Learning How To De-clutter & Organize Kid's Toys

There's a quote by Phyllis Diller that I absolutely love: "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing.”

Seriously.  Isn't that so true?  Playing with toys, making a mess and having fun is what my kids love the most.  But, there comes point when you've tripped on too many legos and your living room resembles an obstacle course on the t.v. show Survivor.  Enough is enough.  It's time to get organized.

I'm not an organizing expert, but this is something that I'm constantly working on.  Here are 10 strategies for de-cluttering and organizing toys in your child’s playroom that I'd like to share with you:

1) Sometimes it may seem easier just to clean up yourself.  But, the kids need to help.  I am guilty of cleaning up after my kids and I'm working on breaking this habit.  The sooner they learn that cleaning up THEIR toys in THEIR responsibility, the better.

2) Prioritize.  Families are usually on-the-go and there never seems to be enough time to get things done.  Choose your battles.  If a clean play room means that everything is pushed to the walls making a clear path to walk, just accept it. 

3) Find a local charity and donate the toys that your kids are done playing with.  It's a green way to do something good for the community.  It teaches children from an early age that it's good to give. Plus, no one wants to end up on Hoarders anyway, right?

4) Try to recycle what you can.  Whenever I am sorting through my kids' playroom, I always find little cardboard, paper or plastic peices and they always go into the recycle bin.

5) It's okay to throw things in the trash.  As parents, we know how much things costs and sometimes, it's hard to throw things out.  But, if things aren't in good enough shape to donate or recycle, we have to remember, it's okay to throw away!

6) Consignment shops, Ebay and Craigslist are also a good way to de-clutter and make a little extra cash.   My mom actually bought an outdoor ride on at a yardsale for $7 and two years later, I sold it on Craigslist for $20.  Cha-ching!

7) Everything needs a home.  If children are aware of where things need to go, it makes it much easier for them to clean up. 

8) Upcycle your toys into a new craft.  One easy way to reuse little toys is to make a sensory box with some of those little toys you find around the house. 

9) Get creative with storage solutions.  I recently turned a shoe rack and some storage boxes into a new unit to house little toys and it worked great!

10) Don't be afraid to call in help!  Ask your friends for ideas and don't be afraid to admit that you need help organizing.  Sometimes, my friends have the best, yet most simple ideas, that really help!

I definitely don't have the magic solution to keeping a tidy house, and I think this is a constant battle that most moms deal with.  If you have a great idea for de-cluttering and organizing, I'd love to hear about it! 

Local Family Fun: Green Halloween

Did you know that swapping half the costumes kids wear at Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons equal weight of 2,500 midsize cars?* 

Green Halloween is a non-profit, community initiative to create a healthier and more earth-friendly Halloween.  This is the first year I've heard about this initiative and I wanted to spread the word.

According to GreenHalloween.org, here are some ways for you to have a healthier and more eco-friendly Halloween this year:

  • Host a costume exchange for National Costume Swap DayTM (second Saturday of October)
  • Choose fun treasures instead of conventional sweets. Or, choose healthier treats such as organic candy, natural snacks and honey sticks.
  • When it comes to costumes and décor—reuse, borrow, trade, purchase used or do-it-yourself.
  • If you’re giving a party, avoid disposable napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths and other
    décor. 
  • Get creative with Treat bags For extra fun, match the bag to the costume using something you already own. Here are some ideas: purses, flower pots (cover the hole), cloth sacks, backpacks, lunch-boxes.  We always used pillow cases as children and they worked perfectly.

*Statistic credit Bob Lilienfeld www.Use-Less-Stuff.com based on data from U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Transportation.  Assumes costume weight of 1 pound. 

Take the pledge to Play Outside! with Clorox2

Last night, I was having a conversation with another mom at my son's soccer practice and she was telling me how she knows there are children who live in her neighborhood, but they're never outside. Don't they ever play outside?  She was reminiscing about growing up and playing kick-ball with neighbors.  And, I was telling her that my kids are outside almost every day, playing and getting dirty.  Kids are meant to be outside digging in dirt, playing games and mingling with the other kids in the neighborhood.  So, I was really excited to hear about The Worldwide Day of Play. 

On Worldwide Day of Play, Saturday, September 24, 2011, Nickelodeon TV networks – including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick and Nicktoons - suspend programming for three hours to encourage kids to turn off the TV and get active. Isn't that cool?  There will be events scattered across the U.S. to celebrate this day, but no matter where you live, you can head to a park, playground or your own backyard to reconnect with each other and have some fun! 

Head on over to Clorox2 Play 2 Day Site and take a pledge to have your children play outside every day!

My husband and I have always made play a priority for the kids.  We know that there are valuable skills that kids learn through play and they're only little once.  Let them enjoy childhood.  My three year old loves digging in the dirt so much that there are times he is so dirty, I have to wash him off and take off his clothes before coming inside.  Last week, he and I actually devoted a good bit of time to hosing off his many pairs of dirty shoes, washing them all and letting them dry in the sun.  It may sound like a boring task, but we made it fun and checked one thing off my to-do-list.

This year, both of my boys are playing soccer.  Not only does it give them a chance to learn the basic skills of a sport and meet new friends, but it's also another excuse to get outside and play.  We usually go to soccer practice and games as a family, which means that we're all spending more time outside, which is good for everyone.

As a family, I think we're pretty active.  We've been exploring the parks, heading to the beach, making crafts outside, and even playing in the rain.  As my boys are growing, there are definitely new adventures on the horizon.  This is just the beginning!

For more information on World Day of Play and Clorox2 click here:

http://clorox2play2day.com

Hurricane Irene Wasn't all Bad: Miss Mia's Adoption

Hurricane Irene swept through our area about 2 weeks ago, and she was not a welcomed visitor.  But, she made an impact on my family that we're really happy about.

Right before the Hurricane, a friend of mine posted on facebook that said the local "SPCA is looking for temporary homes for the dogs & cats! If you can take in one over the weekend please contact them immediately."  Hmmm... It was tempting.... 

Our kids had been begging for a pet, and my husband and I thought it would be a great opportunity to foster a cat during the hurricane.  So, before the hurricane hit our area, we ran over to the local SPCA and took home Mia. 

Two weeks later, she is officially ours.  We went back to the SPCA on Friday night and signed the adoption papers.  She is friendly, great with the kids, and so easy to take care of.  The boys know that they have to be quiet and gentle with her.  It's amazing how her calm nature brings a sense of peace to our house.

She loves perching herself up on the arm of the couch.  Doesn't she look happy to have a fur-ever home?

Within a little over 24 hours before Hurricane Irene came to our area, the SPCA had 91 animals in foster care, many of which were adopted after the hurricane. 

Thanks, Irene.

The Do's and Don'ts of Talking to Children about 9/11

This article is written by Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman and is being republished with permission. Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman are the authors of Parent Talk Essentials: How to Talk to Kids about Divorce, Sex, Money, School, and Being Responsible in Today’s World. Thomas Haller and Chick Moorman are two of the world’s foremost authorities on raising responsible, caring, confident children. For more information about how they can help you or your group meet your parenting needs, visit their websites today. www.thomashaller.com or www.chickmoorman.com

*****************************************************************

This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The long awaited memorial at "ground zero" in New York City is being unveiled amid sighs of relief for some and controversy for others. As the media coverage refocuses our thoughts on the events of that dreadful day strong emotions could arise and many will be reminded of similar feelings they had ten years ago.
 
The tragic loss for many families coupled with the intense emotion felt by people across the country makes talking about 9/11 difficult. Parents are faced with the task of conveying the events of 9/11 while at the same time managing their own feelings. Many parents want to talk to their children about what happened that day, but are not sure what to say or even where to begin.
 
Following are some do's and don'ts that we offer as a guide for those who want to talk with their children about this tragic historical event that has altered the course of our country forever.
 
Do your research. Prior to talking to your children, get clear about the facts. Make sure you are providing accurate information about the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath. Much has been said about this important time in our history by friends, neighbors, celebrities and politicians that is steeped in emotion and opinion. Avoid the perpetuation of myths and opinions. Stay accurate in your presentation of the 9/11 history. For information about the 9/11 attacks and the 911 Memorial visit www.911memorial.org.
 
Do respect emotions. Your children will have a variety of different emotions depending on there are age, interest level and family ties. Some children were not born when the attacks occurred and may have little or no emotional connection to the events. Others will have lost a parent, family member or friend. There is no statute of limitations on grieving. Being sad and crying ten years later is permissible. So is showing little interest or emotion. Allow your child to express whatever emotion he or she is feeling.
 
Don't force a discussion. If your child shows little or no interest in a 9/11 discussion, let it go for now. Wait for a time that is better for him. Your children will let you know when they are ready to discuss a topic. They will do that by showing a slight interest and by asking preliminary questions. Use those signals as a sign that the time could be ripe for engaging in a discussion on this important historical event.
 
Do as much listening as you do talking. Ask your child what she knows about the 9/11 attacks and the memorial. Her current knowledge on the topic will act as a guide for you as to what information or emotional support to provide next. Ask your child what she would like to know and search for the answers together. Take a virtual tour on the 911 memorial website (cited above) and perhaps even plan a visit to the memorial or the museum when it opens next year.
 
Don't equate the terrorist attacks with the Muslim community. The terrorists were extremists and had very little, if anything at all, to do with Muslim families around the world and the ideals by which they live. Our country has a rich heritage that is built around the contributions of many cultures and many religions. Having an attitude of tolerance and acceptance is an important strength and defining value of our nation. We are all more alike than different. A 9/11 remembrance is an important time to teach children tolerance and how to identify prejudice when it surfaces.
 
Do reassure safety. The world we live in is filled with an abundance of safety, peace and serenity. It is a safe world full of people that are kind and gentle. Yes, there are some extremists who plot to do us harm. Do not dwell on the negative few. Point instead to all the safeguards that keep our children unharmed and reassure them of the safety in their immediate surroundings. Identify the people who help keep them safe as well as some rules and regulations that have been established to do the same.
 
Do focus on the helpers. Helpers always come. Focus on them. On that horrible day ten years ago, firefighters, emergency rescue crews, police officers and people off the street entered the buildings in an attempt to help others. Some of those helpers gave their lives in that effort. Many first responders are still experiencing health problems, including cancer, as a result of their involvement. They are and always will be HEROES. Whenever they are in need, encourage your children to look for the helpers.  Again, helpers always come.
 
Do limit TV and internet exposure. The amount of media time devoted to the 9/11 attacks and their aftermath is likely to increase over the next few days. Guard your children from overexposure by limiting their access. View programs together and discuss what you are watching. Visit websites with your children if they are interested in additional information. Talk, share, evaluate, debrief the content and set limits on the exposure time as well as type of content viewed. Turn off the TV. Shut down the computer. Enough is enough. You will know when that is for your children.
 
Do affirm life. In every tragedy there are signs of growth. Show your children evidence of the resiliency of the human spirit and how life itself finds a way to grow and learn, even in the face of the most tragic of events. As a living reminder of this, the 9/11 Memorial has over four hundred trees planted throughout the site. Life survives. New growth is present. Focus on life and growth with your children. Keep learning, growing  and moving forward as a family.
 

The depth of the pain and heartache of the 9/11 tragedy is not measurable. Yet, the horrific event can serve as a useful purpose if we use it to help our children learn about feelings, look for the helpers, develop tolerance and appreciate the connectedness of all human beings. As we remember the over two thousand individuals who lost their lives that day, let us move forward with peace and acceptance in our hearts.

Healthy Turkey Meatloaf Recipe with Oatmeal

Can you feel Autumn yet?  In my neighborhood, the kids just went back to school, the pool season is wrapping up, and I can't wait for the leaves to start changing color.  I love, love, love Fall!

Naturally, when the weather starts to change, so does our menu at home.  But, I really want to keep our comfort food as healthy as possible. So, this week, I made Turkey Meatloaf and it was so delicious - and very healthy.  Plus, I was able to incorporate Oatmeal into this recipe which made me super happy!

Here's the recipe for Yummy Turkey Meatloaf:

About 20 ounces of lean ground turkey breast
1 Small Onion - Finely chopped
1 Medium Carrot - Peeled and grated
1 Stalk of Celery - Grated
1/2 Cup Oatmeal
2 Egg whites

Plus:
1/2 Cup of Ketchup
1.5 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.  In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, carrot, celery, oatmeal and egg whites.  Make sure all of your ingredients are thoroughly mixed together and then transfer the mixture to a bread loaf pan.

About 10 minutes before you remove the meatloaf from the oven, mix up the ketchup and brown sugar and smother it over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake in oven at 350°F for approximately 1 hour or until thermometer reads 170 °F

The next time I make meatloaf, I will definitely use this recipe.  It exceeded my expectations.  Also, if you double the recipe you can use the leftovers for simple sloppy joes.  Turkey meatloaf + Sloppy Joes = Two easy,  healthy and very family friendly meals.  What more could a mom ask for?

Superwoman Was Already Here by SuperDrMaria.com

My son just finished his first week of kindergarten and education has been on my mind... A LOT.  Our local elementary school is excellent.  I've been very impressed with the administration so far, and I'm excited for the rest of the school year. But sometimes, I can't help but wonder if the whole public school system is the best is could be. 

There's a new video that I want to share with you.  It was created by Daniel C. Petter-Lipstein, of SuperDrMaria.com.  Daniel is the father of three children that thrive at a Jewish Montessori school in New Jersey. He believes that the Montessori method is an extraordinary approach to teaching and learning for all kinds of children.

If you care about education in America, this video is worth watching.  The world would be a better place if even half the dads in America were as passionate about their child's education as Daniel Petter-Lipstein is.

 

*Disclosure can be found here

Back to School Advice for Parents and Kids

My son has had his backpack packed for Kindergarten for over a year now.  Clearly, he's not nervous for his first day of school, and his confidence is inspiring.  He was even trying to convince my husband and I that he doesn't need us at the bus stop.  "I'm almost six" he said, as he reassured us that he doesn't need us waiting with him.  But, he's still our baby.

The first day of Kindergarten is a big milestone, and I'm always open to new tips and tricks to be more prepared.  Every little bit helps! The American Academy of Pediatrics has a great list of back to school tips that I wanted to share with you.  Reading over these tips is a great refresher for back to school season, especially for moms like me who have a child in Kindergarten for the first time.

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER

  • Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
  • Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
  • Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.
  • If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

BACKPACK SAFETY

  • Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
  • Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.
  • Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
  • If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, and they may be difficult to roll in snow.

EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

  • Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.
  • Try to get your child's school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines.
  • Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child's soft drink consumption.

DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

  • Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
  • Schedule ample time for homework.
  • Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
  • Supervise computer and internet use.
  • Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
  • Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
  • If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.

In your house, who was more nervous for the first week back at school: you or your child?

 Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Oatmeal Scotchies Cookie Recipe Inspired By a 10 Pound Box of Oatmeal

A few weeks ago, I was shopping at one of my favorite markets, and came across a 10 pound box of Quaker Oatmeal.  I only have a family of 4, so what on earth do I need a 10 pound box of oatmeal for? Well, I paused for a moment, took a second look at the box, and a billion ideas went through my head. I had to buy it. The box was so big that it took up a quarter of my shopping cart.

Move over kids - here comes the oatmeal!

Oatmeal is a good thing. And, now, I'm inspired. Buying a gigantic box of oatmeal will not only encourage me to cook more oatmeal for my family, but also get creative with it and try it in new recipes. 

 Five facts about oatmeal:

1) Instant Oatmeal is as nutritious as Old-Fashioned Oatmeal.

2) Oatmeal is a whole grain food. 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal counts as 1 serving of whole grain.

3) All types of oatmeal can be made quickly in the microwave.

4) Oatmeal can be eaten at any time of the day to get the cholesterol lowering benefits.

5) The amount of sugar in flavored instant oatmeal is about equal to what most people would add to unsweetened cereal.

There are so many things you can do with oatmeal. Oatmeal is extremely versatile and it's is also inexpensive. So, until my 10 pound box of oatmeal is done, I'll be sharing my oatmeal creations with you.  Aren't you lucky?

And the first oatmeal recipe I tried was....

 Oatmeal Scotchies!

When I was a little girl, Oatmeal Scotchie cookies were always a favorite, and, now, I'm making them for my kids. The recipe I used was on the back of the Nestle Toll House butterscotch morsels.  There are instructions for cookies or bars. I decided to make the bars since I was short on time. It was easier to bake up all of the cookie batter on one sheet instead of baking several sheets of cookies.

Here is the Recipe for Oatmeal Scotchies

Find more great oatmeal facts on http://www.quakeroats.com 

Now... what oatmeal recipe should I try next?

Highlights: Local Fun Mom Blogs

When I created LocalFunforKids.com, I had a  vision.  I wanted to make it easier for parents to find fun, local, family friendly events and feature kid crafts and activities that can be done no matter where you live.  Luckily, there are a ton of resources at our fingertips!

All across the country there are bloggers who search high & low for the best local kids activities. Their sites are great if you want to find family activities in your own community or travel advice from a local mom.  You might even find lists of the best playgrounds, family fun centers, indoor play centers, and other local kid-friendly businesses. I put these blogs together in the Best Blogs for Local Fun.  If you haven't already checked out this section of my blog, please take a second to see if there are any local blogs in your area.

Also, it's been a while since I highlighted Local Fun Blogs.  But, there are a couple things I wanted to tell you about:

Triad Family Fun (NC),  Super Suburbs (Chicago Area, IL), Toddler Trails (Orange County Area, CA) are the latest blogs to be added to the Best Blogs for Local Fun.

I was so excited to see a couple Local Fun Blogs participate in Fun for Kids Friday. 
Toddling Around Chicago Land shared their DIY I-Spy travel bottles. And, Kidlist shared a their post about How to Make a Cardboard Train.

Thanks to all of these 'Local Fun' bloggers (mostly moms) who work extremely hard to keep their sites going strong.  You're making life more fun for moms everywhere!

Easy Dessert Recipe: Mini S'mores Pie

Are you the type of cook that likes to stick with a tested recipe or come up with a culinary creation of your own? 

Most of the time, I'm the latter. I may be inspired by a recipe, but I like to play around with ingredients and come up with my own ideas. The foundation for this particular recipe came from the back of the package for the mini graham cracker pie crusts. But, I tweaked the ingredients and came up with quick and easy mini s'mores pies.

You need:

2 packages of Keebler® Ready Crust® Mini Graham Cracker Pie Crust

6 ounces of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 - 14 ounce can of Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 Cups of Heavy Whipping Cream

About 3/4 cup of Micro-mini Marshmallows

About 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to sprinkle on top (optional)

(Makes 12 individual servings)

Here's what to do:

On low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the Semi Sweet Chocolate chips in a saucepan.  Let the chocolate chips melt and mix it all up.  Once it's all mixed up, remove it from the heat and let it cool. 

Pour 2 cups of heavy whipping creme into a chilled bowl, and mix it with an electric mixer on medium speed until it makes soft peaks.  Then, slowly fold in your cooled chocolate mixture.

Once it's all mixed up, spoon it evenly between your graham cracker crusts and spinkle on the micro mini marshmallows.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and then serve.

The results:

Perfect for chocoholics! It was rich and chocolately The portions are the perfect size and the kids loved it.

Usually, I try to make things as healthy as possible.  But, this is indulgent. 

It's one of those desserts that you just sit back, enjoy & try not to think about the sugar, fat or calories!

Parenthood: Thanks for that AWESOME Advice!

Written by: Guest contributor, Rebecca, from Stork Support

“Congratulations on your baby!” “Don’t use a pacifier; don’t hold him too much or you’ll spoil him; just let him cry it out; don’t let him cry it out; he looks really hungry; make sure you sleep when he sleeps; only put soft soled shoes on your baby; only put hard soled shoes on your baby; don’t put any shoes on your baby.”

“Wow…what great advice,” I say, and I think, “now what do I do?”
So what do we do when we get all this unwanted or unsolicited advice from our parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, in-laws, friends and even strangers? We may nod our heads and say “thank you,” we may snap back at them, we may do what they suggest, all the while wondering if we are REALLY doing what is best for our baby.

Granted, it is great to receive tips from those who have been there, but that doesn’t mean that we need to implement those suggestions in our lives. Every baby is different, as is every family; so what works for one family does not mean it will necessarily work for another. We need to remember that new parents still have functioning brains (although I question the functionality of my own brain at times), and usually know their baby’s personalities and needs better than those offering bits of great advice.

For all you new parents out there, remember to trust your instincts, and do what feels right.

Wait… did I just give you some unsolicited advice?

Sincerely,
From the Stork’s Nest,
Rebecca

Stork Support, LLC is a unique service that provides emotional support and resources to pregnant women and parents after they have delivered or adopted a baby in the comfort of their own homes. They provide emotional support, short-term individual or couples counseling and linkage to local resources. Stork Support was founded by Liz Bland, MSW, LSW, A-CYFSW and Rebecca Colonna,MSW, LSW who have over 20 years of collective Social Work experience including extensive experience working with pregnant and postpartum women and their families. For more information please visit www.storksupport.com or email info@storksupport.com.

Easy Recipe: Homemade Pesto with Tortellini & Grape Tomatoes

Fresh basil has got to be one of my favorite scents of all time.  There's just something about it that makes me happy.

The basil in my garden is getting lush and plentiful, so I decided it was time to whip up my first batch of homemade pesto. I didn't use a recipe. I grabbed a couple of hand fulls of basil, washed it, and put it into my chopper. Then, I added olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese and almonds.  Really... almonds? I know you're supposed to use pine nuts, but I didn't have any. Any mom can probably relate that it's much easier to substitute an ingredient vs. taking your two little kids to the supermarket right before dinner time. So, in the almonds went, and they worked just fine.

Once all of my ingredients were in the chopper, I just pulsed it until it was the right consistency. I added my homemade Pesto to somecooked tri-color tortellini and ripegrape tomatoes (cut in halves). It was a feast for the senses. The pesto smelled delicious and the bright red tomatoes from a local farm were absolutely amazing!

If you decide to make homemade Pesto, you can either wing it, like I did, or use this recipe from the Food Network.  

And, don't forget to remind your husband...

"A man taking basil from a woman will love her always." -Sir Thomas Moore

3 Tips for Saving on Back to School Shopping

September is just around the corner and it's hard to believe I'll be sending my son off to Kindergarten. Am I going to cry? Absolutely! But, it will also be amazing to see him spread his wings and make new friends. I have a few weeks left until that day, and right now, I'm thinking about back to school shopping. Here are a few great tips that I want to share:

1) Being green can save you money. The days of brown paper bags filled with plastic water bottles and plastic baggies are gone. There are so many cool new options for reusable kid-friendly snack pouches and lunch containers. Filling up reusable containers can save you money and reduce waste.

Think about it... 3 plastic bags per day x 5 days per week x 50 weeks per year = 750 plastic bags. If you buy three reusable pouches or containers, you'll be saving money and the environment. It's a win/win!

2) Don't underestimate the power of labels. My little guy loses his glasses all the time. They're typically somewhere in our yard or around the house. But, recently, he left them at the playground and I had no idea where they were. If it wasn't for a tiny little label that I stuck on the inside arm of his glasses, we never would have gotten them back. It would have been $150 gone!

The cost of replacing lost glasses, jackets, hats and other school supplies can add up. Personalized labels may seem like a luxury, but protecting your child's belongings is priceless. It saves you time and money!

3) Don't be afraid to buy in bulk. Now is the time to get those awesome back to school deals. A few months from now, you probably won't see crayons for 50 cents or markers for $2, so buy extra while they're on sale. You will be glad you did.

Share your back to school money saving advice below for a chance to win a $500 Back to School Shopping Spree from BlogFrog!

Want to exchange more tips and ideas with other moms about back to school topics such as healthy snacks, school supplies and saving money? Visit the Horizon® Healthily Families Back to School Community!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon. The opinions expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of the Horizon Organic brand.

GIVE Education Increases Awareness of the U.S. Dropout Crisis

Did you know that every nine seconds of each school day, a young person drops out of high school in the U.S?  Isn't that nuts?

P&G’s new campaign, GIVE Education and John Legend have teamed up to increase awareness of the student dropout crisis in the U.S. and raise funds to help keep millions of students in school.

GIVE Education is working with Communities In Schools (CIS), one of the nation’s leading dropout prevention organizations, and one that is proven to increase graduation rates and decrease dropout rates, GIVE Education will enable CIS to continue channeling much-needed resources to students who are at greatest risk of dropping out.

What can you do to help “School the Nation” and help keep kids in school? 

This couldn't be any easier!  Just watch an exclusive video from John Legend on Facebook where for each view, P&G will donate $.25 to CIS, up to $10,000. 

Watch it now on Facebook and help School the Nation!

 

Mommy Time ~ Looking Good & Feeling Great

Since school ended in June, I've been with my kids almost 24/7.  We've been playing outside or at the pool almost single day.  And, I've noticed summer has gotten the best of me.  My hair is always in a ponytail, my make-up has been non-existent, and the only skin care I've been doing is sun-block (if that even counts). I guess it's nice to be au'natural sometimes, but I prefer to feel a little more pulled together.

Yesterday, my kids were at their grandparents and I actually got a chance to read the InStyle magazine.  It made me realize that back-to-school time is almost here and it's time to get back into a better routine.

InStyle's August Issue (with Katie Holmes on the cover) has some awesome tips and tricks whiched helped remind me that keeping myself happy and healthy is just as important as keeping the rest of my family happy and healthy.

Here are some of great articles from InStyle's website:

9 New Ways to Wear a Ponytail

How to Look Good in Pictures

7 Ways to be Healthier Now

10 Ways to Eat Your Way to Gorgeous

25 Easy Summer Hairstyles

It's so easy to get caught up in work, laundry, cleaning, cooking.  Some Moms look like they have it all together and I'd love to know their secrets.  How do you find time for yourself?

Motherhood & Little Surprises

 

 "If I had my child to raise all over again,
I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.
I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.
I would do less correcting and more connecting.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.
I'd do more hugging and less tugging."
— Diane Loomans

The boys are always using this sink as a tub for their toys or cleaning station for their race cars. 

Little surprises are always awaiting!

Having a little guy in glasses means I'm on a never-ending wild goose chase after his itty bitty eyewear.

Here's where I found them one day while we were out to lunch at a pizza place.

This picture was taken earlier this summer.  He got himself ready for an adventure on the power wheels. 

Take note of the winter hat and mis-matched shoes. So chic! 

Master Lock and Back to School

The best piece of advice I can offer to students and parents for surviving the school year with ease is to go with the flow.   It's so easy to get stressed out about schedules and academics.  But, we need to remember to have fun too.  Sometimes, my family likes to take a weekend day-trip in the middle of winter just to get away from our normal routine and change it up a bit.  These little field trips give us a chance to chill out and continue the learning while we're on the road.  Travel can be a great tool to keep your kids educated about different people and places, and you're spending time as a family too!

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Disclosure: I'm entering a contest for a Master Lock back-to-school prize pack as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.