This weekend was my local homeschool convention sponsored by California Home Educators Association (CHEA). They hold two conferences one in Northern California and the other in Southern California. Although  it would be awesome to go to the Southern convention, I attend the one here in Northern California.

I must say that I look forward to this convention every year. The funny thing is that by this time in the year, I have pretty much already purchased 90% of my curriculum for next year. SO, I don’t really go to buy my curriculum.

So why go to a convention? Well after much thinking, I realized there are at least three reasons why I go:

1. I will admit, part of my reason is that its my mini getaway. I book a hotel room, I get to eat out, and I spend time doing what I want to do. This year, however, I  took my daughter with me. She was old enough to attend the Teen Convention. It turned out to be a nice mother-daughter weekend.

2. To get inspired. I walk into these conventions and I see hundreds and hundreds of fellow homeschool moms. I feel that once again “I can do this!”. I get to chatting with one or two and we “bond” through our homeschool journeys. I also get inspired by the speakers and workshops. I carefully download my convention’s schedule and pick in advance the classes/workshops that I think I need the most. This year my eyes were set on high school. My daughter will not be in high school for another year but I need to start planning NOW. (more on that topic later). The workshops I couldn’t attend, I purchased the CDs to listen to  in my car. This way I am inspired year round. I ended up purchasing 12 CDs.

3. Curriculum ideas. Yes, I do have most of my curriculum purchased, but that doesn’t mean that I will not see something new and exciting. I do enjoy walking around and asking vendors questions. This year I visited College Plus and Sonlight.

So what did I pickup this year:

I purchased my Mom’s Planner, A few high school books, my son’s cursive book, grammar workbook, and a Spanish planner by My Father’s World.
Ligia

I recently got an email from a new favorite online homeschool curriculum store, Hearts at Home about this great sale. I first discovered them when I was looking to purchase Apologia curriculum the cheapest. They sell Apologia for 30% off. Today, though, I found out they have Alpha and Omega Curriculum for 20% off. Last week I shared about Mike’s Art DVDs, and to my surprise they are giving them AWAY if you purchase $150 in product. I already purchased my DVDs so if I do use this offer, I will probably give a set away or sell it on my Homeschool Classifieds.

I just purchased this set myself and I am excited to try them out. There are 12 volumes of art lessons included in this low price.  My kids love to draw but I have no clue how to teach them so I invest in art curriculum. These seem like a GREAT deal.
This is an affiliate link to a new great homeschool site I just discovered:  Hearts at Home. I have compared their prices to other sites and their prices are very reasonable.