Lisa Russell's Blog

Posted by Lisa Russell

Nominations for the best Homeschool Blog Awards are complete and now it's time for you to cast your vote for the Best Homeschool Blog. However, it's not that simple. There are several categories you get to vote in.

Just in case my blog, Mrs Hannigan's Home for Girls, wasn't nominated, feel free to pencil it in wherever you think it fits:)

1. Best Homeschool Mom Blog

2. Best Homeschool Dad Blog

3. Best Blog Design

4. Best Photos and Artistic Content Blog

5. Best Crafts, Plans & Projects Blog

6. Best Family or Group Blog

7. Best Encourager

8. Best “Live-What-You-Believe” Homeschool Blog

9. Best Unschooling Blog

10. Best Eclectic Homeschooling

11. Best Geographical Blog

12. Best Current Events, Opinions or Politics Blog

13. Best Homemaking or Recipes Blog

14. Best Teen Girl Blog

15. Best Teen Guy Blog

16. Best Teen Group Blog

17. Funniest Homeschool Blog

18. Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger

19. Best Curriculum or Business Blog

20. Best Variety

21. Best Thrifty Homeschooler

22. Best SUPER-HOMESCHOOLER

23. Best Nitty-Gritty Homeschool Blog

24. Best NEW Homeschool Blog

25. Best Homeschooling Methods Blog

Posted by Lisa Russell

While researching about free book exchange websites for the article Free Homeschool Books to Trade, Swap or Download, I came across such a wide variety of programs. I was surprised to see that some of the automatic google ads that popped up in my search were actually free programs. They offer free participation, all you need to do is register on their website to trade books. One program, a bartering website, allowed visitors to trade everything under the sun, like real estate and RV's.

Anyway, check out both of the articles linked above, and try a book exchange program today:)

Posted by Lisa Russell

Last Winter I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of Teen Entrepreneur Success Secrets The stories of these teenage business owners was inspiring and exciting. I ended up researching adn writing about the benefits of being a homeschooled High School Entrepreneur. Several homeschooling families use the togetherness of the lifestyle, along with the obvious educational benefits of living and working together to create their own homeschool family businesses. Finally, many homeschooling moms decide to follow their entreprenurial dreams and start their own business, or get a job working from home. Working from home and homeschooling are a dream come true for many families. Complete independence and self-sufficiency are values that run counter to society's message that seems to say "go to school and get a job." Instead, these un-jobbing families are teaching kids that they're capable of taking care of themselves and that anything worth having is worth going out there to get, instead of sitting around waiting for a raise, improve your business. Instead of looking for a job, look for an opportunity. In my mind, it's a very American thing to do, and a lifestyle that speaks to the highest values of personal responsibility. I hope you enjoy the resources and ideas I've found while working on this series of articles. Homeschooled teen entreprenuers and their parents are some of my favorite people.

Posted by Lisa Russell

I discovered a wonderful website today by Carletta Sanders. She's a Texas Homeschooling mom who has created an amazing website. Successful Homeschool website features a rundown on state laws, curriculum reviews, homeschool methods, and tons of fantastic resources. She's working on an ebook, so I went ahead and subscribed to her newsletter. I will be sure to announce when that ebook is released, I hope you enjoy her work. I found her through Google Knols, she's written a great wikipedia-type article on homeschooling.

Posted by Lisa Russell

Every year, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts selects a theme for the international Thinking Day Observance. Themes generally reflect issues and concerns that affect the lives of girls throughout the world, and the purpose of the day is to get girls everywhere thinking of each other. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are encouraged to regard each other as sisters, and it's important to know what your sisters are struggling with. In 2009, the theme was "Stop the Spread of diseases" and educational materials were distributed to help girls learn about the struggles girls in the world are having with AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Curriculum is available on the WAGGGS website for leaders to use in their groups and troops.

I wrote a rather long piece on my personal blog regarding my experience with World Thinking Day this year, I hope you enjoy it!