Traveling Through History with Doctor Who--Win a copy!

I've been very busy the past few weeks getting ready for a new school year, getting started in our new semester of homeschool co-op and oh, writing an entire semester of a history curriculum! What started as a simple idea to make history more fun (and to use an excuse to rewatch a bunch of Doctor Who episodes) turned into a huge project that I am loving!

I have put together a full semester history course for the Doctor Who fan! Now, I like to call it a supplement, because I do not want the pressure to be someone's sole history resource. Also, the state laws vary, so it is up to each family to look and decide how much more they need to do with this course. But the potential to really dig deep is there.

Art Credit: http://bahsyla.tumblr.com/

So what is it? Allow me to explain! There are several aspects.

1. Traveling Through History with Doctor Who is a for purchase PDF download of the entire curriculum. It contains 12 weeks/1 semester of material. You can purchase the curriculum through my Teachers Pay Teachers site. This curriculum has weekly episodes for your student to watch, and then activities to complete, research to do, and essays to write. How involved you get is up to you. I have done my very best to vet all websites, check appropriateness of links and resources. Please preview any materials for your student.
2. There is also an Eliademy online class you can participate in. This semester it is free and is what I call a "light" version of the for purchase curriculum. I will include many aspects from the curriculum in the class, but not all of them. The Eliademy class is all self lead. There are discussion forums to discuss your student's work, talk about the episode, ask questions, etc. But I do not formally grade anything. There is one Graded class but it is currently full. You may join the class here: https://eliademy.com/app/a/courses/085cb3da13# but you will need to sign up for an Eliademy account. If you are a parent and would like to follow along, you will need to either work with your student on the same account, or sign up for separate accounts. In the spring more options will be available, including a paid, full course that will include the above PDF in the course price. The Eliademy course is NOT a requirement of the download and vice versa.
3. A Facebook group is also available to socialize, share ideas, discuss Doctor Who and all it's fandoms, and connect with our families. Again, this is merely a resource, NOT a requirement for either the Eliademy or the download curriculum.
   

So how you use these options are totally up to you! I've created them to be used separately, together or aspects of it used together. The Doctor Who fan community is an awesome group of people and to me, it really is a great motivator. It is loved by children and adults, it knows no political, religious, racial or cultural bounds. Doctor Who can connect a wide variety of people. Learning history in this way is a wonderful way to encourage children to explore their world and past. History doesn't HAVE to be boring!!

Traveling Through History with Doctor Who is designed for students in 6th grade and up. The reason for this is the topics dealt with such as war, death, and ethical/moral dilemmas can be harsh and difficult. History isn't always pretty. However, I do also have a companion (hehe) program called Little Whovians for younger students. I encourage you to look them both over and decide which one is best for your student. A free sample of TTHWDW is on my TPT store and is completely free. Little Whovians are also free and will always be free. They are uploaded per lesson and can be used totally independent of the main curriculum.

So, now for the fun! How would you like to win a copy of the download PDF curriculum? Well, check out this RaffleCopter giveaway and enter to win! Super easy ways to enter and get your hands on this awesome curriculum for FREE!

Please share to your Whovian friends!

Allons-y!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mama's 1k Sale Giveaway!!!!

Well I cannot believe it, I hit 1,000 sales in Badge Reels!! I am very thankful to everyone who has supported me and my little businesses over the past 4 years. I've changed shops a time or two, but found my passion in making these badge reels. It makes me happy to know my button obsession can bring a smile to patients, teachers, coaches, medical staff, students and more!

As a thank you to everyone who's supported me I'm hosting a huge giveaway. Some very fabulous artisans have donated some great prizes for your winning pleasure also!!! I consider these artisans great friends as well as respecting their work. Please give them some love! I own something from nearly all of these stores and I love them all!

Let's get started!!

***It would be awesome if you would go like my fan pages Mama's Little Monkeys and Badge Reels. When you like the vendor fan pages, you can tag mine and tell them Mama/BadgeReels sent you!! :)***

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*****PRIZE PACK ONE--You Win ALL Three Prizes!*******

$10.00 Shop Credit from Holly Craft Originals !! Adorable appliques, cards, and ready to ship items! Hand sewn!!

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!


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Any TWO Knitting/Crochet Patterns from Crazy Socks Crochet. Easy to understand for a variety of levels, popular patterns, and you get two!!

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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ONE Hand Carved Rubber Stamp--Yarn Ball with Your Choice of Knitting Needles OR Crochet Hook from Hoffee and a Nuffin. 
Shipping Included!
Find fabulous traditional sock monkeys, hand carved stamps, and polymer clay in this shop!

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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*****Prize Pack TWO--You Win ALL Three Items*****

$25.00 Shop Credit to Unravel Me!! Patterns, Headbands, Accessories!! Whether you crochet or not, you can find what you want here!!

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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$15.00 Shop Credit to Tiny Tops. Adorable Newborn Hats and Photography Props.
Winner is responsible for any difference in price over 15.00. 

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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$15.00 Shop Credit to JillianTDesigns. Sweet hats, washcloths and cozies!
US SHIPPING ONLY.

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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***********Prize Pack Three--You Win ALL Three Items****************

$20.00 Shop Credit to Crysallis Creations. Custom, unique, high quality gems and jewelry.
Winner to pay International Shipping.
Winner to mention Mama's Little Monkey through Etsy conversation prior to placing order, so proper price adjustment will be made with a RESERVE listing.

Check out her Facebook Page and tell her Mama's Little Monkeys/Badge Reels sent you!

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$15.00 Shop Credit to my shop, Badge Reels. Fabric and Mylar Badge Reel ID Holders, buttons, and more!

 Hop over to my new facebook fan page!! I need some likes! :)

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$25.00 Shop Credit to my other shop, Seaux Comfy. Crochet items, fun ruffly scarves and body pillow covers!

 Check out my original fan page, Mama's Little Monkeys.

*****THE RULES*****

1. You MUST comment on THIS blog post for your comment to count. Facebook doesn't allow giveaways and contests based on facebook likes/shares/tags, so although that would be SUPER awesome if you shared on facebook, the only comments I will count for entries will be here on THIS post.

2. You MUST leave a way for the vendors to contact you. Email, facebook, etsy shop, blogger profile, etc. Once giveaway ends, I will choose winners with random.org and the vendors will inform you of your winnings. You are then responsible for paying any extra cost/shipping/taxes/duties and making sure the vendor has your correct information. If you do not respond to the vendor within 72 hours, I will choose another winner.

3. You earn ONE Entry by simply commenting on this post. You can say hi, tell us which vendor is your fave, or just share a funny joke. Whatever floats your boat. :)

4. You can earn EXTRA ENTRIES by pinning items from vendors shops on Pinterest. If you are unfamiliar with Pinterest, you can see my tutorials on the left side for a how to. If the shop has a Pin It button, you simply pin the item that way. You MUST come back here and put the Pinterest link for your entry to count.

5. PLEASE read all info about each prize pack, some vendors have different rules.

6. I will draw THREE winners, one for each Prize Pack, you could win any of the three.

7. If you have any questions, please message me via my Etsy Shop.

*****Giveaway Ends May 30th******

Thanks for participating!!! Remember it's good karma for you to like and share this giveaway, everyone's fan pages, etc!! Every vendor here is a small business owner, a real handmade artisan!! You won't find these items in mass retailers!!

THANK YOU!!!

Feels Like Time for a Giveaway....

it feels like giveaway time here at Mama's Little Monkeys.....I have been making these adorable ruffle infinity scarves. I'm addicted to this fabric. I want to ensconse my house in ruffles. (but I won't....)

WHAT YOU'LL WIN:

A $10.00 Gift Certificate to Seaux Comfy on Etsy!!!

So maybe you want a ruffley scarf of your own?

Maybe you want some crochet cleaning cloths, or a body pillow cover??
Why don't you hop over to SeauxComfy, my new shop, and check out my lovely items there.

Come back here, and tell me your favorite color of the ruffle scarves (or if you really don't like the scarves, what's your favorite item in the shop?)

Make SURE You leave an email, fan page, etsy shop or SOMETHING for me to contact you if you win.

It'd also be fabulous if you could share my fan page because I'm so close to the Big 1K Giveaway (almost to 1000 sales on Badge Reels and 1000 fans on Facebook!) (liking my fan page will not enhance your chances of winning, it'd just be great karma for you.) So there will be a huge giveaway soon!

Winners for this giveaway will be chosen from comments ON THIS BLOG POST only!

Thanks so much and good luck!
~~amy

Deal of the Week

It's Thanksgiving Week!!! :) That means it's getting into the rush of shopping season! Stay home this week, in your jammies and shop in peace with me!! :)

Use the code "blog20" for 20% off every item at Mama's Little Monkeys! :) When you shop handmade, you are making a difference to a small business owner and helping a real family--MINE!

Here's a little of what I've made with my two own hands!
Hair accessories,

Business Card?Credit Card Wallets

Baby Leg Warmers (profits donated to a handmade friend of mine who has two children with a rare cancer.)

Teacher Gifts! (Clothespin Magnets)

Mario Bros. Hats for fans big and little!

Gifts for your little princess....

Even something for your inner nerd...

If I don't make it, I bet I can find someone who DOES!! :)

Please stop by and feel free to message me via the Artfire shop with any questions!

Don't forget, coupon code "blog20" AT CHECKOUT! for 20% off all order!

~~Amy

girl disconnected....I. Need. To. Connect.

Ok... I'm starting to lose it. It's only day 16. How can I do 14 more days of this?

I REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAALLLLYYY miss it. I thought I was cool with it, keeping myself busy but I didn't realize just how much at least once check in a day helps. I checked Facebook to check messages (sidebar folks, you CAN email me at mamaslittlemonkeys@yahoo.com if you need to get in touch.) and ooooh, it was like meeting a drug dealer in a dark alley. I so cheated and went through my notifications real quick.

I'm getting some instant gratification in the fact that I've cheated and played online games. (Julie Lamm...your arse is mine one day in Words with Friends. Are you cheating???) Ok, so I caved. I tended to my farms, zoo and bakery on that darn Ipad. I admit it. I'm human. Leave me alone.

I also broke down and got on twitter (other than auto posts) because I cracked open the new Marc Broussard album (which I faithfully bought like a true fan, even though I already had the album early release!!) and DUDE, a Twitter friend over in  Mississippi got an album liner shoutout!!! How COOL is that?? Go check out www.twitter.com/redefiningme, she's a great gal and recovering from surgery....tell her mama sent you :) And get your behind over to Marc's site and take a listen. You won't regret it.

Sooooo, I'm shaking...I'm ready to just straight up get back online but I'm trying to stay strong!!

On the homefront: Eli's potty training is going well....say a prayer...today will be the first nap in underwear.....

School starts August 8th. I think I shall purchase a spa gift card for the teachers....just as an appreciation for taking over what I just mentally cannot.....

Ok....I'm off to have a martini and play Sims. Don't judge...

girl, disconnected...day 5--A Boy and His Dog

If you read yesterday's post you saw that we adopted a sweet little pug mix we named Libby. (Technically, Libby Jo). Well, she's adjusting incredibly well. She was supposed to be MY dog but I highly suspect Harrison will end up being her 'true' master. She's still learning the ropes with us, but has made herself quite at home. It's as if she was always supposed to be here! She's snoozing on the end of my bed as I type!

And Harrison and Eli have really surprised me. I thought they'd be scared of her, like they had been before, but Harrison, especially has been super attentive, loving, caring and watchful over her. I'm very impressed. Today was the first day Harrison hasn't frustrated me immensely in a looooooooooooong time!! Perhaps he was MEANT to have his dog!

I AM missing being connected to social networking, but I'm only 5 days in (technically 6 now) but even now the desire and urge is manageable and even now I see how I can easily schedule 'online' time during nap times, evenings, etc. Facebook, twitter, forums, etc can be such a time suck but they don't HAVE to be.

Of course I've been googling more than I planned because I've been doing my doggy research! I also did have to do a little Amazon shopping to get a good deal on her dog food (have you SMELLED a dog's fart when on Purina or other crappy dog food? Yeah, um no.)

So, yes, I haven't been COMPLETELY disconnected as I planned...I am still keeping an eye on my shops, on my blogs, Handmade Louisiana and Real Housewives of NOLA. But overall, the computer is off much of the day! It is a nice change. I've watched documentaries, walked the dog, watched the boys swim, visited with friends and just RELAXED!

Now, I'm off to google "how to freshen a dog's smell" or some such to make Miss Libby here a little more sweet smelling to match her sunny disposition! :)
~~Amy

Comment Game Time!!

Hey gang! Inspired by my fellow handmade artisans Two Kazoos and Kiwi and Kiki (and probably more I can't think of...) I'm going to host a comment game on my facebook page this Sunday at 8pm Central time. I haven't decided exactly WHAT I'm going to put up for sale, but it will be quite possibly things not listed on my sites and they WILL be on sale! You can look for items roughly 10-25% off my regular price in the shops!

How it works:
*You must be a fan of my page to see the items. "Like" me at www.facebook.com/shopmamaslittlemonkeys

*I will create a "comment game album" and post pictures of the items for sale. The details will be below each picture.

*The first person to comment with their paypal address that they want the item will get the item!

*By leaving your email you are AGREEING to make payment on the item. I will send an invoice after the game is over and once invoices are sent and paid, I will delete your email from my comments for security purposes.

*Happy Shopping! See you then!!
~~Amy

300 sales and a giveaway!!!

Wow! I really can't believe it! My little badge reels shop has hit 300 sales!! I must say, I am really loving making the reels and truly enjoy it. I am very pleased to have found something I enjoy that is also profitable! I love knowing I might bring a little smile to a nurse or teacher during the day!! :)

To celebrate my 300 sales I'm having a giveaway on my fan page! Rules are easy, just comment for an entry!  :)
Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/shopmamaslittlemonkeys

And of course be sure to check out my badge reels shops on Etsy and Artfire!!

I also have some coupons for the shops! On my Artfire shop, use the code "facebookfreeship" for Free Shipping!
On my Etsy shop, use the code "freeship" for Free Shipping as well!

Thank you everyone for your support these past two years. What started has one mom's desire to create for her kids has turned into an actual real business!! I appreciate each and everyone of my friends and customers!!!

THANK YOU! :)
~~Amy

Digging the Coupon Thing...

Ok, so I'm slowly getting the hang of it. Today was  my first real venture into the world of CVS and Extra Bucks!! I'm no guru like many others, but I'm working it!

So I created my coupon binder this week! Much easier! I was even able to just hand a lady in the store a coupon that I didn't really need, so hopefully that saved her a buck :)
Today I hit up Walmart, Winn-Dixie, CVS, Walgreens and Target...all with the 5 yr old in tow. He did really well and I thought it was important to bring him to show him WHY Mommy does what she does...that if we plan and work at it, we can save enough money to do fun things!!

So here's today's deals!

Walmart is hard to save a ton of money in, and overall MOST of their prices on groceries are pretty good.  I should note NOWHERE local doubles coupons..NO ONE. Target will "stack" manuf. coupons with Target ones but NO grocery store doubles. Bites, big time.
Anyhoo, so here is this week's Walmart finds...not pictured is another bag of chips ....DH stole those before I could take the pic. Between coupons and price matching, I saved 10-11 bucks...not major but helps! Grand total: $40.65

Winn-Dixie: I should note, I'm not a fan of most of the local grocery stores. Their "sale prices" are really not that great a deal when you look at how much cheaper they are at Walmart or even in bulk in Sam's or Amazon. But, their Buy 1 Get 1 (B1G1) deals are usually a pretty good savings. Not fab but not horrible. This round cost me $21.04---but I SAVED $23.16...more than I spent! So the non perishables go into my stock pile and the salads are to enjoy this week. I should mention...bagged salads are not NORMALLY a good deal. The CouponMom ran the numbers once and you basically are paying someone 5k a year to cut lettuce for you. Her theory is, if it takes you less than 5 minutes to do it yourself...DO IT. However, EVERY now and then, the bagged salads will be a better deal than the by the head lettuce. Today at Winn Dixie even the iceberg lettuce was 1.69 lb, so sometimes it's worth it for the convienence to me!

Next up, Walgreens. This one was funny because my son thought the Arizona teas were beer! Yes, little man...you stressed mama out so much she needs a Colt 45! They were out of the Crest Whitening Strips that were on sale, so I got a raincheck...but it's ok, I scored those later also at CVS.
Total at Walgreens: 2.68 saved 2.96. The teas were .50c ea with in store coupon, and the pantiliners were .99c with in store coupon PLUS I had a .75c off manuf coupon! ROCKED that one.

I didn't snag a picture of Target, it wasn't THAT impressive. 48 roll of Scott toilet paper, toy for the little human, movie for the little human (hey what's the point in saving if I don't splurge every NOW and then...his splurge cost me all of 13.00 bucks.) and 10 yogurts for 33.00! Not to shabby! Remember to sign up for the Target Red Card..you do NOT have to make it another credit card!! Mine is linked to a checking account and it gets you 5% off EVERY day!! If you're going to use a debit card anyway, not having a RedCard is like throwing money away!

Ahhhh, last but not least...CVS. Now...I'm a coupon virgin still compared to some and I haven't learned all the in's and out's of drugstore deals. I've not touched learning Rite-Aid yet...I wanted to master CVS and Walgreens first! So this is the first time I really paid attention and worked the CVS Extra Bucks program. The best way to work these deals is to break your purchases up! Also, the cashier told me, scan your CVS card every time you go in--REPEATEDLY! She said keep scanning it til it doesn't shoot any more coupons out!! She also said do it FIRST so you can help plan your shopping right when you walk in.
So today's CVS deal..I know many of ya'll can do WAY better, but this is great for me!
Grand total of $32.17 and that includes a 31.99 box of Crest White Strips (way in the back there if you can't see em!)

So basically I paid retail for the white strips then the cereal, candy, toothpastes, keychain and candy were free!! Now, I don't normally BUY Crest White Strips, but I figured I'd give it a try since it was such a good deal.

My point is...it CAN work. IT IS doable! You saw no meat purchases because I hit up Sam's and the recent sales already for that. My pantry and freezer is stocked! Just start slow and you can do it too!!

~~Amy

Social Networking Break Review

Day One:
So, when you read this I'll have completed my social networking break.

I'm already somewhat failing! Due to checking my email once a day (I do have businesses to run here!) I see Facebook comments..so I HAD to reply to one on my page about Amos Lee's new album coming out Jan. 25th..I mean come on...AMOS! I'd have that man's babies for crying out loud.

But I digress....I have mostly avoided social networking today....just that quick facebook check, one quick plurk and done. It was easy this morning....I was running errands with my father! It's not so easy now with the computer RIGHT THERE and kid asleep. BUT I am on a mission. I must reconnect with myself, my disorganized house, my pile of fabric and naturally my children.

Etsy team chat tonite for my Handmade Louisiana team so I shall pop in there for a bit (I am the boss after all..) I have to admit...this is harder than you realize. You don't realize how much you depend on the internet and social networking until you don't have it. As a stay at home mother many of my friends are far away and the net is the only way for us to communicate. But, I grew up without social networking, I can do it again!!!


Cheerio my friends, thanks to my SN boycott I will hopefully get the following things accomplished this week:
* Girls night in with a friend
* Trip to children's museum with Eli
* Sewing and craft show prep done
* Purging the children's ever multiplying toys
* Visiting local antique/craft show this weekend

So I'm off to listen to Pandora (Lionel Richie/Neil Diamond station...I AM that awesome...) and get some cleaning done!!!


Day Two:
I had to substitute so I didn't really have time to worry about the net...although I did cheat and check facebook while the kids were sleeping.... But I kept busy that afternoon and night cleaning, creating, etc! Success!


Day Three:
Ran errands with my dad....cheated and checked plurk daily (had to to keep my karma up right!??) Only checked Facebook when I got an email from them...darn emails. Kept up with the shops...started to feel the distance.

It's weird but social networking really does help you feel connected....I really don't think I could stay home all day with out. I mean, I'm no party animal, and I do like my hermit times, but I am generally a people person and like to run my mouth...a lot....so facebook, plurk, twitter, etc helps me do that and not feel alone while at home with a 2 yr old!

Day Four:
Caved....couldn't take it anymore....Had cool stuff to show my friends and gave in...but I made it 4 days on a semi break and I could do it again. I did learn that what you need is balance...do not allow online time to overshadow human time....never push people away because you want to check facebook just ONE MORE TIME....

Read a book while you wait in your kid's car line, chit chat with a stranger at the store instead of talking on the phone. Social networking and technology has it's uses and we enjoy it, but don't forget the real good stuff in life too!
~~Mama Amy