This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is kimbly.  Congrats!

By now it’s been at least a month since the school year started.  Fortunately, I don’t have to pack a lunch for my son (yet).  The time will surely come quickly but for now, I’m enjoying the teeny break I get twice a week.  If you do have to pack a lunch for your school-age child, you likely struggle with packing nutritious meals your child will actually eat.

Ziploc and Taste of Home have teamed up to develop an online healthy lunch box recipe guide called Healthy Lunchboxes.  The downloadable guide is free when you input 2 Ziploc UPC codes and features over 30 creative ideas to inspire your child to eat a wholesome meal. Here is one of my favorite recipes from the book:

Cranberry Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
• 6 tablespoons reduced-fat salad dressing spread
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 dinner rolls
• 8 lettuce leaves

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the chicken, salad dressing, cranberries, onion, celery, salt and pepper. Cut tops off rolls; hollow out each roll, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Line each with a lettuce leaf; fill with chicken salad. Replace tops. Yield: 4 servings.

I grew up in a home where Ziploc freezer bags, sandwich bags, and containers were all we used.  To this day we still buy in bulk at Costco.  New to Ziploc is the fact that their products are BPA-free.  We received a box of sandwich bags (which I’ve used and purchased numerous times over my lifetime) and a set of Twist ‘n Loc containers (which I’d never tried before).  I actually prefer these over the containers that have a snap on lid (since I’m a little clumsy).  I also like them because they’re reusable and can be placed in the fridge, freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. I recently found out that they have an eco-friendly called Ziploc Evolve.  I haven’t tried them out yet, but I like the fact that 25% less plastic is used, they’re manufactured with less energy, and packaged with 100% recycled paperboard carton.

Ziploc products are sold at dozens of retailers nationwide (Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.)

Win It! One of you will win a box of Ziploc sandwich bags and a package of Ziploc Twist ‘n Loc containers.  Simply leave me a comment with another product you like on the site.  Comments will close on October 18, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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“This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and SC Johnson, who provided the item for review.”

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Gloria. Congrats!

I am the mom that saves (or attempts to save) every drawing, painting, art project and progress note.  I’m very sentimental that way…even if it’s something we’ve just done at home.  My son and I love to color, paint, and make figures from play dough.  And just recently, we introduced him to glue.  Now I know he’s a little young (about 6 months), but I don’t always pay strict attention to age limits on books, puzzles, toys, and crafting projects for my son.  I evaluate where he’s at and whether or not he’s developmentally ready for a certain activity. I obviously also consider safety.  For example, for his birthday this year I bought him a puzzle designed for 3 year olds.  He is capable of doing that puzzle in just a couple of minutes, all by himself.  So as long as he’s safe and supervised, I am open to products that are just a little above his age level (to stretch him just a bit).

All that to say, I was offered the opportunity to review and share with you some information about some back to school products from Elmer’s.  I remember using Elmer’s glue and glue sticks for art projects as a child (they’ve been around THAT long!).  Some of their products still look exactly the same as they did when I was a child.  But, the company has also expanded their kid’s line to include so much more.  By far we’ve had the most fun with Elmer’s new 3D Washable Paint Pens.  The ones we received have glitter in them, to which my son exclaimed “wow” when we started using them.  They actually give some texture to pictures and they’re available in classic, bold, sparkle and fluorescent colors.  They’re perfect for art projects projects including posters, drawings and outlining.  I wonder how they would fare on material and fabric.  Wouldn’t it be fun to use these on t-shirts or canvas bags?

The site has tons of fun art projects to do with your children.  Check them out!

This year, Elmer’s is continuing their Recycling Program. Be sure to save bottles, sticks, etc. to help preserve our environment.   Here is a little more information about the program:

Elmer’s Glue Crew Recycling Program is a fun, hands-on way to teach about recycling. As a program member, you’ll have access to plenty of helpful recycling-related curriculum and fun projects to keep your kids excited about recycling. Best of all, you and your students also have the opportunity to win hundreds of great prizes, including a year-end Grand Prize!

Win It! One of you will win an Elmer’s prize pack (see picture above).  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with a project and a product you like!  Comments will close on October 11, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Brittney.  Congrats!

As we enter cold and flu season, I’m becoming increasingly vigilant about germs.  Handwashing…check.  Antibacterial gels and wipes…check.  Tylenol and Motrin in case someone DOES get sick…check.  Humidifier…check.  Tissues Boogie Wipes…check!

My son has unfortunately inherited my husband’s fairer, more sensitive skin.  But even if he didn’t have sensitive skin, colds always cause red, raw, irritated noses (even when I’m sick!).  Combine that with the fact that he can’t blow his nose and the result is dry nasal secretions that build and build, keeping his little nose all stuffed up!  Like most toddlers, he absolutely despises when I try to wipe his nose.  You’ll never see a toddler run faster!

A few weeks ago we had an opportunity (should I call it an opportunity if your toddler gets sick?) to try Boogie Wipes. These super soft, scented, saline wipes (alliteration?) are great for cleaning noses and dissolving mucus.  Cold, flu and allergy season are all rapidly approaching, particularly with kids returning to school this fall.  Boogie Wipes are available in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, and Magic Menthol (which is great for stuffy noses).  My son’s favorite is the grape (just make sure your children don’t try to eat them!).  And this mom has been found using them as bottom wipes when she forgets to go to the store for baby wipes.  The wipes are moist and soft, which is great for preventing raw noses or soothing irritation.

As a mom concerned about chemicals in baby and kid’s products, I like to know exactly what is in the products I use on my son.  The wipes are free from alcohol, phthalates, and parabens.   The ingredients used to moisturize little noses include Vitamine E, Aloe, and Chamomile (all very gentle, hypoallergenic, and natural).

A pack of 30 wipes retails for $3.99.  Boogie Wipes are available for purchase at a variety of retailers nationwide.

Win It! One of you will win a Boogie Woogie Gift Basket!  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with something you learned on the site!  Comments will close on October 10, 2009 at 10 pm PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

“Mommy, mommy…I want you to make a fish!”  My son absolutely loves to color…rather…he loves when mommy and daddy color!  It’s cute but something I never expected.  I always thought children enjoyed doing the actual coloring.  And it’s not like my son doesn’t enjoy coloring.  He just finds the pictures that we draw a little more entertaining than his “drawings.”  As a mom concerned about the safety of children’s products, I’m always looking for natural, eco-friendly alternatives to toys and crafts.  Now I know most crayons are non-toxic, but what exactly does that mean?

I recently had an opportunity to try out a pack of Soy Crayon Rocks from Nico & Zoe.  What makes the crayons safer is the fact that they’re made from renewable soybeans (hey…I eat those) grown in the USA and are colored with natural mineral powders.  They’re nontoxic, just like conventional crayons.  But somehow I feel a bit better if my son were to eat these.  Each bag comes with 16 crayon rocks in a variety of colors.  I like that they’re chunky…perfect for toddlers like my son who like to break regular crayons into pieces.  According to the site, they’re easy to hold (I agree) and encourage a proper pencil grip to help develop fine motor skills.  I like the way they color…nice and smooth!  Of course, my little Picasso doesn’t know the difference at this point.

You can purchase Soy Crayon Rocks directly from the site for $8.00.  And be sure to check out the entire site.  They sell a variety of toys, games, and other fun products for children.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

School’s in session and hopefully the weather is cooling down for you (no relief in site for us here in Southern California though!).  As I wrap my back to school series, I wanted to tell you about one more store where I find fashionably affordable children’s clothing.  I’m not likely to purchase designer clothing for my two year old when I know he’ll grow out of them in less than six months.  Plus, I have a little boy who likes to play with rocks and sand, paint, color, and play with his food.  Stains happen.  I don’t want to stifle that in him because of “nice” clothing.  That’s why I like The Children’s Place.  They have darling clothes at affordable prices so I don’t feel like I have to give up fashion for affordability.

The company offer “a high-quality, focused merchandise selection at prices that represent a substantial value relative to our competitors. Current fashion trends in a broad color palette are offered as coordinated outfits specifically designed for children.”  We received a pair of Carpenter jeans, courtesy of the company.  They’re 100% cotton denim, prewashed (to prevent shrinkage), and adjustable button tabs at inner sides of waist to customize the fit.  I think the last feature is my favorite since my son’s waist tends to be a little smaller than the size he is wearing at any given time.   The jeans are stylish and made to last.  And they’re only $14.50 (or 2 for $22).

Right now, the company is having an incredible fall sale where you can save an additional 25% on already reduced merchandise.  I think I need to shop for our little girl!

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Donna.  Congrats!

My little boy started preschool earlier this summer, and one of the things his teacher told me to do was to label his clothing, shoes, and anything else he brings with him. Honestly, I had not even thought about doing that, but it makes a lot of sense.  Of course little kids lose things…especially when they’re two.  And I can’t possibly expect the teacher to keep track of every child’s article of clothing, socks, shoes, and jackets.  I also don’t want to be replacing these items regularly.  I’ve seen the spare clothing bin at my son’s preschool.  It’s filled with all the clothes parents forgot to label.

I’ve actually told you about Mabel’s Label’s before.  There are a ton of companies that make labels for the things children lose.  But these are my favorite.  Here is a little more information from the site:

After lots of research and testing we created the perfect fun, durable labels for the stuff kids lose!  Our sticky labels and clothing labels, which are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, are not only practical, but also designed to be very special to each child. The labels are customized with a child’s name, favourite mix of colours and an icon (animal, symbol, etc.). We have also expanded our product line to include personalized stationery products, ID wristbands and household labels.

The company actually has a relatively new product called My 411 Wristbands. For safety reasons, I think this product is ingenious.  My son is allergic to an antibiotic, and as he gets older, he’ll be doing things like sleepovers, birthday parties, and field trips.  Not only is it important for him to have our contact information readily available (children don’t always remember phone numbers, etc. when they’re in a different environment), it’s important others know about his allergy.  I hope he never has to receive medical care apart from me, but if the situation arose, I’d want everyone to know not to give him that antibiotic. My 411 Wristbands are disposable and include information such as your child’s name, your name (as the parent), a contact number, and any allergies or other special needs.  And just like the company’s other products, they can be personalized and tailored to your individual needs.  I usually like to include pictures of products I review, but for security reasons, I’m going to post stock photos (forgive me?).

I needed some labels for my son, so I ordered the Camp/School Pack. The pack includes sticky labels (which we use on my son’s sippy cups), Tag Mates (peel and stick labels you don’t have to iron on), shoe labels, and bag tags.  It’s the perfect school starter pack.  I labeled a handful of my son’s clothes and shoes and we just rotate them out at his preschool.  I’ve washed his sippy cups in the dishwasher and I’ve yet to see a label come off.  I’ve washed his clothes, and again, they have not come off.  The shoe labels have a clear cover over the actual label to prevent little feet from rubbing them off.

Right now (through September 25th)  you can purchase the Ultimate Back to School Combo ($39) which includes 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags.

By the way, I’ve met these gals in person at various events and they rock!  They also have a really fun blog you might want to check out!

Win It! One of you will win a set of My 411 Wristbands.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with a product you love.  Comments will close on September 29, 2009 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  The winners are Jessie, Annalene, Peggy, and Kristy.  Congrats!

So it seems like this week is all about food!  I totally did not plan for it to go that way.  But apart from shopping for clothes, shoes, and school supplies, you’re probably shopping for food items to place in your child’s lunch.  I personally prefer to eat and give my son fresh fruit, however, it’s not the most portable.  Brown apples and mushy bananas don’t necessarily appeal to him (or to me!).

A lot of canned and jarred fruit products contain heavy syrups, which translate into sugar.  I’m not a fan.  In fact, the only time I’ll buy canned or jarred fruit is if it’s low in sugar and it won’t be convenient for me to provide fresh fruit for my son or my family.

Awhile back I told you about Dole Fruit Bowls in Sugar Free Gel.  The company wants to help families incorporate more fruit into their diet.  In fact, they have a pretty impressive recipe selection with recipes in all categories (not just desserts or breakfast).  They’ve recently launched a contest website with tips, hints and recipes.  On the site, you can enter to win a trip for three to Maui, Hawaii.  There are over sixty daily prizes, eight weekly prizes and one grand prize.  Visit daily to increase your chances of winning.

Win It! Four of you will two coupons each for Dole products. Simply head on over to the site and take a look at all their recipes. Come back here and leave me a comment with the one you’d like to try.  Comments will close on September 28, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by!  The winner is Amber!!!  Congrats!  Have fun shopping!

Sometimes I think about all of the expenses that we have with our son and it’s a little overwhelming, considering we’ll be adding another baby into the mix soon.  Between toys, clothes, shoes, and gear, the shopping list is never-ending.  The school year is starting, and if you have more than one child, you may be feeling the financial stress of having to shop for clothes, shoes, and supplies.

It isn’t unusual for moms to spend an average of $234 on clothing during the Back to School season (stats courtesy of Walmart).  And just like shoes, children outgrow clothing so quickly.  I recently went through my son’s closet and pulled out items that don’t fit him anymore.  There were articles that he had either never worn, or barely worn.  So while I’d love to buy him a designer wardrobe, I don’t have the money and it’s impractical.

Walmart has a wide array of clothing options for your child at affordable prices.  When I say affordable, I mean $5 tops, $3 shorts, and $6 jeans (on average, prices can be higher or lower).  Faded Glory is one of their children’s lines and they have adorable clothing for boys and girls.

Thanks to Walmart, I was given a $50 gift card to show you what clothing options could be purchased.  So I decided to see what I could get for 3 children….yes….THREE!  Here is a little video I shot while on vacation with my son and his two cousins:

So the total price including tax was $47.52.  Awesome!  Are you impressed?  I am.  My husband knows I’m the queen of bargain shopping.  Here is the rundown of what we bought:

1.  T shirt and a pair of shorts

2. Long-sleeved, button down shirt with a pair of jeans

3.  Girl’s dress

4.  Girl’s dress

5.  Girl’s shirt and skirt outfit

6.  Boy’s t-shirt and shorts

7.  Boy’s long-sleeved t shirt and pants

On average, each outfit cost less than $10, with the girl’s dresses a bit cheaper.  We were all impressed!

Profuse thanks to Walmart for this fun opportunity.  We happily donated all of the clothes to my cousins!

Win It! One of you will win a $50 Gift Card so you can see how easy it is to purchase your child’s Back to School wardrobe!  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with a fantastic deal you found on the site!  Comments will close on September 25, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

As you can imagine, I receive a lot of press releases, story ideas, and general information via email about companies and brands.  Maybe I should start a weekly column.  Anyway, I can’t possibly post about them all, but every now and then, I receive something that I find interesting that I think you may benefit from!

Since we’re talking about going back to school, I thought I’d share with you some fun ways to pack a healthier lunch, courtesy of Disney Family Fun.  Just FYI, I am posting this because I want to and am not paid or otherwise compensated to do so.  I just want to pass along some fun information!

• Use A Bento Box: Japanese-style bento boxes and their nesting compartments are perfect for kid-size nibbles. Best of all, when your child pops the lid, the entire spread is at her fingertips, which puts the carrots on par with the PB&J and grapes for super-easy grazing.  I like the ones from Laptop Lunches!
• Sneak In Extra Veggies: If the produce in your kid’s lunch is making the return trip home, consider hiding it. Add finely grated carrots to tuna and chicken salad, swap lettuce for nutrient-dense baby spinach, or try Horizon’s new Little Blends yogurts, which offer surprisingly tasty fruits and vegetable combos, such as Strawberry-Carrot and Banana-Sweet Potato.  Has anyone tried these?
• Add (More) Whole Grains: Pack whole wheat pretzels instead of other salty snacks. Or take a cue from nutritionist Barbara Storper, author of Janey Junkfood’s Fresh Adventure!, and make a checkerboard sandwich. Use one slice of whole wheat bread and one of white, then cut the sandwich into quarters and rearrange the squares to create the checkerboard pattern.
• Offer Nutritious Snacks: Apples not making the grade? Try freeze-dried fruit, such as Brothers-All-Natural or Crispy Green. Another option from chef and school-lunch reformer Ann Cooper: homemade gorp. Kids can choose the ingredients, then mix up their own combinations each night before school.  These are yummy.  I just wish they were organic.
• Serve Low-Sugar Drinks: In lieu of traditional juice boxes, pack a juice-and-water blend, such as R.W. Knudsen Family Organic Sensible Sippers, or fill a thermos with flavored water (make your own or try a store-bought variety – just be on the lookout for artificial sweeteners).  We also like First Juice.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!

My son has discovered the fine art of coloring…and painting….and markers…and chalk.  Our laminate floors are often colored with a new shade (fortunately crayons are the only things we allow him to use in that room).  While our little artist discovers the Van Gogh within him, I’m checking the boxes to make sure the bite he took won’t send us all to the ER.  I can’t believe at two, he’s still trying to discover (in other words, consume) crayons.

The crunchy part of me loves natural alternatives to conventional products.  I know crayons are non-toxic.  But what about paint, markers, and play dough?  Don’t get me wrong.  We do have all of these products in our home.  But how exciting that Clementine Art is going the extra mile to ensure it’s art products are all-natural, certified non-toxic, AND environmentally friendly.  They also use recycled and reusable materials in their packaging.

The company offers soy crayons, natural modeling dough, natural paint, natural markers, and natural glue.  My son likes his soy crayons but he’d much rather have mommy draw a fish and a car.  His latest is that he wants daddy to draw a pirate on the Wonder Pets Flyboat (where does he come up with this stuff?).  You can purchase Clementine Art’s products at a Whole Foods near you!  Check out their podcast here.

For more fabulous Back to School Ideas, visit Mommy Mandy & Mommy Goggles!