Educator.com

My son is a senior in high school and takes a variety of AP courses so when I was asked to try out Educator.com for free for 30 days I was excited.  Educator.com is an online company run by former college professors and administrators that hire top professors in the field of science and math.  These knowledgeable professors provide video lectures, lecture notes, and will answer students’ questions within 24 hours.  It is like having a professor provide one-on-one assistance whenever you need it. 
These are the AP subjects that you can find on Educator.com:

Mathematics: Algebra I, Algebra II, Trigonometry, AP Calculus I/AB, AP Calculus II/BC, AP Statistics
Science: AP Chemistry, AP Physics B, AP Physics C - Mechanics, AP Physics C - Electricity and Magnetism, AP Biology, AP Computer Science

The video lectures are done very well and are interesting to view.  You can pinpoint exactly where the information you want is explained and pose questions to the professor in the discussion area as you view the video.  The professors are well dressed, articulate and knowledgeable.  The professors bios are available on the website so you know they are well trained in their field. 

My son liked that the site was easy to use and he could locate the information he needed quickly.  He felt confident that the information he was given was accurate and beneficial to him. 

The cost is $35.00 a month or $240.00 a year. Once you sign up you will have full access to all the videos and resource available on the site.  You can try it free for 30 days just follow these steps:
1.Go to http://www.educator.com and click on "Create Account" or "Subscribe"

2.Make sure "Basic Plan" is selected. (Code Will Not Work Otherwise)
3.Enter your account information.
4.Disregard "Payment Type", you will not be asked to pay.
5.Below the "Continue" button, check "Special Billing" and enter BUZZFA626
6.Press "Continue" and you are done.

I was provide this free trial for being a Bzz Agent.  All thoughts and opinions stated are my own.

Ac Moore Weekend Events

Free Make and Take at AC Moore Saturday, March 12 from 1 -3 pm.
Kids can color their Thomas Train and add flowers to make it ready for spring.  While supplies last.
Then on Sunday, March 13th Chuggington arrvies at AC Moore.  Check out the new toys, color a picture and register to win a Chuggington toy from 5 - 7pm. 

Craft of the Week

These adorable little pillow boxes are a wonderful way to share holiday treats.  And guess what?  They are so easy, cheap (shh.. don't tell) and you probably have every thing you need at home.  Check out the complete tutorial at

Frugal Family Fun Blog.

Leprechaun Traps

Back when I was teaching, I had the most wonderful Irish Principal.  He was like a kid on St. Patrick's day.  Everyone got in the spirit of having fun and creating a little leprechaun havoc throughout the school.  My students each created their own leprechaun traps to try to catch the little imps.  We got close to capturing one or two but were never successful.  Hopefully, you will have better luck at your house. 
You can use anything you want to build your trap - cereal box, shoebox, empty cans or containers, string, net... Get creative.  Check out these photos if you need a  little inspiration.
A few things to keep in mind:
* they like gold
* green is their favorite color
* rainbows are special
* they eat Lucky Charms cereal
* they will leave a trail of gold or glitter

Be sure to post a picture so everyone can see your creations.

Picture from Family Fun

DIY Bathtub Puffy Soap

Add an a little extra fun to bathtime with this recipe for Puffy Soap from Chalk in My Pocket.  

Note:  You might want to test an area of your tile and grout to make sure it doesn't stain.   Instead of food coloring you might try using Washable Liquid Watercolors. 

Homemade Kite

 My daughter has been wanting to fly a kite lately so we may have to make this custom kite soon for when the weather gets warmer.  Hurry up Spring!

Materials:
2 dowell rods (1 long, 1 short)
String or ribbon
Brown paper or a paper bag
Strong tape (ie: duct or reflective)
Paint

Directions:

• Tie the rods together into a cross shape with the string. Make sure the rods stay centered.
• Cut out paper kite shape that is an inch or two bigger in diameter than the cross on all sides.
• Fold down the extra inch or two of paper on each diagonal and secure with tape to create a thick edge.
• Tape the paper portion of the kite to the cross.
• Tie a long piece of string to the point where the bars cross, leaving the end attached to the spool.
• Decorate the front with paint, tape & stickers.

Wacky Wednesday

Freeze Dance - Put on your favorite music and dance your heart out.  Everyone freezes when the music stops.

Lowes Build And Grow Clinic

Just in time for March Madness Lowe's is offering this Build and Grow workshop for children on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00 AM.  Your kids will have fun holding tournaments with their friends with this aim and shoot basketball game. The class is open to the first 50 participants at each location so register in advance.

Each child also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.

 

Tasty Tuesday

I am not a huge fan of popcorn but now if you add a little caramel to it I am all in. 
This recipe is easy and delicious. You can stir in peanuts, marshmallows, chocolate chips or any other favorite ingredients you like.
Ingredients:
3 bags microwave popcorn, popped
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (I like to use salted butter since the rest of the popcorn is so sweet)
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Directions:
Pop popcorn according to package directions and remove any unpopped kernels. Pour popcorn into a LARGE bowl.
In a saucepan bring the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup to a boil.  Reduce to medium heat and add sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly for  4 minutes scraping the sides and the bottom of the pan to prevent it from burning. The longer you cook it the firmer the caramel will be.  Pour 1/2 of the caramel over popcorn and stir.  Then pour the remaining caramel on the popcorn and stir until well coated.  You can eat this warm or save it for later.

Picture from ehow.

Veggie Tales New DVD

Veggie Tales releases its newest DVD today, March 8th Twas the Night Before Easter just in time for the spring holiday.  You can order it on Amazon for just $10.99.

The Knack Free Family Event - Make-It Take-It Yarn Doll

Learn to create and decorate a simple yarn doll at Michael's on Saturday, March 12 from 10:00 AM - noon.  While supplies last.  This event is intend for children ages 3 and up.

Kids Eat Free at Chili's on March 8th

March on into Chili's Tuesday, March 8th because they are giving kids 12 and under a free kids meal.   You can order two FREE kids meals per adult entree purchased!  If you don't mind the noise sit in the bar area and get free chips and salsa.  This makes for a cheap not out. 

Mardi Gras Masks

Today we have a craft to help you celebrate Mardi Gras kid style! Your kids will have fun learning about the letter B and get ready for Mardi Gras with this mask craft. 

Supplies
Construction paper or colored printable card 
Craft stick or drinking straw
Scotch tape
Feathers
Curly ribbons
Scissors
Make alphabet letters on your mask with any of these:
   Alphabet stickers/stamps,or draw letters with crayons

Click here for printables, patterns and Templates

Instructions
Draw the letter "B" on construction paper. Make sure the size is just right for you to wear it as a mask. You may also opt to print out this template on colored card stock instead.

 Cut the letter "B". You may need an adult's help in cutting out the eyeholes.

Decorate the front side of the mask with alphabet letters. Stick alphabet stickers, use alphabet stamps or write the letters using crayons.

Tape a craft stick or a drinking straw at the back to make the handle. 

Tape feathers and/or curly ribbons at the back as well.

Your mask is now ready to wear!

This craft & pictures are courtesy of FirstPalette.com.

March Reading List

I am posting this a little late since we shared some great Dr. Seuss books with you last week.  I hope you pick a few of these books to read with your child this month.  Be sure to come back and let us know what book you enjoyed.

                     

Barnes and Noble Online Storytime

If you aren't complete over Dr. Seuss books yet you can check out Barnes and Noble's online story time feature this month, Green Eggs and Ham read by Rachael Ray. 

Little Tikes Birthday Program

Little Tikes has launched the Little Tikes Birthday Bonus Program.  Register your child’s  at least 20 days before their birthday and you will receive special discounts, promotions and offers approximately 30 days before your child's big day.

Craft of the Week



These adorable jumping cups featured on bookhoucraftprojects can be made with items you already have around your house.  I can guarantee your kids will have an endless amount of fun with these. 

Materials:
2 Solo cups (paper or plastic will both work)
2 rubber bands
scissors
different colors of paper scraps
double-sided tape
clear tape

Instructions:
Use different scraps of paper, and cut out the shapes that you will need to decorate your cup how you would like.  Cut both rubber bands in half. Tie a knot on each end of both rubber bands.  Then cut four small slits directly across from each other into the rim of one cup (do not cut both cups.) Next, stretch the rubber bands across the rim of the cup and slide each end into one of the slits. The knots will hold the rubber bands in place.
Use double-sided tape to attach your decorations to your cup.  Use two pieces of clear tape to make two small tabs on opposite sides of the cup. You will hold these tabs to launch your cup. You are ready to go. Place the plain cup on the ground. Put the rocket cup over it and pull down on the tabs. Then let go to see your cup will fly. 
Check out the post for complete details and pictures.
Note: Be sure to supervise your child.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review and Giveaway

 

I have been a Purex user for years.  So I was real excited when I was invited to be a Purex Insider.  One of my responsibilities as an Insider will be to bring you information about innovating new products from Purex.  I am excited to write my first review for Purex Complete Crystals Softener.
I have never been a huge fan of fabric softeners.  When you have 4 kids who has time to remember to go add the softener to the wash and dryer sheets only seem good for controlling static.  Well, Purex Complete Crystals have changed how you use fabric softeners.  You just add the crystals to your wash with your laundry detergent making it so easy and convenient to use.  The bottle is even marked so you know how much to pour in without having to measure. 

Purex Complete Crystals come in three fantastic scents - Fresh Spring Waters, Tropical Splash and Lavender Blossom.  I was given a sample of Fresh Springs Waters which left my laundry smelling heavenly for days. 

Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are 92% natural, safe for all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners. Purex Crystals will:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothing or sleepwear
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners

Purex Complete Crystals Softener has changed my point of view on fabric softeners.  I can see this becoming a new product on my laundry shelf since it is easy to use and safe for all my laundry.  Plus, the fresh scent is divine. 

Buy It: You can find this product in stores now, retailing between $3.99- $5.99 for a 28 oz. bottle that will do 32 loads of laundry.   Be sure to print a $1.00 off coupon here.

Win It:  We have 6 coupons to giveaway, each for a free bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener to our Kid Kaper readers.

Mandatory entry:

• Leave a comment telling us which unique scent you would like to try: Fresh Spring Waters, Tropical Splash or Lavender Blossom.

 Additional entries: (Leave a separate comment)

• Follow Kid Kapers
• Blog about this giveaway. Include a link to this giveaway and leave a link to your post.
• Like Purex on facebook
• Visit the  Purex site (they are having a contest to see which blog can get the most hits for Purex) , you can visit this site daily and leave a comment each time you do.

*This giveaway is open to US residents.It will close March 18, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST. 

Good Luck!

Purex provided me with a free product, information and giveaway coupons.  All opinions are my own.

Dr. Seuss Week

Today, let the kids pick their favorite Dr. Seuss book to read. or watch a favorite Dr. Seuss movie.  Here are a few to pick from: