I had a conversation with someone some time ago discussing whether or not "people cook any more." Her theory was generally not. I countered that I know plenty of people who do, but she then dismissed that (rightfully?) as some sort of quaint and quirky aspect of homeschooling.

When I wanted to teach my children the basics of cooking, I went about it the way I do everything else. I sought out free resources online and through the library and began twice-weekly cooking lessons. Now they can handle dinner when I'm pressed for time.

My feeling on the matter is that *everyone* should learn how to cook. We don't all have to be four-star chefs, but we should all know how to put together several different, decent meals. If nothing else, it's a money-saver. Dining out or relying strictly on convenience foods will drain your budget big-time. Beyond that, it can be a matter of health as well. Cooking a wholesome meal is much better for you and your family than a stop-off at the drive-thru.

Too bad there's no CLEP for Cooking & Nutrition! Maybe that would spur more young people on to learning. :)
 
Help me spread the word about The University of You, and you could win a $25 gift card to Amazon for yourself, or you could even have us send it to a friend just in time for the holidays.

I will host a random drawing on November 5th, and announce the winner on The U of YOU's Facebook page by 5:00pm Eastern Time. The winner is responsible for replying to the announcement, letting me know if he/she will be claiming the gift card for him/herself or would like it to be sent to a friend or family member. If the winner does not respond by November 20th, the prize will be considered forfeited and I will conduct a new drawing and announce a new winner.

To enter, do any or all of the following by November 4th, 5:00pm Eastern Time:

1. Like The University of You on Facebook. Everyone who has liked The U of YOU by the deadline will get 1 entry into the drawing. This includes anyone who has already liked us.

2. Send us a friend. Have a friend comment on The U of YOU Facebook page with, "My friend [your full name] sent me here!" and you both get 1 entry each. (Maximum of 4 entries total per person in this category.)

3. Promote The U of YOU. Give us a shout-out on your blog, website, or online journal that includes a link to www.theuniversityofyou.us and you can get 5 additional entries into the drawing. Simply visit the contest announcement post here and leave a comment with a link to your site or page where you've mentioned us.

You could earn as many as 10 entries into the contest. Good luck!

I will be using a random number generating software program to select the winner. You will be entered into a spreadsheet that will assign a number to your name. If you have more than one entry, you will be entered into the spreadsheet for as many entries as you have earned, assigning you a new number for each entry (increasing your chance of winning). I will then use the program to generate a winner. (Read more about it here.)
 
All the links have been checked. Whew.
 
I've officially launched my new site, The University of You. Or U of YOU, because sometimes I can be too cutesy for my own good. ;) The U of YOU site is focused specifically on earning a 4-year degree from Thomas Edison State College for now. I will be adding information about Charter Oak State College and Excelsior College as soon as I can.