Keeping Kids Healthy with Great Snack Options {Back to School Special}

Now that the kids are going back to school and the craziness of summer is coming to an end, it's time to start talking healthy snack options!

One of my main concerns with my kids is the fact that they want to snack all.day.long. So I've tried my best to offer a variety of foods to not only keep them open minded about what they eat, but also keep them aware of the colors they eat and trying to make sure they get to every color of the rainbow!

If they're going to snack, they're going to snack the right way. 

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Create a special snack area
In an effort to make sure they are grabbing the right things to eat I've created a shelf on the fridge just for them. And right at their height. They simply open the door, take what they want, and come to me to open it for them.

But I didn't stop at just the fridge... I wanted to make other fruits and veggies readily available as well. So I grabbed a salad bowl and placed my kids favorite fruits inside so that they can grab them when they like.

Let Them Choose New Fruits and Veggies
My son also now chooses one new fruit or veggie every time we go to the store. This last trip he chose mango. When we got home we cut it up and everyone tried it. He didn't really like it but when I blended the rest of his into a smoothie he had no problem drinking it down!

We will also try and be adventurous while at the local farmers markets and try new fruits and veggies that are in season. Most vendors will even offer to give you a sample before you purchase so you know your kids will like it. At the beginning of summer my son wanted to try the figs from a local grower. He had pieces on the ends of tooth picks ready to go for everyone to taste. We went home with a whole bag!

Be Creative

When preparing snacks for the kids be creative in how you prepare them. We recently had a Lego Duplo Party and in an effort to make the food more fun I made some cheese and cracker sandwiches into the shapes of lego bricks.

The kids loved them! And my daughter ate two whole sandwiches. Unheard of in this home.

You can find a lot of great ideas for snack creations on Pinterest, other blogs, and magazines like Family Fun (like these adorable after school snack ideas) and Parents (with their 20 best snacks).

For great healthy snack suggestions check out 20 Healthy Snacks for Kids!

Creating a Healthy Lunch with Rubbermaid LunchBlox

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In order to stick with our budget and watch our girlish figures, both my husband and I eat from home 4-5 days out of the week (including weekends). We do allow for a few lunches at our favorite places but for the most part stick to looking in the cupboards and fridge for the next day's lunch. 

When I know the kids and I will be out around lunchtime the next day I make sure to pack mine and the kids favorites up in a lunch box. I usually pack my husband's lunch at the same time so he won't have to rush to do it in the morning before leaving.

The past couple of weeks he's come home and mentioned a sandwich mushed, or crackers  crumbled. So when I showed him my new Rubbermaid LunchBlox kit he was excited.

The LunchBlox Kit:

• Saves space and stays organized in your lunch bag
• Includes a specially designed BlueIce pack that keeps lunches chilled on the go
• Containers are perfectly portioned for lunch foods commonly carried away from home
• Containers are microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe and BPA-free

I was so happy with how easily the LunchBlox pieces fit together AND held everything I wanted to pack up. Plus, there's a super sleek ice pack that fits nicely in between the larger rectangle and the smaller rectangles to keep everything cool.

Including the carrots and dip and the tasty watermelon and feta salad I made!

Each container holds the perfect amount of food and ever since we've started using our LunchBlox Sandwich kit, making lunches has been a breeze! I'll be heading back to the store to purchase the salad kit for myself soon.

Not only is this set easy to use, it is also perfect for those back to school lunches we'll be making soon! Every person in the house can use their own set and save money and plastic by ditching the paper and plastic bags. Simply add a stylish lunch box and lunch time is set!  

The LunchBlox Sandwich Kit is currently available for purchase at Rubbermaid.com, Target, Kmart, Kroger, Safeway, Bi-Lo, Winn-Dixie, HEB, other grocery stores and select Wal-Mart stores

Right now Rubbermaid is offering $1.50 off any LunchBlox kit with the coupon below. Simply click the picture and print the coupon! 

Stay connected with Rubbermaid through Facebook and Twitter to find out the latest on products, promotions, and information. And to check out more of what Rubbermaid has to offer for lunchtime check out their website. 

Need great lunch ideas for the kids? Check out my 5 Easy Toddler Lunch Ideas post for some inspiration! 

What will you pack in your LunchBlox?

Disclaimer: I received a Rubbermaid LunchBlox Sandwich Kit for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Back to School Spree Giveaway Hop #b2sspree

Welcome to the Back to School Spree Giveaway Hop hosted by FormulaMom and 7 on a Shoestring! This giveaway will run from August 17th (my mom's birthday!) through August 31st. Each giveaway has a giveaway valued at $25 or more and there are over 75 bloggers signed up. So if you are looking for a great way to send the kids back to school, I highly suggest checking out what everyone has to offer.

The Simmworks Family will be giving away a prize package valued at over $75!

Trying to find great ideas to let them know you're thinking of them throughout their first days? Why not let Hallmark help with what they do best, creating cherished memories on paper!
Hallmark is kind enough to offer one reader:

• A pack of Kids Encouragement greeting cards, which feature kid-appropriate topics from managing difficult academic or social situations to achieving a personal goal in the classroom or on the field. 
•  A few of Hallmark’s “any day” greeting cards for kids, featuring music sensation Justin Bieber. 
• Lunchbox Notes, which offer 50 ways for you to add a little love to lunchtime. 
• Bug ’Em, a pint-sized plush that can hold cards and other tokens of encouragement and give an unexpected lift to any youngster’s day. 

To read more about Hallmark's Back to School line read my review here. 

The first day isn't just for the kids! Mom and teacher need to be remembered too. Why not gift your child's teacher with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from From You Flowers.

One lucky reader will receive an 'A Day In The Sun' bouquet pictured above from From You Flowers!

To read more about From You Flowers check out my review here. 

Are you excited to enter? Simply fill out the rafflecopter form below for your chance to win! And don't forget to enter all of hte other amazing giveaways on the other blogs linked up below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: Formula Mom, 7 on a Shoestring, and the Back to School Spree bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that fail to fulfill their prizes.

Send the Kids Back to School with Love from Hallmark

Are your kids heading back to school soon?

Trying to find great ideas to let them know you're thinking of them throughout their first days? Why not let Hallmark help with what they do best, creating cherished memories on paper!

Hallmark has an amazing Back to School line of cards, sentiments, and toys for kids of any age including:

• Kids Encouragement greeting cards, which feature kid-appropriate topics from managing difficult academic or social situations to achieving a personal goal in the classroom or on the field. 
• Hallmark’s “any day” greeting cards for kids, featuring music sensation Justin Bieber. 
• Lunchbox Notes, which offer 50 ways for you to add a little love to lunchtime. 
• Bug ’Em, a pint-sized plush that can hold cards and other tokens of encouragement and give an unexpected lift to any youngster’s day. 

These wonderful products not only let your child know that you care on their first few days, it also offers an open line of communication with your child. After they get home and you want to talk to them about their first day, you can start by asking if they received your message or card and then go from there. 

My son absolutely loved the plush Bug 'Em I sent with him on his first day of preschool. His teacher knew that I left a special not for him wiht my Lunchbox Notes and had him open up his little bug after snacktime. She read it to him and let him know that I was thinking of him and how special he was.

When he got home he immediately asked if I hid a secret note in his bug. He was so excited that he wanted to leave me a note the next day at school.

And the Bug 'Em line also comes with an adorable ladybug as well (my daughter's favorite) so I know we'll have to head back out to Hallmark and pick her up one too even though she's a bit too young for school!

Not only does leaving these little words of encouragement let your child know your thinking of them, it also builds up self esteem, independence, and motivation to keep on going! Because they know that they have the support they need at home to thrive at school.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?

Back to School with Skip Hop and Pish Posh Baby

With my son heading to preschool in a few days, we have done a bit of preparing here. And with all of this observing, my daughter has become very interested in all things school related even though she's no where close to actually going to school or needing any school supplies.

From crayons to scissors to glue sticks, she's absolutely obsessed! It might also be related to the fact that we do crafts each week and she wants to become more and more involved as she sees how much fun her brother is having.

My son has a Skip Hop Zebra backpack and lunch pail that he's had for about 1-2 years. He takes it with him everywhere and finally he'll be taking it with him to preschool. Because my daughter wants to be just like her brother she's been asking where her backpack is. So we went on the hunt for a back pack for her as well.

(This gorgeous girl is not my little one but a friend of hers who wasn't camera shy when I needed a few photos!)

Since we loved the Skip Hop backpack we already had we decided to stick with the Skip Hop brand for my daughter. I jumped onto Pish Posh Baby's site since they were recommended by a friend and perused their selection. I immediately was drawn to the adorable Owl and knew I had a winner!

My daughter already received an Owl lunch pail for Christmas the previous year so matching Skip Hop Owl backpack and lunch pail just seemed to fit. 

Shipping was quick, the backpack was just perfect, and I couldn't be more pleased with Pish Posh Baby's customer service. I absolutely love the selection of Skip Hop products as well as many other brands we know and love.

From strollers to car seats to nursery items, Pish Posh Baby is a one stop shop for all your baby needs! And it's the perfect place to purchase a gift card for upcoming showers and birthday parties.

I love how easy it is to navigate the site. Whether your looking for a specific type of product or specific brand, it's quite easy to find exactly what you need. I know I have this Tegu Prism Pouch on our Holiday wishlist for my kids. 

To find out more on deals, specials, and what Pish Posh Baby carries head on over to their Facebook page and like them to stay up to date! More of a Twitter fan? Follow Pish Posh Baby on Twitter! And don't forget to check out their featured and special items on the front page of their website.

There's something for every family!

What caught your eye?

Back to School with the Tea Collection

My son is a few short weeks away from starting his first day of preschool. And I couldn't be more excited! Not only is he ready to go, he asks every day if it's time for him to start preschool yet!

Needless to say, he and I are both ready.

To prepare for this exciting time we decided to make his first day of school extra special and pick out an outfit for him to wear. Now this might sound silly since its "only preschool" but think of all of the cute pictures I can get of him wearing his little backpack and walking to Mrs. Judy's house!

Butterfly Dot Dress in L | Dragon Dot in 3T

Or pictures of him refusing to smile and look at the camera because "Mommy takes too many pictures!"

Dragon Dot in 3T

Ahhh... jeans and a t-shirt, just his style! The Tea Collection's new Fall line is brimming with new and fahionable clothing perfect for any preschooler heading to school for the first time. It's great for little sisters who want to tag along as well!

The fashionable Nordic style Copenhagen Tee my son is showing off in the photo below fits his style to a T. He's obsessed with all things on-the-go and as soon as he saw the train on his shirt he demanded that I put it on him with some jeans. 

This is the perfect time to do your back-to-school shopping! Instead of fighting the crowds (and melting in the heat) why not check out what Tea has to offer. You'll have to check out all of the new arrivals! There are just too many styles on our wishlist to write them out here.

Lunefuld Playdress in L | Copenhagen Tee in 3T

Tea's clothing is not only fashionable but functionable as well. The fit and flow of each piece was perfect for each of my children. Even my skinny waisted son was able to comfortably fit into his pants without worrying about picking them up every five minutes.

The shirts my son has on fit perfectly in length and were easy to pull on and off his big head. I loved how soft each of the cotton pieces felt.

And the dresses my daughter is showing off were stretchy in all the right places making it easy to put on. The rouching on the Lunefuld Playdress and the cute eyelet added the perfect touches of detail to make this the perfect Fall look.

I know that come next Spring she'll still be able to wear these dresses with some leggings underneath.

Do you do your back-to-school shopping online or at the stores? 

Interested in doing a little back-to-school shopping?

Head on over to the Tea Collection and peruse their site. There's a few pieces that have already caught my eye for my next round of shopping.

And make sure to check out their Facebook page to keep up with the latest designs and styles to come! They also like to hang out on Twitter and love pinning new items on Pinterest.

Want to WIN a small shopping spree at the Tea Collection?

The Noise Girls have yet again put together an amazing giveaway event just for your family! And Tea has joined in on the fun to offer one lucky reader a $100 gift card to their website in this giveaway.

The For the Family giveaway event starts on September 1st so please remember to hurry back and enter for your chance to win. You won't want to miss what we have to offer!



Disclaimer: I received clothing from the Tea Collection for review purposes only. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Back to School Sidekix Event

Welcome to the

Back To School Sidekix Event

Enter for your chance to win an awesome Sidekix toy of your choice perfect for the kid on the go! To read more about Sidekix, check out my review here.

Ready to enter? Simply use the Rafflecopter form below to do so. Good luck!

Sidekix - The Toy You Take On-The-Go

Every kid needs a buddy. Someone they can play with, imagine and explore, and get creative. It helps when that buddy is less than a foot long and rolls up into a nice ball that makes it easy to carry around!

Sidekix are the solution to every kid's need for a buddy on-the-go. From cool ball that can snap onto a backpack, belt loop or lunch sack to a plush, soft, fun animal who's ready for an adventure, each Sidekix has it's own unique personality and is ready to play with the little one who's lucky enough to be paired with them.

We received Inferno in the mail last week and as soon as my daughter saw the ball she squealed and yelled, "Bah, bah, bah!"

Then I showed her what it really was:

And she immediately started loving on it. Kissing, petting, playing.

It was like she and Inferno had always been buddies and she was so excited to have a Sidekix of her own. Until her brother woke up from his nap. And wondered where his Sidekix was. Oops! Guess we'll be ordering a few more in the very near future.

Potty training rewards? Perfect!

Each loveable plush comes with their own identifying mark letting you know who they are. There are 5 total and include Mojo the Dog, Click-A-Dee-Chick-A-Dee the Chick, Savannah the Zebra (whom my son wants), Bamboo the Panda, and our little Inferno the dragon.

They can be used as a ball to kick and tossed around, or flip them inside out to play with as a stuffed animal would. My kids have attached our Inferno to their back pack, balance bike, wagon, jean belt loop, and my purse. I absolutely love how portable this little guy is!

Mealtime at restaurants are a heck of a lot smoother with Inferno around as well. Because he compactly fits into my diaper bag or purse, we can bring him around for pre-dinner play as we wait for our food.

My kids have quickly fallen in love with this little guy and we can't wait to adopt a few more to join our family. Interested in purchasing one of your own or want to find out more? 

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