Top Three Brands For Back To School!

         Back to school is right around the corner, and I don’t know about you, but I am not ready! We had so much fun that I don’t want it to stop. Alas the school bells are calling- but that does not mean that the fun must end! Oh no! We have some fun products that will help you ring in the new school year with happy kiddos and even happier parents!

    We all know that Crayola is what you need when it comes to the best products on the market. So, make sure you stack up on all the classic packs as well as the new silly scents! Yes, these yummy scents are available in twistable crayons, colored pencils, and markers.  With fragrances like cotton candy, root bear and fresh air- my favorite- it will turn any school project into a fun scented experience!

     The key to a successful school year is organization- something this mommy has an issue with- fortunately for my son he won’t with the National Geographic Weird but True Daily Planner! This is the total package when it comes to fun organizing. With a sturdy cover that will last the whole year through- every day is filled with a fun fact- that is indeed weird and yet upon googling at X’s insistence is also true. There is amble room for all the days to-do’s homework assignments, after school activities, reminders as well as scribble room. Because we all know that we can doodle away the day as well! There is also homework help in the back and fun activities that your child may want to do more than their math homework- I know I would! We absolutely love it and have been using it every day for the last month to get in the routine of checking and marking off things that we had to do. My son wakes up every day and opens it up, runs on over to share his fun fact and then looks at what we have planned. It is a great way to start your kid on a organizational path that I have been hiding from my whole life!

    Another great item form National Geographic is the United States Beginners atlas! You cannot believe the amount of time your child will spend thumbing through the pages learning about states he or she have never been too. Or following family members who are traveling around the county and seeing exactly where they are. Great for all ages, but especially those who are just starting out learning about the country- this is a fun and useful tool that will have your child learning and having fun at the same time!

      With all the school supplies we have these days, labeling can not only be tedious, but can also be a job in itself.  Mabels Labels has a HUGE supply of durable, labels that can be customized to any name! That’s right no more roaming through the shelves praying to the company gods to see if your

son or daughters name made it on the list. Not only that the designs are adorable. New this year are Emoji and Hello Kitty- which will make sure to make a statement on your child’s supplies, as well as make them easy to spot out from everyone else’s items.  Now these labels will last you the whole year through. They are dishwasher safe- so you can put them on lunch boxes and sandwich cases, microwave safe and most importantly waterproof.  No ripped or peeling labels on your kid’s water bottle- oh no.

    The character labels are wonderful and fun at that, but my favorite in the line must be the customization allergy alert labels. You can choose from several common allergies. One of our little ones has a peanut allergy so this option really stood out to me. With the the bold red and white personalized labels I no longer must worry about her picking up the wrong lunch box. As an added bonus, it will also notify the aids on shift that she has an allergy. It is amazing how much that put my mind at ease- knowing that everything she took with her from book-bag to snack cup- there would be no mix ups, no confusions all because of these amazing little labels. I didn’t even know how tense I was about it until I labeled everything and the tension just left my shoulders. Best part is our little girl loves them as well because now she doesn’t have to tell everyone as she says- “it is

printed on everything already!”

Crayola® Introduces Silly Scents™, Bringing Playful Smells And Fun Colors To Back To School

Crayola® Introduces Silly Scents™, Bringing Playful Smells And Fun Colors To Back To                                                                             School

EASTON, Pa., July 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Crayola, the brand that has not missed the first day of school in over 100 years, is rolling out a new line of scented art tools that will bring added silly fun, creativity and dimension to kids' school projects and artwork.

    Combining nose-tingling scents in a cool, colorful line of crayons, markers and colored pencils, Crayola Silly Scents art tools come ready to scribble and sniff. All products within the line feature vibrant and bold colors that are non-toxic and come in a whimsical pack adorned with Silly Scents characters.

"As a company all about color and innovation, we're excited to introduce Silly Scents, our newest line of scented art tools that will be sure to surprise and delight kids and kids at heart," said Kim Rompilla, Director, Platform Marketing at Crayola. "Featuring fun quirky scents like Root Beer, Pop Corn and Cotton Candy, each aromatic crayon, marker, or colored pencil immediately turns any coloring project into a scented experience, bringing creativity to new heights."

Highlights from the Silly Scents line-up includes:

Crayola Silly Scents Markers: Available in fine and broad line with a variety up to 28 scents, Crayola Silly Scents Markers are washable and feature vibrant colors and sweet-smelling scents ranging from Strawberry, Cotton Candy and Root Beer. Recommended for children ages five and up for a suggested retail price of $4.99 – $7.99.

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables™ Colored Pencils: Featuring 12 unique scented colored pencils,

Crayola Silly Scents Twistable Colored Pencils feature bright colors which are ideal for school projects and detailed art work. Twistable barrels provide durability and strength and sweet scents like Green Apple, Cherry and Grape to delight the senses. Recommended for children ages five and up for a suggested retail price of $4.99.

   
Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Crayons: Available in 12 and 24 count, Crayola Silly Scents Twistable Crayons include scents like Fruit Punch, Licorice and Coconut and contain a range of brilliantly colored, scented tools with a twist-up barrel that eliminates the need to sharpen tips or peel labels, fostering continuous creativity. Recommended for children ages five and up for a suggested retail price of $4.99 – $7.99.
   

Crayola- It's What's In Your Child's Supply Box

    Crayola is the best company around when it comes to supplying our children with high quality, long lasting school supplies.  It's just a fact.  No matter how old one gets, when you receive a new Crayola product there is this excitement, deep down in your child like core that cannot wait to break open and create something magical with those brand new perfect crayons.
   Recently we have been receiving some fun little Crayola surprises in the mail, and everyone in the house from 3-33 cannot wait to rip open the box and see what is inside. 3-33; what other company has that effect on such a age range..
   So when buying supplies from that incredibly long list of supplies that the school sends out the day of graduation, remember the most important thing on the list. It is not the folders, or 1 1/4 inch binders. The most important items on that list are the ones that are going to inspire your children to create. To pour their heart and soul into their work and projects. They are the creative tools in which they will start their school year off with success.  Crayola Markers, Crayons, Dry Erase Markers, all of these things will not only mark a item off your list but will give your child that inner excitement, and endless possibility for the school year!

Back To School Bash With MomTrends: What You Need For The School Year!

      It's that time of year my friends where we are starting to prepare for the annual shopping that comes with the back to school hype. Well let’s be honest we start preparing the minute the previous school year ends- but hey we are New Yorkers and always preparing for the next move.  This year I was invited to be amongst a few of the cities writers to check out what cool new items are coming out this school season.
    MomTrends threw a Back to School Bash event highlighting some amazing companies that will definitely be on your back to school shopping list this fall.
 

     First off The Nalgene Lunch Box Buddy. My goodness am I in love with this product. Fitted with a Velcro sleeve that makes it easy to open (and clean). It has an icepack divider that not only keeps the food cool but gives you three different ways to pack in all the fun food for your kids to eat- no more squishy sandwiches for us! The lid also doubles as a tray that the kids can eat on, which is just an awesome feature that I have no idea how no one has thought of before now. It is also super durable drop it throw it, just do not run it over with your car and it will last. The plastic case is dishwasher safe, and the Velcro cover can be thrown right into the washing machine as well- keeping your Lunch Box buddy clean and tidy for the entire school year. I cannot tell you how much I love this thing. I kind of want one for my very own!

Back To School With Cloud-B! Chamelion Charlie Review!

       The last thing you may think you need for back to school is probably the most important. You have your crayons (from crayola obviously), your backpacks and the non-existent NON WASHABLE GLUE STICKS THAT DO NOT EXIST EXCEPT FOR ON AMAZON! (sorry guys, I had my own back to school issues that I had to deal with).  You think you have it all, but what about the tools for the most important thing to help your child succeed in school. Yes my friends I am talking about sleep. Your child will not be able to preform to their best without a good night sleep. It is as simple as that. A tired child will not preform well in school, may have behavioral problems and will have problems getting through the obnoxiously long day (including homework) without a solid 8-10 hours of sleep. These are the facts my friends, and fortunately for us the company that is in the business of helping children sleep are on top of things once again.  Brand new for the 2015 season is the amazing Charley The Chameleon from the amazing Cloud-b..  Yes they are back on this page but it's for good reason...everything they produce is awesome.

     Charlie is great for older kids who are still having issues with falling asleep or feeling safe in their own environment. This will no longer be a problem with Charlie at their side.  Just like a real Chameleon, he changes color gently while displaying relaxing light throughout your child's room.  The lights are safe and do not heat up the plush at all, so it's not a problem if your child wants to cuddle with him while falling asleep.  He also plays rain-forest sounds which do help bring a relaxing feel to any room, which has had huge results in helping both children and adults fall asleep for years. In fact I myself use a machine sometimes to help me drift off into dreamland.
    Funny story about that. So my son who has thoroughly tested and approved Charlie (video to come later ) knows that I have a hard time sleeping. How does he know this? Usually because when he comes downstairs to use the bathroom he sees me sitting here, writing and looks at the clock.  So one night he goes "Mommy. It is 2 O'clock in the morning, go to sleep." I tell him I cannot, so he goes upstairs and brings down Charlie. "Cuddle with him, and put on the rain sounds so you don't have to put on your machine and wake up Daddy." Out of the mouths of babies right? Funny thing is Charlie helped.  I played him to placate X, but honestly, the sounds wound up making me calmer, and the lights gave a really fun yet comforting glow.  Funny right?  You cannot make this stuff up.
    So when I say I like Charlie and that Cloud-b makes amazing products, I mean it.  I have seen them work on my child, as well as others, and I have had them work on me as well!  X now consistently brings Charlie down with him when he sees the light on in my study.  He swears that if I just got my own and layed down with him, like he does, I would fall asleep much better every night.  He may be right. I shall add one to my Christmas list!
     With four settings all your child has to do is click Charlies lizard paw (is paw the right term for that?) to click through all the settings:  1x ON + Rain Forrest + transitional lights (colors transition gradually to the next), press 2x Tropical Tunes + strobing lights (colors jump to the next), press 3 x lights only, transitional press 4 x to turn him OFF.  Like many of the other Cloud-b designs he is soft and cuddly with a colorful and friendly design that appeals to every age. It is his design that plays an important factor with the 5+ age groups because he is not babyish, he is just an awesome Chameleon that happens to help your child sleep.
     If your child is having a hard time getting to sleep, or is just too excited to transition themselves from playtime to sleeptime, why not add Charlie The Chameleon to the lineup of things to buy for back to school.  Because without sleep, none of those other supplies will make a difference!

*Yes we recieved Charlie for review- but I would not trade him for anything in the world! We love him so needless to say all of our opinions are our own!

American Plastics My Very Own Study & Play Desk Review And Giveaway!

    Recently we introduced to you the American Plastics Brand with two of their amazing summer items; the table top water playset and the picnic table. Now we get to share with you the awesome "My Very Own Study & Play Desk."  This is a very easy to assemble desk that will have your pre-preschoolers excited to practice all their letters, numbers and coloring projects!

Entenmann's and Sarah Lee Have Just what The Lunch Box Ordered!

Back to school is happening guys! And while I know parents are running around stocking up on all the supplies on the school mandated list-make sure you do not forget the most important thing. SNACKS!  Sara Lee and Entenmann's have what your kids need to look forward to during their lunch break.
  Sarah Lee Snacks presants their Brownie Chocolate Chip Snack Cakes-which are literally the best sweet ever! Really, It is the prefect combo of everyone's favorite sweet treats!      

    Entenmann's Little Bites Party Cakes taste just like a birthday cake in one bit size snack.  The are just what the doctor ordered after that huge math test!  Want to add even more fun for the kids lunch or anytime for that matter-  look at these awesome ways to serve these amazing afforable must have edibles for this school season!

*Unfortunately, our samples that the companies sent us did not make it to the cutting board to try out these recipies, however they are on my shopping list and I will be making them!

Get Rid Of Those Back To School Blues- With Nintendo!

       

   



   " As September approaches and kids start heading back to school, Nintendo can’t help but get nostalgic. Do you remember the thrill in the air when September rolled around each year? Between shopping for new clothes and organizing school supplies, it was hard to resist getting swept up in all the fun. Unfortunately, all those joyful emotions can quickly fade away once school is back in session. As an adult, you can help kids realize that fun does not need to end once the school season starts. With new games like Super Mario Maker for the Wii U console and Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer for the Nintendo 3DS portable family of systems available in September, kids can continue celebrating while flexing their creative muscles throughout the school year. Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition is a fun set of games available now that kids can look forward to playing during their ride to school!

                      Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. --Edition
Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition contains two huge puzzling RPG adventures to keep young brains active. And with the games playable on all the systems in the Nintendo 3DS family, kids will have fun playing the games on their way to school.

Mario Maker
Looking to sharpen your kids’ creative skills throughout the school year? Available on the 11th of September, Super Mario Maker for Wii U lets kids design new levels that they can share with friends, family members and even people around the world! In addition, nostalgic Nintendo fans will have fun playing alongside the kids in their life, as the game includes both modern and retro Mario styles.




Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
Kids will be able to explore their creativity on Sept. 25 with the release of Animal Crossing: Happy Home Edition. In the latest installment of the classic series, players can happily design the perfect houses (inside and out) for all their favorite Animal Crossing villagers. Every home can have a different look, from a game-themed bedroom to a water-themed living room – the sky's the limit! For added enjoyment, new amiibo cards let players add villagers into the game, each with his or her own design requests. Kids will also be able to collect and trade their favorite characters!"


  Remember the saying "All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy."?  Well it is never as true as when it comes to kids during the school year.  With all the work that is thrust upon them fun is even more important than ever!  Nintendo has always provided a way for kids to have fun while keeping their mind sharp-these titles are keeping true to that tradition!  I personally cannot wait to try out Mario Maker- this is one of the games I am most looking forward to playing with my kid- annnnnnnd by myself.  The RPG puzzle game: Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition helps the kids use their problem solving skills without even knowing it! While it keeps us adults up on our toes and our minds sharp!  Animal Crossing has a league of faithful followers that I am sure you are well aware of so this Happy Home Designer will be a must have for the kiddos and adults that have been following the franchise throughout the years!  Needless to say- I need all of these titles, and I am sure that your family will enjoy them as well!

Leap Frogs Word Whammer Review!

 

     Leapfrog has become a part of this family over the years. From our son's very first product from the company, My Pal Scout, we have not gone one Christmas or birthday without at least one of their products under our tree or in the birthday pile.  Then there's the endless watching and re-watching of their educational videos on Netflix, and the company's consistent products that are relevant and reach every age range, we definitely have a wide variety of their product line.

     I mean with products like the Leapster, Leap Pad and Magic Touch toys, including the guitar that is my personal favorite, how could you not keep going back to a company that produces such amazing toys, over and over again?  So when they asked me to review the Word Whammer, I was more than thrilled.  My son is preparing for Kindergarten in the fall, and this baby is just what he needs to prepare.

Portal Masters- Get Ready For Back To School With Skylanders!

     Portal Masters are about to bring the fun to school with these amazing new products!  Assorted backpacks, baseball caps, t shirts, pj's, band aids, fruit snacks, lunch kits pencil cases and more are all available at your favorite major retailers (ie Walmart and Target).  The prices will not break the bank going from $3 up to $30 so there will be something in your price range that will make your child delighted with their back to school goods! Whether it is getting your children  ready to defeat any homework foe with their brand spanking new backpack or enjoying a snack with Snap Shot and the gang with a new lunch bag! You will be bringing in the new year in the best way possible, with a smile on your kids face, and money still in your pocket!

                         ·     .

 Remember the highly anticipated fifth installment of the franchise, Skylanders SuperChargers, bringing vehicles-to-life, will launch September 20th featuring 20 new Skylanders Characters and matching vehicles. Special  guest stars Turbo Charged Donkey Kong and Hammer Slam Bowser will also be joining the franchise with their respective vehicles in an unprecedented partnership with Nintendo. For our full write up of whats to come go here! 

Keeping Healthy With The Help of Purell!

     Over the summer I was invited to Purell's Back To School Event to learn all about those icky sticky germs we are are all worried about.  The Mommy's Guide as well as other tri-state area bloggers got to talk to and learn from GoJo's (the company that owns Purell ) lead germ man Dr. Jim Arbogast; head of hand hygiene and father of three germy kids!  Also there was Dr. Laura Jana, spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics and part of the Global Hygiene Counsel for five years.  Together they broke myths wide open and educated us on the world of germs.

     Did you know that not all germs are the same?  Yep- it's true. There are two kinds of germs- Resident germs, which are normal inhabitants of the skin, as well as Transient germs, which are visitors to the skin, picked up from the environment.  Resident germs you cannot do anything about- in fact in some cases you don't want to do anything about them.  They are a very important part of our natural immune system so when using Purell you are fighting against the transient germs.
     The skin is a very strong natural barrier between yourself and germ warfare. However if you do not get rid of the transient germs with proper washing and good hygiene they can still get into your body easily by touching your face, eyes, mouth etc.
     As we head into the school year and approach the winter months we also enter into the germiest time of the year.  This is when you have everyone in close quarters.  We are all stuck inside with little fresh air and lots and of lots of transient germs.  Doorknobs, hand rails, technology devices (yes that includes your phone) public bathrooms, libraries, gyms, all of these places are just INFESTED with germs--leading to 70% of school absences being caused by colds and illness.  So what can you do?   Washing your face and hands continually for 20 seconds throughout the day as well as reducing how much you touch your face is a good start.  But if you cannot run to the bathroom every single time you touch one of these hot spots, Purell has the answer.

     Purell has 70% ethanol in it, yet evaporates rapidly, giving you that quick clean fix that you need after touching a doorknob, or public (and private) keyboard.  It is the top of the line in the hand sanitizing and that's because of all the work they did in their patented formula.  You may see other sanitizers with a higher ethanol count, but what you have to understand is Dr. Arbogast and his team wound up with 70% for a reason.  The alcohol in Purell removes transient germs while having a minimal effect on residential germs.  What is also important is for cosmetic and comfort reasons is the minimal amount of damage it does to your skin.  Any higher of a percentage can have damaging effects including cracking!  Formulation matters my friends!

     You may think you know how to use Purell, but you have no idea. Well no that's wrong, you do, but here are some tips anyway.  One full pump of Purell is the recommended dosage- It's true!   When you use Purell make sure you get your finger tips, finger pads, backs of your hand, and in between every finger to get the full effect from your usage.   Using Purell before and after you leave public buildings (like schools) will help not only to stop the spreading of germs, but will keep yourself more protected.
 

     I did a hand culture at the event; mind you I just washed my hands and then touched my cell phone before placing my hand in the goo. Then I did a quick wash with Purell. You can see the before and after results in this picture....Don't judge me.. Or my phone!

     As you can see there is a big difference between before and after using Purell on your hands.  It's scary, and impressive at the same time. As for my cell phone... Well I make sure to give it a good wipe down OFTEN now, which is easy to do with the new Purell wipes, now available at Walmart, Walgreens and CVS.