January 27th News:

• About a week ago I received a notice from my bank that they were replacing my debit/Visa card. Apparently there had been a security breach at a retailer that I'd done business with and my card's security was now compromised.  Thanksfully, I only used the one card at the store, otherwise all my plastic would be suspended. Though we do try to live debt-free, we aren't "there" yet. Even when we are debt-free, I'm not plastic-free and use the debit card for many transactions.  For confidentiality reasons, my bank did not disclose the retailer at fault.  But I have a suspicion that the Wall Street Journal has outed them for me.  TJX- owners of TJMaxx and Marshall's had a major breach lasting over several years (since 2003) and TJMaxx was one of the places I shopped that my husband did not (his card was not replaced).  So, the mystery at least seems to be solved.  All major credit card companies were impacted to some degree by this security breach.  Hopefully you will have heard from yours by now if your card was one that experienced a security breach. 
• Also from last week's Wall Street Journal, candles are dangerous.  But you knew that.  Just a friendly reminder prompted by the WSJ article that if you use candles in your home for decorative purposes, they can be a fire hazard.  Check out a fire safety website on tips to keep your family safe.
• Finally, new studies indicate that stents may not be as effective as thought and subject to overuse.  If you or someone you love is facing decisions regarding heart surgery, do your homework!

• Today is Mozart's birthday, he was born in 1756.
• On this date in 1888 the National Geographic Society was founded.  My parents just started subscribing to the magazine so I get their copy when they are finished.  The articles are in-depth and the pictures beautiful. 

You can take a look at

January 26th News:

I've put together a collection of books and other resources for you on the Fun Extras for School page just for Nature Walks.

• I've added a review of Tracks in the Wild at the Books.HWTK site.  This would be a great selection to use as you introduce your child to the study of animals in nature.   Be sure to have a look when you get a chance. 
• Don't forget to have a look at the Just For Fun page if you have a spare moment. 

January 25th News:

• On this date in 1924 the first Winter Olympics were held.
• Today is also Burns Night in honor of poet Robert Burns.
• Tomorrow is Austrailia Day and Michigan Admission Day, Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837.
• Saturday is Wolfgan Amadeus Mozart's birthday.  He was born in 1756.
• Sunday is the anniversary of the Challenger Shuttle explosion which took place in 1986 as millions of schoolchildren watched (me included). 
• What a perfect month for a tea party, according to the Family Fun calendar, January is Hot Tea month!  Make some oatmeal cookies to go along with that tea, it's National Oatmeal month too. 

January 23rd News:

  Shop with fellow homeschoolers! 

 

• The 2007 Caldecott Medal has been awarded to Flotsam by David Wiesner.  Visit the American Library Association website for details and the complete list of winners.
• While my other calendar lists the San Francisco gold rush of 1849 in February, I also have a a listing today for the California gold rush in 1848.  According to the Enchanted Learning calendar, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill in California on this date in 1848.  They must not have headed to SF until 1849.  You can read a page about gold at the Enchanted Learning website.   Also on this date, Voyager 2 passed within 51,000 of Uranus in 1986. 
• I've added more links to the Get it Together-February calendar.  There are lots of topics you can explore in the coming month- just pick your favorites.
• Today is National Handwriting Day and National Pie Day.  Bake a pie, eat it and then write about how good it tasted!  You can visit here to generate a handwriting worksheet about pie or any other topic you like. 
• I finally made my Discovery Channel DVD selections.  I was able to get a set of NASA DVDs and a set about the oceans for less than $4.00 per DVD! 
• I have received several books via Paperback Swap, including McGuffey's Eclectic Speller.  The revised edition copy I received was in mint condition and completes my McGuffey set.  I have also found two of the Alice in Bibleland books that I didn't own yet.  So that's two OOP books for less than $3 each.  Yay Paperback Swap!  

 January 22nd News:

• My server was down over the weekend so I don't have many updates but am looking forward to the week ahead. 
• Teacher Created Resources has marked down several e-books and I've added these items to the Bargain Basement . 
• Today is "National Popcorn Day" acording to the Family Fun calendar.  Remember, this is also Sanctity of Life Month- celebrate by reading Horton Hears a Who.
• On this date in 1840, the Enchanted Learning calendar states that British colonist reached New Zealand.  Sir Fracis Bacon was born on this date in 1561.

 January 20th News:

• Visit the Seasonal Shops for the latest Valentine's Day goodies, plus scroll down to the bottom for an Easter Sneak Peek.  Abbey Press has put some of its Valentine and Easter merchandise on sale so it's worth an early look! 
• Take a look at the freebies section in The Marketplace to make sure you've signed up for all the free giveaways.
• Visit the Fun School Stuff Feature Store  for delightful Tea Sets and resources for your Music Appreciation lessons.

HWTK has just been accepted as an affiliate for Biblical Womanhood.

I liked the fact that many of the resources at this site were available via e-book, so there's no waiting. Plus, you can purchase sewing patterns for modest clothing at this site. Take a look around the website if you get the chance.

HWTK is also now an affilate of Biblio.com.  This site offers searched for used and out of print books! 

I've also added Opinion Outpost to my list of affiliated companies as well.  This company pays you "points" for filling out online surveys.  This is similar to the "focus group" concept.  I used to participate in live focus groups when I lived in a bigger city and it was a lucrative way to make a few extra dollars.  I have not yet signed up for Opinion Outpost myself, but I wanted to make the opportunity available to HWTK visitors.  Opinion Outpost will give you $1.00 for every 10 points earned and checks are mailed once you reach a $5.00 minimum earnings amount.  Please read the Opinion Outpost terms and privacy policy before you decide to join this program.  Please only sign up if you feel like the incentive being offered is right for you.