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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

Tips for the First-Timer’s First Day of School

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SponsoredPostDisclaimer

Eliminate back-to-school anxiety for first-time students. To make your child’s very first day of school less overwhelming, we’re sharing some precious and practical products to get the smallest students excited about the big day.


MAKE & KEEP A ROUTINE // Free AM & PM Schedule Schedule 

Key Features: 

  • Kids learn best with routine, structure and schedules
  • Helpful for both parents and kids to get into the swing of things
  • This easy printable can be ready to use with a one-click PDF or download to recreate your own
  • Free from mamachallenge.com

Kids-Routine-Chart

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP = A GOOD DAY AT SCHOOL // BSensible Fitted Crib Sheet Select

Key Features:

  • 2 in 1 fitted sheet and waterproof mattress protector that is made from 100% natural and sustainable material
  • Breathable fabric
  • Made from 100% natural product that is soft, smooth and rustle-free (noiseless-won’t make noise like other mattress protectors when kids roll and move in bed)
  • Material is Antibacterial, Hypoallergenic and Regenerative, as well as, Dust mite proof! Perfect for babies and kids with skin and respiratory allergies
  • Available in 8 different colors
  • MSRP: $39.99 and Up
  • Available in Toddler, Twin and Full Sizes for kids

Available online at us.bsensible.com

SUPER COOL, LIGHTWEIGHT BACKPACK WILL GET KIDS EXCITED TO GO TO SCHOOL // Lassig’s Mini Quilted Backpack distributed by HABA USA

Key Features:

  • Durable, quilted bag from Lassig is built tough.
  • Perfect for school with room for books, folders
  • Front zipper pocket for pencils and pens, large main zipper pocket, two side pockets, snap hook and name badge.
  • Weighs only about half a pound and is made of 100% polyester.
  • Adjustable shoulder strap have reflective strips and are padded for comfort and feature an adjustable chest trap for added support.
  • Available in 3 bold and bright patterns
  • Ages 3-6.
  • MSRP: $49.99

Available at HABAusa.com

SUPPORT LEARNING AT HOME WITH EDUCATIONAL GAMES // Clever Bear Learns to Count by HABA USA

Key Features:

  • Learn to count with the clever bear in this 4 in 1 educational game
  • Familiarizes the children with counting from 1 to 10 and first arithmetic, with the help of the counting threader and the dice with symbols or numbers
  • For 2 to 5 players, ages 3 +
  • Made of sturdy cardboard and wood
  • Made in Germany
  • MSRP: $24.99

This and many, many other educational games for all ages are available at HABAusa.com

POCKET-SIZED BUDDIES FOR SMARTER TABLET TIME // DigiPuppets 

Key Features:

  • World’s first touch screen sensitive finger puppets: Honey Bunny and Zip the Zebra
  • Connect the 3d world with 4 DigiPuppets apps
  • Create a magical world of learning
  • Kids love the stories and characters
  • Parents love that they are learning skills for school and for life
  • They work on any iPad, iPhone or Android device
  • Download the apps on iTunes and Google Play

Get the puppets on DigiPuppets.com for $14.99

HELLO SCHOOL, GOOD-BYE TEETH // Tug and the Tooth

Key Features:

  • Set includes Tug, a lovable plush tooth-shaped character
  • Backpack to hold a child’s lost tooth
  • Beautifully illustrated story about a little girl’s first loose tooth.
  • Tug is all about adventure and celebrates kids who are brave enough to take on new challenges like starting school!
  • Makes a great back-to-school gift for kiddos anxiously awaiting their first “wiggly” tooth.
  • Ages 4-10 years
  • MSRP: $29.95

Available at TugandtheTooth.com

Chalkboard

What’s your best Back t0 School tip? 

 

 

Keep Rolllin’ with Easy Lunch Box Sushi

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This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Weave Made Media®, and Hillshire Farm®, but all my opinions are my own. #weavemade #HillshireNaturals http://my-disclosur.es/RgFrEH.

I’d like to say that there was a time in the day where things slowed down, but they don’t.

The morning is a mad dash to the first of many destinations.  Lunch often doesn’t even get a moment to be recognized except when you hear my stomach. And dinner is the brief moment between getting home, homework and getting back to unfinished work.


So any meal that doesn’t require more than five minutes and is healthy to eat, is a win-win in my book – whether it’s for the kids or for me!

Hillshire-Farms-Lunch

Thankfully, Hillshire Farm is taking time for the important things like choosing the best farms and the best cuts of meat, to make natural lunch meats that are 100% natural and even better, 100% guaranteed you’re gonna like ’em!

We can take down a container of Hillshire Farm in just one sitting at any meal of the day, but  I don’t feel bad because it’s it’s free of artificial ingredients, colors, preservatives, gluten and 97% fat free.

Save $0.75 on any ONE (1) Hillshire Farm Naturals® Black Forest Ham or Honey Roasted Ham with this digital coupon available through the Just4U online portal.  *** Expires 8/9/15. (While Supplies Last)

However, wanting to change it up a bit, we made a way to make a quick, fun, easy and “creative” way to put a few vegetables into the mix with this lunch box sushi made with Hillshire Farm Naturals Ham I found at Tom Thumb.

Hillshire-Farm-Sushi

By taking items always found in the fridge, like our favorite Hillshire Farm Honey Roasted Ham, carrots, spinach, string cheese and white bread, I made up a meal that’s paired perfect with fresh fruit or a snack that can be eaten with my fingers while still working on the hustle and bustle of the day like in the car or on the computer!

Finally you have something that keeps you rollin’ all day and even mix up with other items like eggs, Hillshire Farm ham and cheese for breakfast!  And finally there’s also a lunch meat that taste good, is good for you and best of all is good for your budget!

Don’t you ❤️ it when you find your favorite healthy go-to AND its on sale? #HillshireNaturals #WeaveMade #ad

A photo posted by MamaChallenge.com | Autumn Reo (@autumnreo) on

And Hillshire Farm® goes one step further with a “Love It or We’ll Eat It” Guarantee to try the new Hillshire Farm Naturals. If you love it, they’ll donate a meal to someone in need and if you don’t, you get your money back! It’s that easy!

If you want another idea for a great way to enjoy Hillshire Farm Naturals for dinner, check out this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe the whole family will love and you’ll love that it’s on the table in under 30 minutes!

Lunchbox-Dinners

 

Get Teachers Back to School with #RaiseAHand

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Disclaimer

Last year was my son’s first year of school. Like every mom I thought my child was superkid; supersmart and super ready for anything that first grade threw at him.

What I learned is that while there were some areas he did wonderfully at, some areas he just wasn’t cutting it. To make sure he didn’t fall behind, it required not only he and I work together at night, but weekly tutoring with his teacher AFTER school. Each week she met with him separately for an hour to work on homework. Not as part of a special fee; not as something we did for just a few months, but throughout the whole year. It wasn’t easy, but it made a huge difference for him going forward and his attitude on school (especially reading!)


I can’t tell if he’s scared out of his mind or so excited he can’t wait! Probably both; I know I am! #backtoschool @thebroadcasttv

A photo posted by MamaChallenge.com | Autumn Reo (@autumnreo) on

Teachers like Mrs. Morales at Viridian Elementary deserve to be recognized not just for their great teaching, but because of their attitude to go”over and beyond.”

Did you know? According to AdoptAClassroom.org:

  • Teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money each year to equip their classrooms
  • 70% of teachers have even purchased apparel items like jackets, socks and shoes for their students
  • 1 in 3 teachers are actually buying clothes for students (along with school supplies) with money from their own pockets

ThredUp

My new favorite website to find back to school clothes for 90% off retail, thredUP.com, has partnered with AdoptAClassroom.org to recognize and thank teachers for their hard work and the positive impact they make each day on our children’s lives, just like Mrs. Morales did for my son.

[Tweet “I nominated Ms. Morales! Please vote for her! #RaiseAHand for teachers with @thredUP & @Adopt_classroom: http://bit.ly/1IHMV67 “]

Now until August 23, you can nominate a teacher you think is deserving to win money for their classrooms and a credit with thredUP. Three teachers each win $2,500 for classroom supplies and $500 to thredUP. 50 runner-up winners receive $100 to thredUP. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 8.


Read other inspiring nominations and watch an adorable video of kids thanking teachers at http://www.thredUP.com/Teachers.

 So what teacher will you #RaiseaHand for? 

Three Healthy Back-to-School Recipes in Three Minutes

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Today is a big day for our family! We have a first grader! Isn’t he adorable?

Not only does that mean he’s getting older, but that mama has a whole new set of challenges to get a healthy breakfast on the table in the mornings, tasty lunches that my kid will want to eat and have nutritious dinner made for my family – and that’s EVERYDAY!


B2School

So I shared some of my shortcuts today on GOOD MORNING TEXAS that hopefully can make it a little bit easier for all of us, especially on this first day BACK-TO-SCHOOL!

Breakfast 

Who doesn’t like donuts for breakfast?!? However, these are made with applesauce and tons of other healthy stuff that make it good to eat donuts! Did I also mention they are Paleo and Gluten-free, too!

Print
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Healthy Honey Donuts (Paleo & Gluten Free)

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 1 cup of applesauce (I prefer apple-cinnamon Go Go squeeZ)
  • 1/ cup melted coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1 cup quinoa flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp honey to dip or drizzle on donut

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat donut pan with melted coconut oil.
  2. Add bananas and applesauce to food processor and blend into smooth
  3. Pour into a large mixing bowl and add coconut oil, vanilla, egg and honey and whisk until egg is combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and mix until incorporated.
  5. Pour dry ingredients unto wet and mix thoroughly.
  6. Pour batter into donut pan.
  7. Bake for approx. 20-25 minutes, until dough bounces back after being pressed.
  8. Cool for about 5 minutes in pan, then remove to a cooling rack.
  9. When donuts have cooled slightly, add drizzled honey or dip donuts in honey while warm.

Lunch

Lunch doesn’t have to be that hard to make it fun to eat and healthy, too! Have fun making it and ask the kids to help you, too! Here’s a few recipe for ham & cheese sushi, make-your-own “lunchables” and a whole lot of mutitasking tips that will make you “Mom of the Year” without a lot of time, money or work!

3 Must-Do Tips to Get Back-to-School Ready

Easy & Quick Back-to-School COOL Lunch Ideas

GGS

Dinner

And last, but not least – it’s dinner time! Probably the hardest meal for any family since so much can happen to affect getting it done! So rather than resort to a drive-through or something frozen, consider the fabulous rotisserie chicken!  Like the answer to my dreams, the rotisserie chicken is healthy, cheap and can be made into everything! Just check out this Pinterest Board and you can have rotisserie chicken on the menu weekly and never repeat a recipe!

 Follow Autumn Reo {mamachallenge.com}’s board Rotisserie Chicken Recipes on Pinterest.

For all the other days? Emeals! (Affiliate link included.)

EMeals subscription-based service gives you a week’s worth of grocery shopping for your diet plan on a budget and the recipes so you aren’t busy figuring things out. Dave Ramsey recommends this and so do other budget savvy websites. Right now you can get 20% of any eMeals Meal Plan with the code SCHOOL!

Back to School. Save 20% with code SCHOOL

Save 20% with code SCHOOL

Easy & Quick Back-to-School COOL Lunch Ideas

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Disclaimer: Affiliate links may be included. 

BTS

I’m sure you’ve all seen Pinterest and these incredible lunch bento boxes. They’re cute, but let’s face it, most parents don’t have the time for that. No matter how cute it is. However, there is some science to making food attractive – it’s all about the presentation, right? I shared my tips with the gals at The Broadcast. 


Must Haves for Fun Lunches

  • Muffin Tins: Make your own Bento boxes
  • Cookie Cutters: Easy way to make everything fun when it’s shaped!
  • Duct Tape: Make your own cool lunch box and then take it off for another one!
  • Note cards/jokes: Make them in advance or find premade ones on Pinterest to download and have ready

Meal Multitasking

  • Banana: Use them to write notes on the outside of the peel! Double-duty.
  • Bread: Use them for roll ups or “sushi” by using a rolling a pin to smash a slice of bread thin. Next add meat, cheese and carrots and pickles and then roll up. Using a knife you can cut them like sushi rolls.
  • Pretzels: Use stick pretzels like shish k-bobs and use your favorite meats, cheeses, etc.
  • Go Go squeeZ: Put the pouch in the freezer to use like an ice pack all day and then be ready to each at lunch!

My favorite timesaver is to MAKE YOUR KIDS HELP YOU! It’s a great time to be together, teach your kids about nutrition and get things done quicker!

And of course, lunch isn’t the only job that deserves a shortcut. Dinner can be crazy busy without planning, but I don’t even have the time for that! Thank goodness for eMeals.

EMeals subscription-based service gives you a week’s worth of grocery shopping for your diet plan on a budget and the recipes so you aren’t busy figuring things out. Dave Ramsey recommends this and so do other budget savvy websites. Right now you can get 20% of any eMeals Meal Plan with the code SCHOOL!

Back to School. Save 20% with code SCHOOL

Save 20% with code SCHOOL

Shoe Shopping for Back-to-School at Famous Footwear

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Mama Mondays: 
Disclaimer: I was provided a gift card from Famous Footwear as well as the opportunity to shop for as many shoes as possible as part of a local Famous Footwear event hosted by Dallas Moms Blog. All the comments here are my own. 

It’s no secret that I have issues with shoes. Really. 

While I enjoy looking at them, I don’t like to wear them. When you have a wide foot it makes it hard to put on cute shoes and be comfortable. That’s why I’m the queen of sandals and always in need of a new pair of shoes – at least ones that aren’t summer specific. And since it was also right before back-to-school, I wasn’t the only Reos could use another pair of kicks. 

That meant shopping. And shoe shopping is the worst… 

However, just in time, I was invited to a little special “mama time” with some friends to do a little private shoe shopping at Famous Footwear. Thank goodness. I needed some female opinions so I could make some purchases in a reasonable amount of time that weren’t just comfortable, but functional and hopefully, cute too!

Oh, how I found all kinds of choices – just which ones should I buy? 

Considering my current athletic shoes were about two years old (and just a little note, that’s way too long to not replace your running shoes), I really could use a pair, especially since the ones this season are fun, bright and very colorful. There were also some adorable Sperry boat-style shoes that were SO cute. I’ve always liked Sperry’s for the whole family, especially since they give moms like me an alternative to flip flops – ideal during the winter time! Black and white damask with red laces, sequins and even leopard print, I eyed several pairs I would want to add to my wardrobe. And of course, I would have to peak at some gladiator sandals, my always go-to. The ones I found were so hot and had a little Bohemian vibe. Adorable. 

What to buy. What to buy? What to buy! 

Thankfully, for a limited time, I didn’t have to purchase just one pair, but could get a second pair half off! (Gotta love some BOGO 1/2 off!) Then add my special discount for being a Famous Footwear Rewards member, I had discounts coming out my ears! Now that +  shoe shopping was something to be excited about. 
It was time I leaped over to the kids’ aisle. While my little girl is a little young for these Converse, I couldn’t help but stop to take a look at them. With all kinds of colors and fun tongues that even included emoticons on the reverse side, these shoes screamed “I would have to have you IF I had a teen!” 

Finally reaching the little girls’ shoes, I set eyes on a pair of tennis shoes that Miss T. had to have. They were pink, glittery, blingy, and had studs all over them! And they lit up too! And considering little girl had a birthday the next day, I just had to snatch these up and surprise her for her big day! Aren’t these Skechers CUTE!?!


Starting to really find my stride after my first must-have, I spotted this sign:
Discovering this great little kernel of knowledge was perfectly timed since I had eyed me a pair of these Naturalizer Peep Toes (both stylish and comfortable!) Unfortunately, my size was missing! What to do, what to do? I just brought the shoes to the register and they took my address. For $0, they would send these gotta-have heels to my doorstep. (Now that’s service!)
And that wasn’t all either! A little love from Lady Luck made me a winner of an opportunity to get as many pairs of shoes as I wanted in :30 seconds with a little shop-to-you-drop. That meant I was able to pull a pair of Sperry’s for both me and my hubs, plus, of course, those cute shoes for my two-year-old! (And I may have also found a pair of sandals that would get a little play for the remaining weeks of the summer!)

So perhaps, maybe, I don’t mind shoe shopping. Especially if I can get it all in one place and at a price I can afford. Thanks to Famous Footwear, I was able to find that and more. 

Now I understand why their tagline is “Victory is Yours.” 

There’s a mama challenge I was excited to win. 


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