There’s no turning back now! We joined the ranks of the home school movement! We actually left behind the traditional brick and mortar school system. We did? Yikes! How the heck did I do this alone AND find the right path or “home school program” that was perfect for our family?The biggest question was can I do this? Eek! I realized I was about to embark on a colossal voyage; full-time employment, full-time teacher, full-time mom! I’m so glad I didn’t think how massive this thing was at the time (risking I’d chicken out once I realized the scope of this task all by my lonesome). I just decided to move forward and wing it. I had a “Mom the Builder” attitude. Once I made my mind up, I declared “I CAN do this… yes I CAN!” I was determined to move forward full speed and damn the torpedoes! I was resolved to stick with this as long as we were achieving positive results. We’d give it a year and make an assessment after that as to whether to continue.LOGISTICS AND RESEARCHA big factor we didn’t consider, were the people in our life and whether they would support or interfere with this decision. We had to keep those who were unsupportive at bay. I was wise enough to understand, if we failed, we would have learned a valuable lesson and would be stronger from the experience. If we succeeded… all the better!The next thing I needed to address were the “physical logistics.” Where to set up the “classroom” and a comfortable workspace, while keeping “distractions” to a minimum. We opted to convert the master bedroom into a home office/classroom. It was spacious enough for both our needs. I could set up daily lessons and continue on my own work. Plus, I would be right there to give guidance and aid when it was needed. A perfect fit!With the initial concerns tackled, next was finding the right program. I conducted extensive research to see what was available. Wow! I had no idea there was so much information out there on home schooling and home school programs. So much so, that it was a bit overwhelming. I didn’t know which direction to head! I didn’t know anyone PERSONALLY that home schooled their children. In fact, many of my friends and family thought I was insane! Their valid concerns were about “socializing”. But it didn’t stop us, because it felt right and I was open to implementing extra curricular activities to cover the “social” aspect.I also contacted other families who had home school experience to get the pros and cons from their own journey. My internet research yielded all sorts of home school programs, including free and tuition programs, as well as Christian based curriculum programs. I had no idea there would be so much to choose from. I certainly had my work cut out for me!After I concluded my research, we decided to try out the K12 program to see if it was the right one for us. It is an “accredited” chartered public school that provides all the tools found in a traditional brick and mortar public school arena. Over the years, they provided us (since the first grade) with a computer, printer, textbooks and the tools for each subject (science, math, literature, spelling, history, art and yes even music!) When we received our first shipment, it was like Christmas! The support we continue to receive from the school is commendable AND because we had to relocate from Arizona to Nevada (for employment reasons) we did not have to change curriculum. K12 is available tuition free in both states! Needless to say… this was a great choice for us.. big time! My child excels in school, is a grade ahead of her peers and an honor roll student at the top of her class!
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Skin Care For Men – 4 Secret Ingredients Revealed
Skin care for men is as important as skin care for women. This is a fact that is widely being accepted these days. This article shall give you the clear ideas on what to look out for in men skin care products that is specifically needed for men and their skin care needs.Traditionally, skin care products have always been designed keeping the women and their needs in mind. The creams and lotions had been formulated keeping the women in mind, packaged for women and even had fragrance that was more feminine oriented.Men skin care had been an ignored lot. But, men also need special skin care. Fortunately, some skin care manufacturers have designed products specifically for men. But a majority of them have products that do not differentiate between the special needs of men skin care and women skin care products.Men are more sensitive towards inflammation of skin. Prostaglandin E2 (lipids or fatty cells) is found in greater levels in men then in woman. So, men skin care products should have special ingredients that counter this problem specifically. Inflammation if left unchecked, over time leads to a further breakdown of important structural proteins in the skin and causes premature skin aging.Cynergy TK is a natural ingredient that you must look for in men skin care products. It plays amazing role in soothing skin inflammation by blocking PGE2 production, which is the major biochemical pathway leading to inflammation and redness in the skin.Eyeliss TM and Haloxyl TM are two natural ingredients that work amazingly for dark circles and puffy skin that makes men look much older than they are. They are the best for curing wrinkles beneath the eyes very quickly and effectively. In fact, they are used in the elite creams that are used by the Hollywood stars and supermodels to maintain their young and attractive looks.Although, there are many differences in the skin type of men and women, there are also a couple of similarities. This is because the causes of skin aging are almost the same – whether it is men or women.Both men and women lose collagen in their skin as they age. This makes their skin lose its elasticity and suppleness over time. This also causes wrinkles and fine lines. So, some ingredients are commonly used both for skin care for men products as well as women skin care.Functional keratin is a wonderful solution to this problem of skin aging. It is available in Cynergy TK which is natural ingredient pioneered and developed in New Zealand. It plays a key structural role in skin health and makes it soft, supple, firm and young looking.It is a scientific fact that skin cells require nutrients in the form of vitamins, calcium, minerals and also antioxidants in order to stay healthy and maintain their moisture balance.Phytessence Wakame is an extract of a special Japanese sea kelp that is used in the best skin care for men as well as women products. It is one of the best kept Japanese anti aging and Skin rejuvenation secrets.It is rich in minerals, vitamins, calcium (its calcium content is 15 times greater than milk) and antioxidants. It works like magic in improving skin moisture retention and elasticity. It gives a smooth, velvety, young and radiant skin.Skin care for men has come far from the old days. Now, men do not have to live with wrinkled and saggy skin. They do not have to weather the signs of old age anymore. They can also have a healthy and vibrant skin that only good looking women enjoyed for many years.
Nutritional Health Supplements – How I Was Wrong About Them
It was my opinion that everybody gets enough nutrients in their diets and that nutritional health supplements were a waste of money. Having played competitive sports for many years, my belief was that women’s or men’s health supplements are only for athletes or body builders. I was wrong! The health benefits of supplements are for everybody and anybody who lead busy, stressful lives. Physically active or inactive, healthy or unhealthy we can all benefit from an herbal nutritional supplement or natural vitamin supplements. I learned this the hard way through personal experience.I had not realized that proper nutrition can be difficult to achieve for many people. Healthy living is difficult when most people do not get enough nutrients in their diet. For example, many cannot get the recommended daily allowance of fruit and vegetables each day. Forgetting nutritional supplementation is no longer an option if we want total nutrition. Unfortunately, the problem is bigger than I thought when you consider all the factors that come into play;Many fresh foods are no longer meeting their optimal nutritional potential. In many cases they are grown in soil that has been farmed excessively and are picked before their prime so they do not over ripen during transportation to market.
Vitamins and minerals may be lost during storage, preparation and cooking.
The purchasing and eating of less nutritious processed foods is common for many who do not have to shop and prepare meals from ‘scratch’.
During the busy week when we do cook, our meals may not be varied enough to offer a variety of nutrients.
We may not change our diet when we need to with age. As we age we need different nutritional supplementation as we digest and absorb certain vitamins and minerals differently.
Some nutrients are simply hard to obtain. For example, the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) available in Salmon oil capsules.
In general, there is a lack of education on nutritional health supplements, healthy food options and cooking.
In my particular case my wife was more at risk. Although, we did eat healthy meals we were not aware of the health benefits of supplements. Unfortunately, we were also dealing with a lot of stress at the time. Stress plays a large role in what nutrients you are using and absorbing in addition to the fact that the ‘knot-in-her stomach’ was inhibiting her appetite. Many women are more in need of herbal nutritional supplements or natural vitamin supplements simply because they consume fewer calories than men.As a result this lead to higher levels of stress and fatigue. Weak, she was prone to illness and mood swings. Hair loss, poor skin complexion and digestive system problems followed. It was a vicious circle leading to more stress and fatigue. It took a this extreme situation for us to realize the need for supplements for general health. A necessary solution for many to meet their daily nutritional needs is simply nutritional supplements whether its women’s health supplements or multi-vitamins, herbal nutritional supplements or natural vitamin supplements. The benefits are obvious;
Improved energy
Reduced frequency of mood swings
Less prone to fatigue and depression
More resilient to stress and illness.
Better overall health as we feel better mentally and physically.
Based upon my wife’s fatigue and illness, we had waited too long and she was in need of a nutritionist. In addition to joining a gym (which helped her appetite) my wife was recommended to take a few key women’s health supplements;
Salmon oil capsules because of the benefits of the Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids. General good health, improves brain function even reduces the symptoms of PMS. It has also been shown to help anger, depression and stress.
A digestive health supplement; as we age and enter different stages of life our nutritional needs also change. Digestive health supplements may be required as our ability to digest certain foods changes with age. Some vitamins and minerals may be consumed very quickly others may not be absorbed into the body as readily. Lactose and gluten (found in wheat products) may be more difficult for our body to process as we age.
Multi-vitamins or a targeted multi-nutritional kit to promote general health with women’s specific needs in mind.
All these nutritional supplements were easy to find and even available on-line which works well with her busy schedule.My wife’s situation was an excellent example of how women are susceptible to the effects of poor nutrition. She has demonstrated the benefits of total nutrition via nutritional supplements and a healthy diet. Today, she is healthy and living a physically active lifestyle. I am grateful that she is such a wonderful role model to our daughters and others who may also be in need of nutritional health supplements and a better, balanced life.For more information on nutritional supplements, general nutrition, physical activity and stress management please visit www.bamboohealthproducts.com