In the age of the internet, home schooling is a viable option for many children. Some young students may not be able to enroll at a local school due to various physical, emotional and interpersonal issues. Parents can still guarantee that their children get a proper education through home schooling. There are online book stores that sell an array of textbooks for all grade levels. Parents can simply browse such websites and look for specific titles for the appropriate level of study. Textbooks in math, science and history are available for purchase in hard cover copies.

It is easy to find the right homeschool curriculum by comparing the different book publications that are made for certain grade levels. For example, parents can find out what type of textbooks are used in the local school district for specific courses. Then, a simple search for specific textbook titles can be done at online book shops. Sometimes, it may be acceptable to purchase an older edition of a particular textbook.
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Carpets are almost as different as their owners. Some are rugged, while other require more careful handling. A good carpet cleaning company knows the difference and acts accordingly. Handling carpet owners’ needs can be more challenging, though. Many people are very sensitive to common cleaning chemicals and are always searching for a company that uses greener and less-toxic products. These are better for people and are less polluting than traditional carpet cleaning methods. Common commercial cleaning products often contain a witch’s brew of chemicals, many of which can irritate eyes, noses, throats, cause headaches or even contribute to nervous system problems. Some of the usual ingredients in these cleaners are perchloroethylene, naphthalene and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether. The first chemical has been flagged by the Centers for Disease Control because of its potential damage to kidneys and livers. Napthalene has been targeted by the Environmental Protection Agency because of potential central nervous system toxicity and carcinogenic qualities. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether gives off toxic vapors when it is exposed to heat. Natural products rely on enzymes, common table salt, washing soda and citric acid for their cleaning power. These products are approved by several professional industry organisations such as Green Seal and the Carpet and Rug Institute. The best green cleaning practices require good training in organic cleaning methods. Choosing a company who employs knowledgeable technicians with the right tools is one of the best steps a homeowner can take. Busy people also appreciate a carpet cleaning company that works around their schedule. For example, it is not always convenient to have a technician stop by on Wednesday at 10 am. Flexible scheduling is vital for commercial clients who do not want to disrupt their businesses during operating hours. Same-day service is a plus, especially when a messy mishap threatens to stain expensive carpeting. Reducing the amount of dust, dirt and allergens in indoor air is an important basic step that many people overlook. Eliminating pollutants through periodic cleaning of air ducts results in significantly improved indoor air quality. A green carpet cleaning company that offers additional services such as carpet repair, upholstery repair, leather and mattress cleaning and air duct cleaning is a valuable ally in keeping a home or office looking and smelling its best. Brooklyn residents and businesses rely on companies like Green Choice Carpet Cleaning to meet their rug and carpet cleaning needs.

If your kids are anything like my son, they love Skylanders.  Normally, I don’t let him eat a lot of fast food, but since this is special, I am totally letting him have a Happy Meal.

From March 28 – April 24, Skylanders is offering exclusive toys to McDonald’s patrons and Skylanders fans. The Happy Meal program includes eight Skylanders SWAP Force favorites including Prism Break, Wash Buckler, Rattle Shake and more. Of course, they are just toys and won’t work on the portals, but they are fun for kids to play with and collect, and my kiddo loves them.

In addition to a figure, Happy Meal purchasers will receive coupons for $10 off the Skylanders SWAP Force Starter Pack and $1 off a Skylanders character.

For the second consecutive year, Activision Publishing, Inc. and McDonald’s USA LLC are teaming up to infuse a little bit of magic into every Happy Meal across the country with new Skylanders® collectible toys. From March 28-April 24, participating McDonald’s restaurants in the United States and Puerto Rico will launch a new Skylanders Happy Meal featuring one of eight unique toys inspired by Skylanders SWAP Force™.
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Eating on the go can be challenging, especially if you have kids who are picky eaters. Often, they will gravitate toward the heavily fried, fatty, or sugary sweet foods that are horrible for their health. Instead of giving your kids foods that lack nutrition, help them make smart choices even at fast food joints. When you have to eat on the go, here are some fast-food meal options to consider.

1. In order to give you kids healthier fast foods, choose grilled meat over fried options whenever possible at fast food restaurants. Many fast food joints boast and promote deep fried meals that are indeed tasty, but horrible for your kids’ health.  Instead, help your kids choose the grilled chicken options that are always available. Grilled over fried eliminates the high amounts of saturated fat, oils and breading for a healthier option.  One options is to get the Grilled Chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A without heavy use of condiments or sauces and with only a small order of fries, if you need fries at all. Other side options include carrots or fruit cups which are much better choices.
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People can display their personality and interests with unique decorative items that can be used at home, in the car and at work. Magnetic decals are available in a variety of cool designs that can be customized according to specific themes. For example, a magnet can be personalized with a photo and name of a teenage athlete. Such magnets are ideal for parents that have children who engage in different academic and athletic activities. The magnets can be placed onto refrigerators, office work desks and even inside vehicle dashboards and windshields.

Decorative decals are also great items to display something unique. Custom decals are like stickers that can be attached to any surface including walls, car interiors and exteriors. A custom decal can have a logo of a university or professional sports team. The decals can be used to decorate a child’s bedroom with life size images of players and coaches.
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Anza Borrego State Park Wildflowers
Each spring, a mere two-hour drive from downtown San Diego, the deserts of Anza Borrego are in bloom. The winter rains give the determined plant life of the desert just enough moisture to blossom, creating carpets, crops, and splashes of color in the unique landscape. The biggest blooms typically occur between February and April. Each year is different, so park volunteers recommend calling the Wildflower Hotline at (760) 767-4684 before making the drive.

Carlsbad Flower Fields
Another place to see spectacular spring blooms in San Diego is at the Carlsbad Flower Fields, open only from March 1 – May 11. Nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus cover the hills, creating an abundant, colorful display and ushering spring into San Diego County. Check the Flower Field’s calendar of events for live music listings and other special events!

Butterfly Jungle at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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Whether you’re the first in your group of friends to find yourself in the family way and you’re having trouble getting on the same page with your childless gal pals or you’ve recently moved to a new area and you’re looking to hook up with some new moms like yourself, you may find your efforts hampered by the fact that most of your time is taken up caring for your infant. And yet, this is exactly the time in your life when you could most use the support network that other mothers can provide, complete with plenty of advice and sympathetic ears. But how do you get in touch with ladies like yourself that are seeking friendship with other new moms? Here are just a few ways to meet like-minded mothers in your area.

1. Mommy and Me classes. There’s really no better way to meet other new moms in your area than by signing up for Mommy and Me classes. They’re available in most communities through venues like the community center, YMCA, or commercial organizations, just for example. And you’ll
accomplish multiple goals by attending. The main purpose is to learn more about your child’s development, as well as participate in exercised designed to stimulate different age groups. But of course, you’ll end up meeting a lot of other moms in the process, potentially making friends that are at the same stage of life as you.

2. Parks. Many new moms experience feelings of isolation when they’re cooped up in the house all day with a baby. So it’s not a bad idea to strap your tot in the stroller and get out for a daily walk.  The fresh air will do you good, as will some exercise to help you lose any leftover baby weight. And if there is a park nearby, you can spread out a blanket in a shady area for a little R&R, push your   baby on the appropriate swing, and perhaps even meet some other local moms that had the same notion.
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