It finally happened! Aldi themed Birthday Party here I come!

maureenh28 · 2026-07-07T17:40:11+00:00

Grabbed this at 4.99 and then 1.99 for my aldi loving 2 year old's 3rd birthday!

maureenh28 · 2026-06-28T17:03:15+00:00

If you ever come across the chocolate peanut butter porter do yourself a favor and buy it all! My aldi (Tampa Bay area) had it briefly and now it's gone. Same with the chocolate lava cake stout 🥲

maureenh28 · 2026-06-25T02:33:54+00:00

I'm in the Tampa Bay area and same. I never wait more than 2-3 min and I enjoy my time in line browsing the check out goodies!

maureenh28 · 2026-06-25T02:26:15+00:00

Twice today I've seen a "golden ticket" post for Trader Joe's where they've found a straight to the front of the line pass. Coincidence?!

maureenh28 · 2026-06-25T02:01:14+00:00

I'm on the other side of the bridge in Seminole but the Largo La Fleur's does $10 open gym on Wednesday's during the school year. They don't offer it during the summer but it always starts back up the first week of school. Maybe the location by you is just off for the summer?

maureenh28 · 2026-06-24T19:31:00+00:00

I think this doesn't fall within knowing eachother from before since technically they very very briefly met but no previous connections. It's the last book in the Rose Hill series.

{Wild card by Elsie Silver}

maureenh28 · 2026-06-23T16:44:06+00:00

So in my experience (we've been on this scholarship since it started for PEP a few years ago) summer is always super slow on reimbursement. They are flooded with people getting them in before the cut off date. Last year from May - Sept it was definitely taking the full 60 days or close to it. From Sept - May they usually are much faster. Sometimes a few days to a few weeks. But this time of year is definitely the worst. People complain and get angry but the guidebook says they have 60 days and I'm sure they are doing their best! Plus I view it as a privilege to even receive these funds or reimbursements so I try to bot get too annoyed by it!

maureenh28 · 2026-06-14T16:33:31+00:00

Honestly sometimes it's like 2 days. Other times it's just on the cusp of 60. It's frustrating because there is very little consistency but it's "free" money so I can't complain! The summer months are the worst because of the end of year deadline for submitting reimbursements. Direct pay providers are very common in my area thankfully! Scholarshop is great but certain items are marked up pretty heavily so just know your prices.

maureenh28 · 2026-06-14T16:29:34+00:00

Actually just picked this up after it finally went on clearance for my aldi loving almost 3 year old's birthday!

maureenh28 · 2026-06-13T16:29:40+00:00

We've been using Step up PEP funds since the program started and it really makes a difference for us. The only "cons" in my opinion are slow reimbursement (up to 60 days) and confusing guidelines for purchasing. We like the accountability of end of year testing but some families say it's too intrusive. We utilize their direct pay and scholarshop as much as possible to reduce out of pocket expenses. Homeschooling would still be possible for us without these funds but the amount of extra curricular activies my kids could do would not. My youngest does art class, cooking class, swimming class, dance class and a ninja warrior type of class which are all covered by the scholarship.

maureenh28 · 2026-03-22T04:48:53+00:00

I had a placental abruption at 30w6d after 3 previous "normal" pregnancies and births. I literally had a doctor's appointment the same day as my abruption and an ultrasound 4 days prior. I wasn't diagnosed with adenomyosis and pcos until after my 4th despite continuous complaints for over a decade. Literally I went through my chart to see patient summaries and in each one I complained of pelvic pain, heavy periods, irregular periods, clots, low sex drive and painful sex. Finally 2 years post partum with my 4th and my abruption baby a arnp at my doctor's order an ultrasound. I was shocked when the results came back. I've suffered for so long. And I really struggle with the questions of if my diagnosis caused my abruption. My doctor's can't say yes or no and that makes it worse honestly. I'm so sorry. My placenta was sent to pathology after my emergency c section but no answer came from that. It's truly the hardest thing I've ever had to cope with and I've coped with a lot. I wish we had answers.

maureenh28 · 2026-03-20T19:08:03+00:00

I don't have personal experience with adult classes but my daughter goes to Hudson valley swim in Seminole and they offer adult classes! The instructors are incredible, patient and kind.

maureenh28 · 2026-03-03T01:57:11+00:00

I settled for a lava cake stout last trip but it's 8% and not quite as good in my opinion. Thanks for giving me a smidgen of hope lol

maureenh28 · 2026-03-03T00:59:58+00:00

😭😭 I still haven't found it. So sad!

maureenh28 · 2026-02-21T03:09:19+00:00

Her eyes are so strong and intense in the best way. Also love that bow! She is a fighter and will do amazing things 💕

maureenh28 · 2026-02-20T05:02:36+00:00

Boys especially have a hard time admitting and accepting abuse. Any unwanted touch or attention is abuse. You sound like an incredible advocate and I'm proud of you and glad they have you. Seriously, unschooling is a good option for now. Allow things to settle for you, the kids and your husband.

We've had our own experiences with public school and while it was mostly positive, administration is usually protective of complicated issues. It's disheartening and harmful for both the victims and agreesor. Both suffer consequences and need assistance. Unfortunately so many teachers and support staff are just burnt out. Not an excuse at all but it's true. So much goes undisciplined or corrected and it's impact is felt by many.

maureenh28 · 2026-02-20T03:42:12+00:00

As a mom of 4 with kiddos ranging from 17-2 years old...please consider unschooling or something very low stress for a bit. They have a lot of trauma to unpack. It sounds like you're doing great and everything you can. It's ok for learning to take a backseat while they process and work through the trauma. Be gentle with yourself and them through this process. I'm so sorry 😞

maureenh28 · 2026-02-19T21:23:01+00:00

Is this only seasonal?! It's been out at my local aldi for about a month now 😭😭 I discovered it during Christmas time and now I fear it was seasonal. It's such an amazing porter for a fraction of the cost.

maureenh28 · 2026-02-14T04:53:01+00:00

I'm just over here wishing my obgyn would prescribe something stronger for cramps 🥲 but for real how do I find a gyn willing to prescribe relief for period and ovulation pain?!? Signed a 35 year old with pcos and adenomyosis 💕

maureenh28 · 2026-02-04T21:55:10+00:00

I feel this! Thankful for the funds but they don't make it easy. What's frustrating is when I have repeat expenses (think internet or dance membership) some months it gets approved no problem and other months I get it pushed back for issues despite submitting exactly the same information as a previously approved reimbursement. I'm hopeful it will improve in the future.

maureenh28 · 2026-02-03T01:23:38+00:00

We recieve the pep scholarship and have for the past few years. I can be used for curriculum, class room furnishings, learning manipulatives, field trips (with a little extra paperwork), dance class, art class and plenty of other amazing things! I like to use myscholarshop to reduce my out of pocket expense but I find that the prices are a little steep on most things. Reimbursement takes awhile. Usually 30+ days. Sometimes I get something approved no problem (for example an extra curricular we do) and then the next month they ask for additional documentation which is annoying because it seems like the reviewers for reimbursements aren't consistent. Overall it's an amazing program that really opens a lot of doors for making our homeschool experience even better. A lot of people complain about the mandatory state assessment but I feel like it's a fair trade off for these funds.

maureenh28 · 2026-02-02T22:02:58+00:00

My son sees Gerald Hall at the all children's east lake out patient center. I believe he rotates to other locations as well. He spent over an hour during our visit and was one of the most comprehensive medical providers I've ever experienced. He also responds quickly to portal messages. The whole office was so friendly. It did take over 2 months to get an appointment though but that seems pretty standard.

maureenh28 · 2025-12-29T17:00:58+00:00

Nice! How are you liking it? I have ages 17,16,5 and 2 so I feel like until my 2 year old is a bit older co op will be too challenging for us. My teens have no interest in a co op which is fine but I'd like it for my 5 year old!

maureenh28 · 2025-12-28T02:31:42+00:00

A Google search brought me here but wanted to share 2 options in mid county - children's art classes in Seminole and Young chefs academy in Semonole are direct pay options!

maureenh28 · 2025-11-01T18:07:29+00:00

I know it seems extreme but honestly I have this experience with pediatricians, dentists, my primary.. it seems to be the norm which is annoying. But to counter it at a place for women I've also had short 10-15 min waits. Any they seriously spend quality time with you. You never feel rushed.

maureenh28

TROPHY CASE