Raise your hand if you like “TEST” time! Yeah, I didn’t think so. As if weekly exams and pop quizzes aren’t stressful enough, there are the even weightier standardized tests that are just plain old nerve-wracking. In Texas, there’s the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness, known as STAAR . STAAR tests measure the progress of students from 3rd grade to 8th grade, as well as high school. 

The going rule is, if you want students to make good grades in school, make sure they get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast in the morning. Well, Carson-Dellosa Publishing Group – the 35-year leading supplemental education provider for teachers, parents, and students - has some some additional (proven) tools that help to ensure success at school and alleviate anxiety for parents, teachers, and students.

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Doctor on Demand. I received a free trial coupon code to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation, but all opinions included below are my own.

Lucky me! There’s a service called Doctor On Demand, and I had a chance to review it for free! (Don’t be jealous. YOUR first visit is free too. Keep reading).

I’m a homeschooling mom of 4 girls, so usually when I go anywhere, we’re rolling 5 deep. Obviously that’s not the ideal situation for going to a doctor’s appointment, which is why I rarely go to the doctor for myself. When I ask the hubby to stay home from work, or when I hire a babysitter, it had better be for something more exciting than a doctor’s visit.  So I rarely see a doctor (unless I’m pregnant), I self-diagnose via Google, and I can’t tell you how many wrong illnesses I’ve diagnosed myself with! (You too?)

I jumped at the chance to try Doctor On Demand, and I’m glad I did. The online, video-based service is staffed with board-certified physicians, psychologists, and even lactation consultants. Insurance isn’t needed for the service, and Doctor On Demand doesn’t collect insurance information and doesn’t contact your insurance provider. Signing up was easy peasy. I use the Google Chrome browser, so I accessed www.doctorondemand.com from my computer,  but an alternative to connecting would’ve been to download the Doctor On Demand app on my smartphone or tablet. My coupon code for the free visit was easy to apply, but the service still required my credit card number which conveniently stays on file for if/when a charge  incurs in the future. By the way, because of their current promotion, everyone’s first visit is FREE when you use the unique coupon code WOODLANDS15. After your free first visit, your cost is $40  for a 15-minute Medical & Pediatrics visit and $50  for a 25-minute Psychologist session.

There’s something about residing in a small town like The Woodlands that almost guarantees you’ll run into familiar faces almost every time you leave your house to go to the grocery store, the library, the mall, movies, etc...  And no matter how hard we try, some of us have a tough time remembering people’s names.  Sure, there are certain “tricks” that can help you get better at this, but even still there’s a chance a name will escape you from time to time. When this happens, here’s how to handle it:

Scenario 1: Walking down the H-E-B aisle, and it’s impossible to avoid eye contact

You can say: Hi, our boys are in the same Cub Scout troop.  Do you remember me? My name is Leah.

By taking the lead and being proactive, you reduce the tension, and she's likely to respond with her name. Make sure to pay attention, and use her name in the conversation. By doing so, you are more likely to remember it in the future.

The exhibit occupied a large area and there was so much to do and learn! Playing the janggu and buk (traditional Korean drums) and locating S. Korean on an interactive electronic map were other highlights we enjoyed. We were also able to read a S. Korean fairy tale about croaking frogs, and we learned that the number “4” is unlucky in S. Korea (as such, many buildings won’t have a “4th’ floor. The floor after floor 3 is floor 5).

Heart and Seoul: Growing up in S. Korea will be an exhibit at the Children's Museum of Houston through May 10, 2015.  I highly recommend checking out this fun, educational exhibit while it's in town!