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Back to School 2020: Virtual Learning Tips

August 16, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Whether in person, virtual learning or home schooling, back to school looks much different than ever. Here are tips for how get it done and survive Back to School 2020.

Back in March 2020, most of us went to spring break for just a week, never to think we wouldn’t return to our classrooms. We were left with just a few weeks of school, doing whatever it was to make it to the finish line. Yet, here we go again, six months later, except we’re beginning the next “school year” in a different kind of limbo – not just how to complete a school year, but to hopefully educate our kids in the process and not lose our own minds. Welcome to back to school 2o20.

Move over Survivor…you couldn’t make this plot up and every parent is a forced participant. However, we’re all in it together and there are many things we can learn from each other especially with what’s working and what’s not. So here are some of our favorite tips for Back to School in 2020.

#1) How You Choose to School is a Personal Decision.

Back in the good ole days of January 2020…there were basically 3 options for school: there was school, home school and for some kids, virtual learning.

Yep, the good ole days.

Fast forward to now and we’ve changed all the options and how they work:

In-Person School: Remember that brick-to-mortar school?
- However, even going back to school includes learning environments with big changes including masks, minimized socializing, no sports, etc.

Virtual Learning: Coordinating with a school’s curriculum through an online format .
- Some people have referred to this as at-home school, but technically this is virtual learning and differs from home schooling.
- Some kids have chosen to do this for years, but most public schools are new to this and have spent months flipping to this system
- And for some families this has another hybrid using a pod-learning system with one parent acting as “coordinator” for virtual learning for multiple families

Home schooling: A parent creates and controls the learning flow / environment
- However many of the locations for field trips or on-site learning have changed so those aren’t available for resources for parent-teachers

Whatever option you had to make for back to school in 2020, it wasn’t easy and it doesn’t mean today’s decision is what you’ll end with. 2020 was the atypical year of pivot, change, pivot, change and if there’s any lesson we’ve all learned by now – flexibility is the key and the best plan is one that can change. So don’t judge or be critical of whether you’re doing the “right” thing…just give yourself a break. It’s good to learn from each other and hear all the pros and cons, but feel ok enough that when you come to a decision, you’re good with it and the kids are good with it (as best they can.) AND even more so, that if you change your mind – that’s ok too! There’s no right answer so if you find yourself discussing the same topic with a friend, just make sure to do it with no judgment.

Yes, basically, you do you.

#2) Create a Successful Set Up

Once you’ve made a decision, what’s next? For our school district, everyone is starting online to begin the year so that means everyone has to do it for at least a few weeks. So many parents are sharing their set ups on social media, so places like Facebook Groups, blogs and talking with friends have been my saving grace. Some of bought everything that IKEA and Walmart has online, while others are making use of dining room tables or adding their kids to their own home office set ups. Just remember, it’s about making a space to call your own. In our case we’ve made sure that their learning space isn’t in their bedroom but somewhere they have room to move a little, have access to all their needed supplies like paper, pencils and it’s in some organized fashion. I actually had a friend send this set up to me and I thought it was super resourceful especially for homes where the kid may have to move around when family members are on a call.

Otherwise there are several simple, inexpensive tables for purchase like these and these. This one is just $37 and I love that this desk folds up so if you need to move it for PE or need the space to be flexible. And remember that desk at IKEA? They have many options you can pickup curbside and have ready to roll tonight that are beautiful and have all kinds of drawers this desk folds up

For us and having two kids, that means two desks, two sets of supplies, two of everything. While I’d love if my house had four offices, it’s a house so it doesn’t. Until then, we’re going with something like this after school starts. The reason I’m waiting is you don’t know what’s going to work so until we get rolling, I’m not making any big purchases.

Photo: TribeSigns

Whatever you do, just make sure the technology works. Everyone on the network is going to cause it to strain especially if you have everything Zooming, streaming and all that at one time. Mesh networks allow your existing WiFi to stretch to areas of the house that might not have the best connection and right now are at an all-time low on Amazon.

#3) Make it Fun

Are we not having fun yet? Well, it should be…at least for the kids! So of course it could be different, but this is it for now and we need to make the best of it. Let the kids help with decor or making their own space – even if it’s a photo, decorating their binder or bringing their dolls to school to make it seem less lonely are all ok. It’s about their comfort level during a not-so-comfortable time.

For us we’re also creating menus just like our school (Taco Tuesday is going into full effect and if I can find the recipe for those rolls the lunch ladies make at the school that would be the best!) Sundays are a great day to prep it all out and get ready for the week, so have them do lunches while you work on dinner! Having their lunches also gives them some “normalcy” so it feels like school.

And theme days – like wear your favorite college shirt or backwards shirt day – is going to be important for keeping the spirit alive and a connection to their school. If you can’t purchase one, it’s time to make one together!

And the best biggest tip is having the schedule posted and quite possibly in multiple places! Having the schedule posted helps to help us remember when it’s time to log in and also when to log out! We all need to remember to walk away and take a break especially when you’re in the same place all the time. Walk around, take a social break (let them call a friend or message them) will also be a good one to keep things in check. Besides, these rules should apply for all of us!

Want to really know the secret to being the best at back to school this year?

Grit and grace.

That’s right. Give it to yourself, give it to others and remember we’re gonna get through this. Just breathe.

(And if you need a mask for you and your kids while you’re breathing away, these come in 10 packs #becausekids.)

Best Planners for Moms

January 1, 2020 By Autumn Rose Reo 294 Comments

Getting organized for the New Year or Back to School? Get it Together with these Best Planners for Moms.

Affiliate links may be included.

The beginning of the year is our mental reset button to get it together. Get a wrangle on things for you, your family, your meal planning and whatever else with an organizer/planner/agenda. Then carpool, after school activities, athletic practices and science projects that are suddenly due the next day can stay in stay in check (at least as much as possible!)

Before you click out of this browser because you’re running from reality, slow down, take a deep breath and take these next few weeks to get prepared and most importantly organized.

Maybe you’re a digital woman who swears by the Google or their Outlook calendar. Click away, my friends. But for the more lady who literally needs to “pencil something in,” here the best mom planners and agendas that will make this year a piece of cake.

Best Planner: CARRIE ELLE // Website

What started as a blog and meal planner, has turned into a brand and a storefront dedicated to making life a little more beautiful and organized. From your 21-Day Fix, family meal planning, budgeting, a full 12-month agenda, digital downloads and now even journals for bullet journaling, Carrie Elle is a mom that has taken her best practices and made them easier for the rest of us with her favorite prints, inspirational quotes and more. that And because your job often includes meal planning, groceries and how to get it all done, make sure to check out the Meal Planner from Carrie Elle for her specially formatted book to help you look at meal planning and grocery shopping in a whole new way with perforated lists, calendars and ideas.

Best Planner: INKWELL PRESS // Website

From the moment you open the box your inkWELL liveWELL planner, you know you’re not just getting a planner, but a new lifestyle. Designed with the goal of educating women to empower themselves through organization, these planners aren’t just a cute worksheets and tabs, but actually supplied educational resources to help you customize your inkWELL Press products (meal planning, exercise, etc.) to suit the specifics of your lifestyle. From videos, free downloads and weekly emails, you are armed and ready to create a better life with this planner. (Plus the couple behind the brand are SMU alums, so I’m biased for a little local.)

[See this special look at the Inkwell Press liveWELL planner.]

Best Planner: ERIN CONDREN // Website

These planners are relatively new, but have quickly become a favorite amongst women in all walks of life. Whether you’re a freshman starting out in college or the mom of a cute kindergartner or the kindergarten teacher, these life planners are the perfect way to stay organized in style. Erin Condren planners can be purchased in either read to ship options or you can customize it to your specific needs. Start the creative process by choosing from dozens of covers, from metallic golds to classic prints, or upload your own design. Agendas are available in 12 month, 17 month, and basically however you need it. Weekly layouts can be made vertical or horizontal and includes a section for notes, to-dos or weekly goals. Planner accessories from sticker books to pop up markers, elastic bands and more can be purchase to add personality to your daily organizer.

Best Planner: GIGI NEW YORK // Website

For the ladies who are searching for a little of sophistication in their planner, look no further than the Gigi New York Notebook. The ultimate in style and fashion with embossed python leather notebook planners are handmade in a factory in Long Island and feature month and week-at-a-view appointment pages. The covers come in several classic and jewel tone colors and be personalized with your initials if available. The premier brand for datebooks, Gigi New York makes notebooks for major retailers including Barney’s, Neiman Marcus and Henri Bendel.

Best Planner: TOOLS 4 WISDOM // Website

A Tools4Wisdom 2017 Planner has been crafted for this purpose through question-driven planning and daily schedules that emphasize on the essential. Each planning page serves as a compass to plan on doing more of what we love – and less of the opposite. These calendars give you at-a -glance insight about your daily schedule, next appointments, and events. A desktop organizer is a fast and simple tool to keep your office schedule organized, all year round. Not only will you have a 2017 planner handy at all times, you’ll also have an ample and comfortable journal for writing.

Best Planner: OLIVIA SOPHIA // Website

Named after her daughter, Olivia Sophia is a line centered on sharing faith, world empowerment and love through paper. With several products from wedding planning to gift bags, each is an expression of beauty. One of its biggest products is the Marriage & Grace planner. “PERFECT for the wife that loves to include date nights, meal planning and weekly prayer request into your schedule. It include budget sheets and family meeting pages. It’s the planner that leaves no one out and helps to keep you on track while staying focused on God first, marriage and family second and grace as the standard.”

Best Planner: MOM AGENDA // Website

This agenda is sleek, stylish, and functional day planner and organizer for moms, and all women in general, to help you feel relaxed, at peace and in control of your whole life. momAgenda is on a mission to help organize busy moms everywhere with unique day planners and other organizational products. momAgenda has been featured in Real Simple and The New York Times and has even been featured on The Today Show. Celebrity moms like Felicity Huffman, Cindy Crawford, and Reese Witherspoon rave about momAgenda! The unique layout helps moms manage multiple schedules and features space for mom and up to four kids (or one for your spouse.) This planner features two ribbons to mark important places, monthly and weekly views and writing space for to—do list and notes like meal planning, movie night, party planning and more.

These are just a few agendas available to help you get started with your planning. Most of these are in high demand, so make sure you order one before they sell out!

Rock it: Best Tips for Getting Back to School

August 26, 2018 By Autumn Rose Reo 7 Comments

Got back to school under your belt? Now’s the time to get the rest of your school year rollin’ with these tips for getting back to school!

Affiliate links may be included.

Back to school.

That time of the year when you’re just about to start enjoying the summer time and then you look at the calendar and see that “Meet the Teacher” is next week.

That time of the year when you’re out to scavenge through all your kids clothes to see how many more days you can make that one pair of shoes work before your kid’s toe actually peeks out.

That time of the year when you have to all have to get back in a routine of the morning marathon to get to school before the first bell rings.

So we’ve put together the Best Tips for Getting Back to School to help you make the rest of the year rock and roll!

You Go First

This may seem to contradict everything, but before you the fire drill started, make time for you! Yes, get yourself up, get dressed, get your coffee and then press go. If you are hitting the floor feeling like you’ve already lost the game, you will. Start off the day ready to take it on full steam and the rest of the family will take that on, too.

Make Time for Meals

Don’t skip breakfast!

Without a little healthy fuel to get things going, you’re setting up their day (and yours) for full-on suckage. So make sure they get something in their belly – even if it’s eaten in the car or walking to class.

Here are several of our go-to recipe favorites for back to school breakfast.

Use your slow cooker to create breakfast the night before. Oatmeal, egg casseroles, and even french toast are A-MAZING in the slow cooker. (Actually, the slow cooker is a super friend for every meal!)
Use Sundays to make your breakfasts and then freeze them for the whole week including pancakes, muffins, and even donuts!
For those even harder mornings, have a few items around that are you’re go-tos. Go for easy items that you can grab and go or even leave in your car (great for snack times later.)
- Jimmy Dean Egg Scramblers make morning meal time easy – all the ingredients are together, so you just cook and go.
- GoGo SqueeZ applesauce and yogurtZ that don’t have to be refrigerated, so you can keep them in your purse for those last-minute surprises so you always have something healthy handy.

Added Nutrition: Banana Bread made with yogurt or applesauce (Check out this Banana Bread recipe)

Plan for lunches and snacks in advance!

Don’t ever wait until the last minute to fill up the lunch box.

I have the kids immediately after school make/ their meal for tomorrow so we don’t forget for the next day. When you’re done, I check it to ensure a healthy lunch box.
When it comes to snacks after school, have healthy ones stocked up so the kids make good choices. Preparing healthy snack stations in the fridge, in the pantry, or even your car will help keep the kids sustained until dinner. (A lunch/snack station is a handy way to put it all together and teach them how to do it – with a little guidance!)

Prep and Plan

Prep the Wardrobe

Start off the week by setting out clothing or working with your child to pick outfits for the whole week. Place them in an organizer like this to make it easy to pull out each day. They not only learn responsibility, but also team work with you. Plus it will save you so much wasted time during the week with “what do I wear mom?”

Since kids need to change sizes almost every three months, what’s the need to stock up the closet more than one season in advance. Buy what they need for that time and alternate. Also, save lots of dollars by sharing with other families who have kids only a year older than them to pass on their clothes with they outgrow them and always make use of consignment events like Just Between Friends Fort Worth.

Plan your work, work your plan

I cannot recommend to you more the importance of a good planner to organize your family’s schedule. Whether it’s paper or electronic, having a planner that works for mom and the rest of the family is crucial. This also includes organizing all the important info you need in one place like a family binder to keep your information at the tip of the finger.

I like online organization including Google Calendars (I have 12) plus always having a notepad handy when I need to make notes and keep thoughts organized.
For the paper people, there are so many options available. This planner has people buying it left and right! And planning doesn’t just mean putting in the appointments. You’ll want to meal plan, I suggest this Meal Planner from Carrie Elle with perforated lists, meal plans and much more!

Get it Together

Homework It

Homework isn’t fun for anyone, so streamline the fights and keep it focused with a Homework Station. This will make this less-than-fun activity easier for all of you. Outline expectations, have an area set up with pens, paper, sharpener, light, and with no distractions. If the kids have to be on the computer, make sure there’s no way to have them get on other activities like YouTube or another social media. And remember, if they’re old enough, take away the phone.

Then here’s the biggie: sign what you need to, check the homework, and then pack up the backpack for in the morning. This way all you have to do is grab and go!

Time it Out

Setting up a routine and assignment chores isn’t just for you – it will make it easier for them know when and what things are going to happen. Using this template, you can set up the rules and stick to them for bedtimes, wake up times, and chores!

Click here to download your customizable template.

However, the two biggest things you need to remember to really be a rockstar parent:

Say no – there’s no need to try to do everything, everywhere and all the time!
Sundays are your friends for making the other 6 days rock and roll!

Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

July 30, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Need a quick way to get ready for back in the routine? Today we’ve laid out three simple steps to getting organized for Back to School and a little inspiration from At Home Stores. With their new Back to Campus Collection, you can send off your student in style or get your “family control center” ready for a successful new school year. Thanks to At Home for partnering with us to getting our school year into high gear the right way!

The countdown to back to school is on.

Part of me feels like “already?”…the other part says, “let’s do it.”

“Let’s be prepared. Let’s get a design to get organized.” (Only words a mom can appreciate.)

I know we’ll be a hot mess by November, but remember, “work your plan, plan your work…”

We have a small area in our home that quadruples as a laundry room, gift wrapping/project room, mud room, pantry/appliance room…among other things. With a small room like that with so many purposes, you have to be smart with the space and how we treat it. Otherwise, it becomes a huge mess of everything and the “Land of where you can’t find anything.”

But with the help of At Home store’s new Back to Campus Collection, I was able to put to stock up on baskets, containers, and décor. These items, along with three tips, I was able to get it under control and get ready to roll for back to school!

3 Steps to Getting Organized for Back to School

Cut the Clutter
Create a Collection
Keep it Cute

Cut the Clutter

Just start with two piles – to throw away or to keep. The “stuff” you don’t know what to do with goes in its own pile labeled trash or donation. But don’t think long, you don’t, you won’t, so sort quickly and rely on that intuition to get it done.

I purchased three of these large baskets from At Home and was able to immediately start putting things into their spot – to file, to throw away, to give away, and to put somewhere else!

Create the Collection

During the Cut the Clutter process, you’ll find out real quick what types of things you have in the space and how they can go together. For us, it was school stuff to keep, reading materials, things to file, and blog stuff. Then I was able to figure out how many plastic bin/containers I needed to put the like items away.

Baskets and containers make the world go ‘round when you’re organizing and At Home has aisles of them of every color, shape and size. Once you’ve decided what you want to put together, find a basket that fits it, and get to sorting.

Keep it Cute

Last of all, keep it cute. Why should being organized be sterile? With the At Home Back to Campus Collection, you have so many options of items that multitask as utility and décor. Just by adding a little pop of color against the color white or a contrasting shade can really make an impression. And of course, having a few words of encouragement or something that makes you happy each time you walk by does put a little bright spot in your day, especially when you’re going through calendars, to-dos, and checking homework.

With these three steps, you’re well on your way to a productive and effective space – no matter what size it is. For more tips, especially if you’re moving to a new dorm or apartment, then check out this Move-In Checklist.

Check out your At Home for Getting Back to School and your home store needs all year long!

What do you do to get ready for Back to School?

Why Children’s Consignment Sales Are a Must-Do

February 16, 2016 By Autumn Rose Reo 21 Comments

Keeping your kids clothed, toyed, and prepped for each milestone is hard (on your schedule and your wallet.) Here’s 10 reasons why Children’s Consignment Sales are a parent’s best friend.

When I was a new mom, I was overwhelmed with the NEED and WANT to purchase clothes for my son. Between getting the right size (for that week) and then having something adorable to show him off in (also that week), I felt I was constantly at the store. I was buying clothes ALL the time. And let’s not even count how much money I was spending. Only to find three weeks later, we were in another size, I found something cuter I wanted, or he had spit all over it. (Sad mama.)

Skip ahead two years – I heard from a friend about a huge consignment sale (like the largest in Texas) called Just Between Friends Fort Worth that moms were VOLUNTEERING to work at because the event was that good you wanted to get in early. However, it was enough to pique my interest, so off I went to check it out.

What I found was the motherland for kid-everything. While I didn’t know I needed to bring these must-haves since it was my first time, I did figure out that this was the secret of how I could now afford more time and less money on kids’ clothes (and a whole lot) more. Now I never miss a JBF sale – ever and once you go, you won’t either.

10 Reasons Why Children’s Consignment Sales are a Must-do for Parents

1. You’ll find items that are mom-tested, mom-approved.
The process to have clothes allowed to be at JBF is strict, so just because these clothes have been worn by other kids, don’t worry – they are taken care of to the highest degree. Basically, this is good stuff! And one extra big tip: Since parents get to put their consigned outfits in the aisle, they often place them together in one size. So I’ve often found if I find a cute outfit for my daughter, I’ll find someone has the same style as me already grouped together. (Some consignors even put a bow or ribbon on them so you’ll know to look for them.

2. JBF is made for new parents, seasoned parents and even grandparents.
If you have never been to JBF, no worries – we’ve you covered. First if you’re expecting or are a grandparent, you should check out the website to get free admission (but do it quick before the deadline!) Next, you should definitely plan to go early so you can find the best of the best ready for you to find (believe me, there is a reason that parents volunteer for the early pass. Last, make sure to take a look at our “Tips to Your First JBF.”

{COUPON ALERT}

2. At flat-bottom prices, you can afford to get 10 outfits (or more) for the price of one brand new at the store.
No more trying to find a coupon or save up for a sale. Just walk in and be ready to save with cheap prices that are easy on the budget. (At the end of the sale, they even put the rest of the items on 50% off already low prices.)

3. You can think seasons in advance.
Is your kid in between sizes or do you want to get jeans that’ll last through the school year (growing boys are the worst?) You can affort to buy more than a season at a time at JBF. (If you really want to stretch your dollar, bring this checklist with you.)

4. Toys, clothes, and furniture that are in stores now can be found at the sale.
It never ceases to amaze me that I’ll walk through a sale and find the same things you were looking at buying full price at the store. For instance, looking for a table and chairs to add to the kids’ playroom? Well wood never goes out of style and unless you work at Pottery Barn, you probably can’t figure out the difference between last season’s brown table and this season’s. And it’ll be much, much cheaper.

5. Consignment sales are safer than Craigslist, online apps, and garage sales.
This is a biggy with me. I’ve done them all and have found some great deals. But not without strategizing where the safest place to meet the seller or the time it takes to drive around a neighborhood and go through piles of stuff that definitely hasn’t gone through any quality control process. Never again, no matter how great the deal!

6. You can buy for Easter, Halloween, Christmas and more.
One of the coolest things about JBF is finding already put together Easter baskets in the spring and Halloween bags for super low prices. And these aren’t like baskets with crappy chocolate. These are bags with toys and things that the kids would love already tied up and ready to give. Why wouldn’t you buy these?

7. Bring the big bag.
The parents that come here are prepped and ready to shop. Parents work together on how to get the best deals, who volunteers, who shops and even what type of bag, basket, roller suitcase, they are going to use to bring it all home. For those of you that wonder how you’re going to load up the mega deals you think you might find like on furniture, there’s normally a few dads working the event to help you load up your awesome score. So bring the bag and get ready to save.

8. Recycle and Re-Earn.
JBF doesn’t just help you save money, they can help you earn it, too. Consider being a consignor and you you can earn money by selling the clothes back after your child is done.

9. Left over clothes that you consign are donated to charity.
If you consign clothes and they don’t sell, you have to options – either to pick them up and then give them to someone else who needs them or have JBF donate them to charity. This is probably where you were going to take them anyways, so why wouldn’t you start first to earn a little money, too?

10. Now you can afford to spend more on other things like events, experiences and things that you can’t find here.
Not everything can be purchased on a discount. So if there’s something you’ve wanted to buy, have, or do with the kids, if you save money on things like toys and clothes, you have more to spend on going to do fun things like dinner night out or even save up for that trip to Disney.

Raise Smarter, Healthier and Happier Kids by Playing

September 22, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 16 Comments

Gone are the days of going outside to play, tossing a baseball or football in the cul de sac, and riding bikes for hours in the neighborhood. Scary stories about innocent children being abducted made us all nervous about the whereabouts of our kids, and the debut of fancy mobile devices and high-tech video games made outdoor fun seem a little lame.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the technology. I rely on it to work and also enjoy my Pinterest time in bed after hours. However, there is something magical about simply playing with others, and discovering the world with just your imagination.

And that’s what the Genius of Play campaign is all about. Kids need a variety of play options to develop into well-rounded adults. From running around the yard to enjoying arts and crafts or enjoying group games, these day-to-day interactions are actually experiences children will take with them in life…even if THEY don’t realize that.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend at least 60 minutes of open-ended play. Experts agree by teaching kids lessons and important life skills, play has a profound impact on childhood development. It improves cognitive abilities, hones communication skills, increases creativity, helps children process and express emotions, develops physical skills and enhances social skill.

Kids who play with literacy materials, like pretending to read to stuffed animals, have better languages abilities in kindergarten. Playing make-believe games is actually essential for kids who to develop a sense of curiosity and learn how to respond to different situations. Talking, singing, reading and playing are the best ways to stimulate children’s brain development.

There are dozens of surveys and studies about excessive use of technology for small children, but so far, I’m not seeing any disadvantages to good old-fashioned play time. These games are actually a fun teaching tool and interactive way you can engage with your kids.

And it doesn’t take a lot to do some of these activities. Whether the sun is shining or it’s pouring down raining outside, any day is perfect for play. Plus, with the weather cooling off, or at least it should in a few weeks, now is a perfect time to try out these fun games.

The hardest part of is probably going to be convincing your children to try out a new kind of unstructured fun and honestly making time each week with everything else you have going on. But it’s something that could have a life-changing impact on your child. Maybe you won’t see it immediately, but there will be long-term positive results, even if it’s nothing more than spending quality time with your family.

I didn’t grow up with any of fancy devices children have today. The fanciest thing we had was Fisher Price’s brown tape player and a Snoopy Snow Cone Maker. Still, I would like to believe that my development as an adult is directly related to the imaginative free play I had growing up. I made the most memories playing with my friend Shana at my grandparents’ backyard all summer, making four-course meals out of mud, grass and pecans.

Funny enough not much has changed except now I’m old enough to use the stove.

Is it Time for You to Go Back to School, too?

September 1, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 20 Comments

The last few weeks have been full of making preparations, gathering school supplies, and winding down the last days of summer, so we all could send off the kids for another year of school.

Then the day came to whisk them off to beat the first bell in their first-day-of-school outfits with new backpacks to encounter another new adventure.

I’m not sure that day who was more scared or excited…me or them.

I know while I will always treasure the time I had with them as babies, I know it’s time for all of us to move to the next stage of our lives as a family, to grow, to expand, and to create the best future for all of us. And as I drove away in my rarely quite car, for the first time in a long time, I finally have a chance to really think about me and what it is I want to be able to do not just with my day, but my future.

As the first four-year college graduate in my family, I was excited to walk across the stage, accept my degree, and go take on the world. While I was blessed to have a good job that offered me tons of experience, responsibility, and travel at a young age, eventually, getting married and starting a family also became part of the plan… and the work thing had to share a little of my time.

Like many parents whose stories sound very similar, somewhere along the way, life took over and I was able to be there for those little steps, big spills and all the other stuff along the way. However, now that nap time and potty training aren’t on the schedule for me, I’ve started spending a lot more time looking into my kids’ education, how they learn and how I can help. I mean we can all agree that school is not what it used to be, but now with kids “in the system,” I feel a huge sense of responsibility to be an active participant in the education process.

~~Lucky for me~~ Through a lot of hard work, while I was working those early years in corporate America, I was also able to earn a masters degree in training and development through the miracle of the Internet. The flexibility to be able to work, travel and still go to school “on my time” was something I’m so thankful I did; not just for the benefit of having a degree, but for being able one day to share with my children as an example to “always reach for the stars.” That degree has helped me not just professionally in my career, but often to be able to understand and communicate with others through technology, and give back to my community.

Although that time was over seven years ago and the world of online education has only improved with increased flexibility, options and the variety of degrees you can…at home, at Starbucks or where ever you need to be in front of a computer.

Kaplan University is a great option for parents like myself looking to figure out how a degree in education can be the right fit to make your next step. Whether you’re considering becoming a teacher to increase your family’s income or broadening your educational expertise, the School of Education Virtual Advisor helps identify a graduate education degree and specialization that supports your goals. Through the VA, you’ll also learn that a degree in education is a vast career with choices in traditional educational environments like a school or university, but also jobs in non-profits, corporations and more with a degree in educational psychology.

Ready to embark on your own adventure in going back to school? See if Kaplan University is the right choice for you.

Quick and Easy Meals for Back to School

August 21, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 19 Comments

Awwww… Back to School.

The time in which the mad hustle to get meals for your children along with the 101 other things that have to happen that day. AND in a perfect world that have some source of nutrition and don’t take three hours to make.

So we’ve put together a few ideas that not only will make your life easier, but also will get your kids healthy grub in their tummies and maybe a few extra minutes of your day back. (And don’t we all want that!)

3 Quick Tips to Remember

Meals don’t have to be hard. Just because you saw it on Pinterest doesn’t mean it’s your personal responsibility to do it, too. However, there’s nothing a matter with experimenting.
Make your kids help you. It will do wonders for you and also teach them how to be healthier eaters and more independent.
The name of the game is time. Spend 20-30 minutes on Sunday prepping or 10 minutes the night before and you’ll be rockin’ and rollin’ all week long.

School Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast Cereal Bars // recipe
And you don’t even have to cook them!

Energy Balls // recipe
A super treat that’s no cook and no fuss for any meal of the day (I love these)

Breakfast Cookies // recipe
One of my favorite recipe I found from Gold Medal flour, clean out your pantry with these no-cook bars

Applesauce Muffins // recipe
Just use a package of Gogo squeeZ in your muffin mix and you just added a 2/3 cup of natural apples with vitamins and minerals (and you don’t always have to tell them you did that either!)

Breakfast “Lunchables”
Are mornings your hardest trying to get everyone dressed, fed and out the door? Make breakfast the night before for easy prep and even eating on the way to school!

Gotta love the cute firetruck lunchbox from Thermos! And you can’t really go wrong with Jack Links jerky for snacking all day long! However, I suggest you throw in a Bath and Body Works travel size antibacterial cleaner in fun colors to get your kids to wash their hands before and after they eat to stop the spread of germs!

School Lunch Ideas

Lunchbox Sushi // recipe
It’s fun to eat sandwiches again (and throw in some more veggies, too.)

Macaroni and Cheese
Add 1/2 cup of steam and smashed cauliflower or winter squash to their favorite mac n cheese recipe for added nutrition.

Most of all, Make it Fun // video // video
Cookie cutters, fun muffin tins, toothpicks, their favorite characters…add a little bit of fun that can brighten up both your days (and we’re talking just seconds here!)

Also make sure to check out my other back to school ideas solutions (and giveaways) for your mamachallenges right now!

My Day to Play Oprah: Dorm Room Makeover

August 20, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I admit, there are days I think my job is more awesome than others. But today was one of those moments that I got to play “Oprah.” While I didn’t give away any cars, I did get to redo an entire dorm for four girls at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth with a lot of help from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Just check this video out of what we did to two of the rooms!

How to Save on Back to School Clothes

August 14, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 6 Comments

Back to school time means getting the kids ready with everything from new supplies and of course, new back to school clothes.

If you have smaller elementary-aged kiddos, you have to buy clothes every year because hey, they grow like weeds. And if you have older kids in middle school or high school, they are probably way too good to wear last year’s wardrobe. As if!

So to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket and keep smiles on your kids’ faces, here are a few options of places to shop for this year’s clothes. And the best part — many of these help you save by smart surfing on the internet or you can pick up right now!

thredUP // website

This online consignment shop specializes in providing high quality like-new clothes at reliably low prices for baby, youth and moms! You can score top brands like J. Crew, Gap, Zara, Gymboree and Janie and Jack and more for up to 90% off. You can also send clothing for consignment for consideration as well with this easy kit and they pay the shipping!

thredUP has partnered up with Adopt-a-Classroom to recognize those special teachers for Raise a Hand for Teachers. Now until Aug. 23, nominate a teacher to win $2,500 for classroom supplies and many other prizes…learn more about this great program.

Sign up for thredUP though mamachallenge.com you’ll get $20 off your first purchase with this link!

Schoola // website

schoola offers quality clothing at up to 70% off retail and 40% of proceeds benefit kids by funding music, art, PE and more. school. Any school or family can participate, just get your free donation bag to organize a drive. They make it easy by going on the website. Plus, they offer the best fundraiser with savings going back to families and the benefits too. Brands including Adidas, Gap Kids, Justice, OshKosh B’Gosh and others are available.

Sign up for schoola with CODE and get 30% off your first purchase!

Just Between Friends // website

Twice a year parents and grandparents in the know make plans for Just Between Friends. This is THE children’s, teens’, and maternity consignment sales event for everything (clothes, toys and furniture) where you get 50-90% off retail. (You can score great Halloween and other seasonal items here, too!)

Want to save big? The secret to this event is to have a plan! Think ahead and bring a basket, bag, or rolling hangar cart while you shop for this season and next. And definitely think in seasons for each of your kids. Create your plan by downloading this free printable checklist to keep you organized and on budget for big savings at JBF!

There are several JBF sales throughout DFW, but the first and the largest is the Just Between Friends Fort Worth at Will Rogers Memorial Center – Amon Carter, Sept. 3-13. Consignors and first-time parents and grandparents get early access by signing up on the website. Also new this year, there are free passes for teachers and homeschoolers, so make sure to sign up OR get a free admission September 6 with this coupon!

Kid to Kid // website

A full time store with 15 locations around the Metroplex, Kid to Kid is how I first began saving money. Needed a toy or a new outfit for my kiddo, I went to Kid to Kid for anything and everything. Bring in your kids gently used outgrown items, shop around as it gets appraised and receive cash or credit on the spot. Stores are locally owned and locally stocked = Plano, Bedford, Rockwall, Grapevine, Arlington, Garland, Allen, Frisco, Lewisville, McKinney, Burleson, Fort Worth, Lake Worth, Greenville and Weatherford. They also own Upscale Cheapskate for teens and adults.

Facebook Garage Sales // website

Forget the driveway, post, find and buy all kinds of items from clothing to furniture to toys and book on the Facebook Garage Sales. Sales are usually local and organized by homeowners associations, PTAs, school groups and other organizations. Garage sales are private and free for users.

ebates // website

Start here before you shop online (period.) Right now they have a special tab just for back to school with huge rebates from 4 – 12%. Also there’s a toolbar to install to get you there even faster and so you don’t forget to use ebates. Every 3 months, you’ll receive a cashback payment (at least $5) for purchases posted during the previous quarter – call your BIG FAT CHECK. And if you do other promotions or coupons, there’s no problem using ebates either. This site is perfect during the holidays if your outlet doesn’t have a free shipping option.