The Goal of My Blog - and a Free Gift!

My original goal with this blog was to get a big enough following and to know enough about homeschool and the blogging world to be accepted as a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.   One of the very first blogs I read, Our Busy Homeschool, did a lot of reviews and I thought it seemed like a very interesting opportunity.


I contacted Tristan (the author of Our Busy Homeschool) with lots of questions, and she was gracious enough to write me a LONG email about being on "The Crew" and the commitment it entailed.   (In the meantime, I became associated with The Homeschool Village, and reviewed for them.  I was so grateful for that opportunity!)   I started about the business of growing my blog, and applied to be on The Crew.  I'm thrilled that I will be on the Crew for 2011-2012.


What does this mean?   Essentially, I will be receiving lots of different products in exchange for my honest review on this blog.   I do hope you will read and hopefully find out about some things that will be of use to you.   I found one of our very favorite resources this way last year!   You should start to see reviews here fairly soon!  You can also follow all reviews at the review crew website.  


Homegrown Learners (originally called Homeschool Success from its inception in November, 2009) has evolved into so much more in the past year and a half.  It's been a creative outlet for me, but it has also served as a vehicle for making some of the most wonderful homeschool connections.   I have met so many homeschool moms with fabulous ideas.  I look forward to sitting at my computer and checking in with my online friends.


Finally, after this much time, I feel that I've achieved a good blogging balance and am JUST WHERE I WANT TO BE.   I know I like to write about our daily activities, with the emphasis being on lessons and activities that work for us.  When I visit a blog I want to be inspired to do better and/or get a great idea I can implement in our homeschool.    This is what I want my blog to do for others.  


In addition to homeschooling and taking care of my family I do give piano lessons a couple of afternoons a week. It gives me a great side income (which helps sock some money in the bank in these uncertain times) and so much joy.  Between all of this and my blog my plate is just full enough, and I am happy.  


Enough of all that ~ on to the free gift:


I  want to let you know about a special offer from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - and best of all, it's free!   Here's what The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has to say:  

Take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine totally free with no strings attached. Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek here. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages.

I grabbed one of the cute buttons and put it on my sidebar, and you can, too.

Enjoy the magazine, and be watching for some reviews of homeschool products in the very near future!