and more

If you’re planning for college years down the road, good for you. There are lots of finance solutions available to you. One of the best ones is a 529 plan. 529 plans are tax advantaged education savings plans. The earlier you start a 529 plan the better to really save properly. You also have opportunities for additional funding through the Upromise program in Pennsylvania. You can also do a traditional savings account but it doesn’t have as many advantages as the 529 plan.

Talk With An Expert

Taking to a financial planner might be the best route. Financial planners can look at your finances and your goals and help you create a game plan for the future. This option is good even if you didn’t plan years ahead. If you have more than one child to plan for the future this is probably your best bet. They can also give advice on the best savings solutions for you and your family.

Use School Resources For Help

High School guidance counselors are a great source of information to help find local scholarships, grants, and tips for a smoother transition to college. I’ve talked to my son’s guidance counselor a few times. In fact, I need to make another phone call soon. She’s given my son info about local scholarships, applications processes, and more.

When doing campus visits, the institution you’re visiting typically has someone available to give information on tuition, financial aid, etc. My son visited a local campus. They said with his SAT scores he’s guaranteed about $3000 in scholarships which was nice to hear.

Apply For Grants and Scholarships

I know this should be a no brainer but I’ve heard some people say “I’m not going to apply for that scholarship, there’s a lot of people applying for it” The thing is, they’re going to give it to someone, you may as well throw your name in the hat.

There are also some scholarships that really don’t have many people apply for it. There are also scholarships designed specifically for kids going into certain majors which cuts down on the amount of people that can apply.