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Welcome to Homeschooling on a Shoestring

Our mission is to help you homeschool affordably — without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re here because you love a great bargain or because you’re homeschooling on a tight budget, we’re here to support you with free and low-cost resources that work.

Homeschooling

Find practical, budget-friendly support for your homeschool journey — whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your routine. This section includes lesson plans, educational discounts, and a growing library of flexible unit studies. Visit the Homeschooling Main Page to explore it all.

Explore a nationwide (and growing!) list of homeschool skate sessions. Whether you’re planning a trip or just need a fun, active break in your week — find a homeschool skate near you.

Sensory Play Recipes Slime Dough Chalk & More

Sensory Play Recipes: Slime, Dough, Chalk & More

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Never allow your child to put any of this stuff into their mouths, or other orifices. These recipes ...

Pizza Hut BOOK IT! 2025: Homeschoolers Eligible for Summer Only

2025 Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program for Homeschoolers Homeschooling families can once again participate in Pizza Hut’s BOOK IT! Summer ...
Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program 2025

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program 2025

Kids in grades 1–6 can earn a free book by reading any eight books this summer. After completing their reading, ...

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Explore simple, affordable ways to boost your family’s health and energy — from smoothie bowls and infused waters to home workouts, juicing tips, and roller skating basics. This section is all about wellness that fits into real life, even on a shoestring.

Green Smoothie Blueberry Banana Ginger Flax Seeds

Green Smoothie Blueberry Banana Ginger Flax Seeds

Ready to power up your morning? This vibrant green smoothie blends powerhouse greens with antioxidant-rich fruit, zesty ginger, and fiber-packed ...
Spiralized Zucchini Radish Cucumber Salad with Red Wine Vinegar Dijon Dressing

Spiralized Zucchini Radish Cucumber Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette

This fresh, crunchy spiralized salad features a mix of cabbage, zucchini, radishes, carrots, tomato, and onion, all tossed in a ...
Whole 30 My Road to Fully Raw – Breaking Bad Habits, One Step at a Time

My Road to Fully Raw – Breaking Bad Habits, One Step at a Time

Whole30 is a clean eating program similar to paleo, though I haven’t read the book. It’s not something I plan ...

Michigan Resources

In our Michigan section, you’ll find local homeschool support groups, events, field trip ideas, and special homeschool days at museums and other attractions. We also share practical tips and regional insights just for Michigan homeschooling families. It’s your go-to spot for discovering fun, budget-friendly learning opportunities throughout Michigan and making the most of your homeschool journey.

Grandpa Tiny’s Farm

Grandpa Tiny’s Farm Frankenmuth

Seasonal Fun & Learning at Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm Located in the charming town of Frankenmuth, Grandpa Tiny’s Heritage Farm ...
Belle Isle Nature Center

Native Plant Sale at Belle Isle Nature Center June 22, 2025

The Belle Isle Nature Center and Wild Ones of Wayne County invite the public to a Native Plant Sale on ...
Disney On Ice: Frozen & Encanto at Little Caesars Arena

Save the Date – Discount Matinee: Disney On Ice Featuring Frozen & Encanto

Save the Date Friday, September 19, 2025, at 11:00am It’s that time of year again! Disney On Ice returns to ...

Planning & Organization

Stay on top of your homeschool life, routines, and goals with practical planning tools and organizing ideas. This section includes Erin Condren planner reviews, layout photos, and home organization tips that help keep things running smoothly.

Erin Condren LifePlanner 2025-2026

Erin Condren LifePlanner 2025–2026: Weekly vs. Daily Comparison

Planning for 2025–2026? Here’s Why I Still Use Erin Condren’s Weekly LifePlanner With so many digital calendars and apps promising ...
Erin Condren Homeschool Planner 2024-2025

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner 2024-2025

Erin Condren Books Of Wisdom Homeschool Planner - $48.50 Get the tools and inspiration you need to bloom in the ...
Erin Condren Homeschool Planner

Erin Condren Homeschool Planner

Erin Condren offers a homeschool planner that I like. The size is like their regular teacher's planner, it is the ...

Latest from the Blog

Recent Updates

Couponing

Auntie Mae has always been generous with her coupons — and I’ve always appreciated it. After we moved, most of our things went into storage, including my coupon box (a handmade original from my mother — I’ll post photos once I dig it out after the Spring ... Read More

Strawberry Season Recipes: 30+ Smoothies, Salads & Treats

Sweet on Strawberries: Smoothies, Salads, Sweets & More It’s strawberry season — and whether you’re picking your own or grabbing a fresh pint from the market, now’s the perfect time to make the most of it. These strawberry recipes are packed with berry goodness: smoothies, nice creams, ... Read More

21 Cool Recipes for Summer: Classics, No-Bake Treats & Fresh Finds

Not every recipe needs to be fancy or trending on Instagram. This no-fluff summer roundup comes straight from my archives — full of forgotten gems, weeknight go-tos, and simple favorites that work for hot days or lazy nights when you don’t want to turn on the oven ... Read More

Geosafari

What is a Geosafari? Originally sold by Educational Insights, GeoSafari is one of the most versatile educational tools I’ve ever used. You can find lesson cards on a wide range of topics—or design your own to match what your child is studying. Homemade cards can be used ... Read More

Geology Unit Study

This unit introduces students to the basics of geology, including rocks, minerals, fossils, volcanoes, and the processes that shape the Earth's surface. It includes printables, hands-on projects, lapbook components, themed books, and links to full lesson plans. Topics like the rock cycle, layers of the Earth, and ... Read More

What to Do If Your Salt Grinder Betrays You

So your grinder’s jammed… or worse, it’s dumped half a cup of Himalayan pink salt rocks onto your lunch. Yep, I’ve been there. Here’s how to salvage the situation: Small blender-safe chunks: Pick out a piece about the size of a pencil eraser and toss it into ... Read More

April Round Up

I joined the Ultimate Blog Challenge and managed to post almost daily — even with a full plate behind the scenes. From website facelifts and ongoing OneDrive headaches to daily life stress and the usual work challenges, it’s been a month of pushing through and staying creative ... Read More

Notebooking Tip

I’ve found that we really enjoy using smaller-sized notebooks—especially when the subject allows. Ours are 5.5 x 8 inches, and they’re just the right fit for smaller hands. Plus, they’re less intimidating for kids who prefer compact pages or love to sketch little pictures (mine does!). I ... Read More

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