Author Archives: Adriana Zoder

Aug 14 2025

Homeschool Organization and Storage Solutions

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Have you ever struggled with keeping materials, books, and projects organized? You and me both. Especially after the back-to-school rush when clutter starts to build, I find it necessary to take a few minutes and really think through my organization methods. Let me offer you solutions to help streamline your homeschool space, based on what has worked for us. This post contains affiliate links.

Things To Do This Week

Spend a few minutes today to save hours every week.

 

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Aug 12 2025

My Next Level Health Kitchen

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You might know that I am a bit of a health reformer. A vegetarian since 1993, I have also been drinking 2+ quarts of water daily, walking 2+ miles regularly, and generally aimed for 7 hours of sleep at night. One cannot be too careful with one’s lifestyle choices. If we aim to age well, – and who doesn’t? – we must make a bit of an effort. This post contains affiliate links.

Glass Food Storage Containers

Glass Food Storage Containers

Well, my son has taken our healthy lifestyle to a whole new level. Ever since he read Estrogeneration (affiliate link), he has politely refused to eat certain things (like veggie meat products or processed foods). I don’t mind a challenge, so I have adapted my cooking to accommodate him and, for the most part, the other members of the family have not complained (too much).

Estrogeneration - learn about your next level healthy lifestyle

Estrogeneration – learn about your next level healthy lifestyle

Here are some of the new things I have had to add to the kitchen:

  1. A Reverse Osmosis Water Filter – honestly, you can taste the difference in the water
  2. Aluminium Watter Bottles (no, BPA-free plastic bottles are not safe)
  3. Glass Food Storage Container Set – not as convenient as plastic, but so worth it
  4. Castiron skillet – hard to handle and clean, but so much better for us than Teflon
  5. Large castiron skillet – for bigger recipes
  6. InstantPot – I had one, but I use it more often now, to save time, as I sometimes cook four kinds of breakfast for the four different people in my family
  7. Cast Iron Dutch Oven – to make anything, really, but especially our amazing Dutch Oven Bread recipe

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you order through these links, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Aug 10 2025

Back-to-Homeschool Clothes

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Here is a legitimate reason to purchase some new clothes, for yourself and for your kiddos: the beginning of a new school year. Without further ado, let me share seven outfit ideas tailored for back-to-co-op or homeschool settings, split into three for moms and four for kids, covering nature walks, classroom, and church activities. Each outfit balances comfort, practicality, and style, suitable for the dynamic needs of co-op or homeschool environments.

For Moms

Nature Walk Outfit

Top: Lightweight, long-sleeve moisture-wicking tunic in a neutral color like olive green to protect against sun and bugs.

Bottom: Stretchy, quick-dry hiking pants in khaki or navy for mobility.
Shoes: Waterproof trail shoes with good grip, like Merrell Moab Ventilator.
Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat for sun protection, a crossbody bag for essentials (water bottle, snacks, first-aid kit), and polarized sunglasses.
Durable and comfortable for outdoor exploration, this outfit offers layers to handle weather changes.

 

Classroom Outfit

Top: Soft cotton or bamboo-blend cardigan in a pastel shade (e.g., blush pink) over a white or cream tee.
Bottom: Mid-rise, dark-wash jeans with slight stretch for comfort during long teaching sessions.
Shoes: Slip-on loafers or ballet flats in a neutral tone like beige or black for a polished yet practical look.
Accessories: Simple stud earrings, a smartwatch for time management, and a tote bag for books and supplies. Continue reading »

Aug 6 2025

Tennessee Promise Is Open – Apply Now

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I am always on the lookout for opportunities that can make a difference in our kids’ futures. Here is everything you need to know about Tennessee Promise, a fantastic scholarship program that’s opening doors for Tennessee high school seniors. Whether they’re heading to a community college, a technical school, or even considering a four-year university down the road, seniors should apply. If you’ve got a high school senior in Tennessee, this is something you need to know about, even if community college isn’t on his radar right now.

TN Promise Is Open

TN Promise, a scholarship portal, is open August 1-November 3.

 

What is Tennessee Promise?

Tennessee Promise is a state-wide scholarship and mentoring program. It helps high school graduates pursue higher education without the burden of tuition costs. Launched as part of Tennessee’s Drive to 55 initiative, it aims to get 55% of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree or certificate by 2025. It’s a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it covers tuition and mandatory fees at eligible institutions after they apply other federal and state aid (like Pell Grants, HOPE Scholarship, or Tennessee Student Assistance Awards). This program makes it possible for students to attend college tuition-free at Tennessee’s 13 community colleges, 27 Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), or other eligible institutions offering associate degree programs. Continue reading »

Aug 1 2025

The Common App Is Open

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On our journey from homeschool to college, our son created an account on the Common App back in July. Today, on August 1, the Common App opened up for applications. Our son is considering applying to about 10 colleges and nine of them are on the Common App.

The Common App

The Common App is used by over 1,000 colleges and universities.

There is nothing scary about the Common App. Like anything in homeschooling, one must face the fear and do it anyway. Click, read, fill out, research, ask around – the usual steps like for any other scholastic activity known to men and women in the 21st century. Continue reading »

Jul 25 2025

7 Essential Homeschool Supplies: Must-Have Amazon Picks for Back-to-School

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Homeschool season kicks off soon, so I’m sharing my top picks for supplies that rock a productive learning vibe. These seven essentials from Amazon streamline your setup. Here are the products for easy shopping. Please note these are affiliate links. Let’s dive in!

 

  • Pens – Grab vibrant gel pens or smooth ballpoints for scribbling notes, grading papers, or unleashing creativity. Ergonomic grips keep hands happy during marathon writing sessions – you do have those in your homeschool, right? Check out Four Candies Gel Pens.
Gel Pens

Gel Pens

 

  • Desk – Anchor your kid’s workspace with a sturdy desk. Adjustable heights and built-in storage nail organization for tight spaces. Scope out Cubiker Computer Desk for a sleek, compact vibe. The drawers add just enough storage space for supplies and the curriculum du jour.
Computer Desk with Drawers

Computer Desk with Drawers

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Jul 21 2025

MEL Science Review

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If you are looking for a science curriculum for the upcoming school year, check out MEL Science. My son and I recently got a chance to work with two of the experiments from their Chemistry kit. Here is what we did.

Teenager unboxes MEL Science kit

My son unboxing the MEL Science Chemistry kit

First, my son learned that one metal can sacrifice itself for another. Insert spiritual/life lesson according to your beliefs. What do we mean by that? MEL Science teaches the concept of corrosion through an experiment called rust protection. On its own, an iron nail rusts in water. But the magnesium strip (provided in the kit) keeps the blue precipitate from forming around the nail. As a result, the nail stays as good as new.

Rust Protection MEL Science

Rust Protection – MEL Science Kit

Why? Magnesium sacrifices some of its electrons to protect the nail. When abandoned one-on-one with oxygen, iron surrenders some electrons. When paired with magnesium, iron receives electrons from magnesium and does not rust. The experiment took about 25 minutes.

Corrosion Rust Protection experiment

Our son working through the experiment

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Jul 17 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 4

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This week I started meeting via Zoom with various Admissions Counselors from different universities on my list. Before we drive for hours to visit the campus (or fly in some cases), we want to make sure our big questions receive answers. What do you ask from an Admissions Counselor? In short, things that you may not have encountered on their website.

Homeschool to College

Homeschool to College – Part 4 – Interviewing Admissions Counselors via Zoom

Sometimes you just did not see a certain paragraph on their website. Maybe the information is there, but you just did not see it. But in my experience, the websites do not present specific answers for homeschoolers. In no particular order, here is a list of my questions to colleges and universities: Continue reading »

Jul 13 2025

5 Books Homeschool Moms Must Read

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Every year, homeschool moms should read one book about home education. At least one. I have put the bar low because I know how busy we all are. And once you have been doing this for a few years, it might seem redundant to keep reading books about homeschooling.

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You

This book has helped me tremendously as my children became teenagers. The author has a podcast, too.

Nevertheless, reading about homeschooling helps to keep your mindset fresh and updated. Children grow up and change. You change with them. The general books about homeschooling probably hit you differently when your kids are under 10, compared to their teenage years.

Reset Your Child's Brain

Implementing this book completely changed one of my children for the better

Therefore, I put together a TOP 5 Books for Homeschool Moms to help give you a grounding for the right homeschool and parenting mindset. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small compensation without added cost to you if you buy through the links below.

  1. For the Children’s Sake
  2. The Well-Trained Mind
  3. Feeding the Mouth That Bites You
  4. Reset Your Child’s Brain
  5. Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child

Bonus title, especially for Christian parents, The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.

The Power of a Praying Parent

A prayer book which tackles all the aspects of a child’s life and development

Stop reading this blog now and order these books for your shelves. Get them from your library if money is tight. I strongly advise you to get your own copy though. These are classics and you will refer to them again and again.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive a small compensation without added cost to you if you buy through the above links.

Jul 10 2025

Homeschool to College: Our Journey, Part 3

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We have started visiting universities. TN Tech is in Cookeville, TN – about three hours from our house. We started with it because we had friends who also happened to want to visit this week.

TN Tech Display

We visited the campus of TN Tech last week

Next, we will visit UT Chattanooga and Southern Adventist University, both in one day. Due to their proximity to each other, we hope to see one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. We might regret it by the end of the day. Nevertheless, we must try it. Then, we will know for sure if two campuses in one day may be too much. Continue reading »