Macy’s recognizes the need in our school systems and is currently hosting a Classroom Makeover Sweepstakes where one school will win a $25,000 upgrade. To nominate your school, visit Facebook.com/macys. Entries will be accepted through September 15th.

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. I received a gift card as part of my participation in the program courtesy of Macy’s and SheSpeaks.

When I think about shopping for casual weekends out with the kids or more fancy evenings out with the hubby (ahem), I don’t immediately think about shopping at Sears.  But just in time for the Fall season, the company is working to change their image of simply being a store for housewares and appliances. With shoes from the Kim Kardashian’s brand new line and the redesign of classic brands like Bongo, teens and tweens can afford to look fashionable and in-style. Check out some of the looks certain to be a hit this fall:

UK Style by French Connection

Bongo

Dickies, South Pole

Kardashian Collection

Kardashian Collection

While many of the fashions above are designed for young adults, I could see myself in one or two of the outfits we were presented and I absolutely adore the shoes.

Speaking of young adults, Sears recently re-introduced their new layaway program. Much like in the days of catalog shopping, students and parents can shop online, then have their items placed on layaway at a Sears location near campus.  While there is a $5 fee, this definitely makes more financial sense than shipping items. And just like the traditional layaway program you may have been familiar with in the past, parents can stretch their payments out over time without incurring a finance charge.

One of my favorite childhood memories was shopping with my mother for the coming school season each year.  I didn’t know it at the time because I didn’t lack for anything, but she always shopped for the best deals, in hopes of ensuring every penny was spent wisely.

If you had just $100, would that be enough to help outfit your child for the new school year? That’s the question I asked myself as I shopped at The Shops At Mission Viejo.  The South Orange County shopping destination is one of my favorites because of it’s expansive selection of children’s stores.  You’ll find everything from GapKids and The Children’s Place to higher end stores like Janie and Jack.

For the grand total of $95 (and some change), I was able to get a pair of jeans, a pair of khakis, a pair of jean shorts, one long-sleeve tee, one short sleeve tee, 2 long sleeve Henlees, and 2 long sleeve plaid button down shirts for my son. I shopped at Gymboree, Crazy 8, Janie and Jack, The Children’s Place and GapKids/babyGap. I found $10 jeans and $6 tees. I comparison shopped and browsed the store ads. I shopped the clearance racks and at least considered the sales that were currently running.  I actually went back twice, once with my daughter and once with my son.  The result is that I now have enough pieces to put together several outfit combinations.

Shopping with kids can be challenging, but I’ve found with just a few simple tips, it can be accomplished without meltdowns or other mishaps.

1. Make a plan.  Gone are the days when I can pop over to the mall on a whim to browse around the stores with the kids.  The first time I shopped with my daughter, I hadn’t thought about what my son needed for the fall season.  I also hadn’t browsed the ads to see what sales were currently running.  While the first trip wasn’t wasted (I ended up buying him one shirt), I felt like I could have been more prepared by going through his closet and evaluating what he needed before heading to the mall.

2.  Set a time limit. Despite the fact that children may be excited about getting new clothing, shoes, or back-to-school items, that excitement quickly turns to boredom.  It’s important to be timely without rushing (which leads me back to point number 1 about being prepared with a plan).  The second time I shopped, I only brought my son.  I had already frequented all 5 stores so I knew what each had to offer and which stores I wanted to purchase items from.  I told my son that when we were done shopping, we could do something he enjoyed (which was play with one of his new toys).  When he began to get antsy, I reminded him that as soon as we were done, we would leave the mall to play.  Those reminders helped keep him close to me and cooperative.

3.  Ensure all of your child’s needs are met.  Children who are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable will not endure a shopping trip of any duration.  On both shopping occasions, I ensured that we had eaten lunch and planned around naptime.  I also brought snacks and my daughter’s favorite toy.

4.  Set boundaries ahead of time.  Do you have a budget?  Is the shopping trip focused on one particular item or type of item? Inevitably, children will see something that they want.  It’s important to talk to your child ahead of time to let them know what type of behavior is expected and what you will and won’t be purchasing. I obviously couldn’t have that discussion with my 1 year old daughter, but I did have a chat with my 4 year old son.  We talked about the purpose of the trip (to get school clothes), what stores we would be visiting, and what we would and would not be purchasing.  I also reinforced that after the shopping trip, we would be doing something fun…something he wanted to do.

5. Involve your children in the process.  Is your child old enough to pick out a shirt or accessories? If so, allow him/her some freedom to be involved.  My son still reminds me of the shoes he picked out months ago and his favorite t-shirt (again, one he picked out).  Offering choices also shows children that their opinions are important…that they matter.

6.  Consider rewarding your child for good behavior.   Let’s face it, shopping isn’t particularly fun for a child who’d rather be playing with toys or running around the park.  One of the things I enjoy about Simon Malls is their family-friendly play areas and the Simon Kidgits Club.  For just $5, children and parents will enjoy benefits such as mall discounts, a birthday gift, kid-focused mall events held seasonally throughout the year, and more.  And each time you visit with your child, he/she can spin the wheel for a prize.  Visiting the Guest Services Desk (also know by my son as the “Kidgits” desk) each time we frequent the mall is now a part of our shopping trip.  It’s just another way to make shopping with kids a little easier.

What Back to School deals did you score this year? And what are your best tips for shopping with children?

Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. A gift card was provided by Simon Malls to help facilitate this review and this post does not necessarily represent Simon Property Group’s positions, strategies or opinion.

Fast forward to 2010 when my infant daughter, who was born at a healthy 7+ pounds, stopped gaining weight.  Because my son spit up a ton as a baby but never struggled with weight gain, I assumed that this was also the case with my daughter. Not so! After numerous visits with our Pediatrician, our community Lactation Consultant, and even a Chiropractor, both my daughter and I began probiotics and an elimination diet as part of her management plan.

My four year old son won’t be retested for allergies until he’s five, but he hasn’t had a major reaction in a very long time. My 1 1/2 year old daughter is a healthy, thriving, active little girl who’s gaining weight and catching up.  While my son remains on probiotics, I’ve slacked a bit on continuing them with my daughter. It’s difficult for her to take powders, liquids or pills so I admittedly gave up.  But my son loves his probiotic drink and will remind me when I’ve forgotten to give him his morning dose.

When my daughter stopped spitting up and started gaining weight, I began re-introducing dairy and eggs and stopped taking the probiotics. But I have to admit that I felt really good when I was on the probiotics and elimination diet. While I don’t struggle with food allergies apart from pineapples (strange right?), I do suffer from lactose intolerance so my tummy issues were few and far between while on those probiotics. Which is why I decided to restart them again.

What are probiotics?

I asked this question initially so I thought I’d share some information I learned.  In essence, probiotics are bacteria that help support a healthy digestive and immune system.

Why should I take probiotics?

Whether you suffer from digestive issues or simply want to live healthier, probiotics can help support both your immune and digestive system.

I recently began taking Member’s Mark 4X Probiotic, currently available at Sam’s Club. This particular probiotic contains 4 strains of natural bacteria and unlike other brands I’ve tried in the past, I only need to take one.  With cold and flu season around the corner, I’m hoping that this will help me get through it painlessly (last year was ROUGH!).

A 3-month supply of Member’s Mark 4X Probiotic retails for less than $30 (which is like less than $10 a month).

For more information, visit Digestive Health For Me.  Tomorrow, we’ll also be talking about Digestive Health just in time for the school season. You can follow along (and maybe even win a Sam’s Club Gift Card) on Twitter at #DigestiveHealth

Details for tomorrow’s Twitter party can be found on their site.

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  The opinions expressed above are solely that of the author and not intended to replace medical advice.

I recently interviewed David Eisel, Executive Development Chef at Bob Evans Farms.  Since this season tends to be hectic, I asked Chef Eisel for some suggestions on how to spend less time in the kitchen while still providing a healthy meal. Here are the questions I asked:

1. It’s back to school season….what recipes/meal ideas do you have for families on-the-go?
2. If there is just one thing we as moms..as women could do to save time in the kitchen, what would it be?
3. Must have kitchen tool/appliance/gadget (etc.)
4. Suggestions for picky eaters?
5. What is your go-to food/ingredient/spice etc. for creating meals (what should moms, women have in the kitchen at all times)?

Did you catch Chef Eisel’s tips on Speed Scratch (taking an item from the grocery store and creating a dish) and his go-to kitchen gadget (a slow cooker)?

What are your kitchen time saving tips?

No compensation was received for this post. Interview and thank-you gift supplied by Bob Evans.

Tea Collection is one of my favorite children’s clothing companies. As you might know, I have an incredible passion for travel…for discovering beauty…for interacting with people who live differently than I do…for immersing myself completely in another culture. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I like this company so much.  They began with a vision of fusing worldwide cultures and modern design into fashion.  Tea Collection gleans inspiration for their designs from the places they visit.  Whether it’s the art and architecture in Barcelona or the bold street graffiti in Brazil, the designs are just a small way to remember that we are more alike than different.

Each season, the company launches a collection inspired by a place they have visited. This Fall, Modern Mexico is born…a line with it’s origins in Mexico City. The company has merged contemporary kitsch with Mexican folk art and the result is a bold, colorful line featuring flower prints, colorful graphics, and more.

My son is outfitted in the Jaguares de Chiapas Tee, the Equipo Nahual Tee, and the Surplus Playwear Pants. Not only do I adore the warm colors and ethnic designs of their Boy’s Clothing line, I like knowing that the line has a story behind it.  In fact in some instances, you can go to each piece and read about the inspiration behind it.

The shirts are soft and made from 100% cotton and the pants are durable and versatile (they can be dressed up or down).  I also appreciate the adjustable waistband so that my son can wear the pants for a longer duration.

My daughter is outfitted in the Jardin Azul Baby Dress and the Marimba Mini Dress. It’s dresses like these that make me want to put her in a dress every day.  The girl’s clothing is soft and comfortable and casual enough to be worn regularly.  The only thing I wish is that Tea Collection offered matching bloomers.

The designer children’s clothing is moderately priced but the design and quality of their products cannot be replicated in another brand.  You can check out their Modern Mexico line online.

No compensation was received for this post. Product samples were provided which helped facilitate this review.

With back to school season here, we’re sorting through those outfits that are more suited for the cooler fall season.  We’ve also added a few items including this stylish Fall outfit from Lands’ End:

My son is outfitted in a pair of Classic Straight Leg Lined Jeans and a Long Sleeve Layered Graphic Polo Shirt in Fresh Clover.  Lands’ End is one of my favorite places to buy pants because they feature hidden adjustable waist which allows my son to wear the pants for longer.  These jeans in particular, also features a classic, 5-pocket fit, flannel-lining for warmth, and double stitching for durability.  They’re soft and comfortable, despite the fact that they’re jeans. They’re also stylish and versatile and can be dressed up or down.  Choose from Toddler, Little Boy, or Big Boy sizing in regular, slim, or husky.

Polo shirts are a great way for parents to ensure their children look nice but remain comfortable. Made from 100% cotton, the shirt is soft, comfortable, and lightweight.   It actually looks like he’s wearing two shirts, but the sleeves are sewn in so as not to add bulk or weight to the shirt. The shirt comes in two colors/styles and is offered in sizes for both boys and little boys.

Lands’ End’s back to school selection includes apparel (including uniforms), backpacks, and accessories.  The company offers the option of personalizing such items as backpacks and lunchboxes for fashionable or practical purposes. And, if your child does attend a school that requires uniforms, be sure to check out the selection on the site because many of the styles are gender-specific and fashionable.

You can check out the entire Back to School section on Lands’ End!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review provided by Lands’ End.

With the school-year on the horizon, it’s time for parents and children to begin thinking about preparing lunches.  For children who are not able to tolerate gluten, the task of finding healthful, palatable options in local grocery stores can be challenging for parents.

Several years ago, when my son was diagnosed with food allergies, we also learned that he is sensitive to gluten.  So while our pediatrician did not say it was required that we completely eliminate gluten from his diet, he highly recommended we try.  As if it weren’t difficult enough to navigate around those allergies, I felt slightly overwhelmed with the thought of completely removing breads, pastas, and his favorite snacks out of his diet.  To this day, my son is not 100% gluten-free.  We completely eliminate those foods that are true allergens and then allow him to eat those foods he is sensitive to in limited quantities (which has been discussed with our Pediatrician).

As someone who has access to natural markets, farmer’s markets, and locally-grown foods, I still didn’t find that the options were abundant.  It was my mother-in-law who recommended we take a look at Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, as she is unable to tolerate gluten and found the breads, muffins, and granola to be flavorful.

Photo Credit: Udi's Gluten Free Foods

Earlier this year, I tasted a variety of Udi’s Gluten Free Foods at the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim.  In particular, I found the muffins to be delicious….moist and flavorful.  Had I not been told they were gluten-free, I would never have known.  A few weeks ago while in San Diego, the company was represented at the Cheap Sally party, offering attendees an opportunity to taste some of their sweet treats.  To further expand their line, Udi’s is offering cookies and brownies, along with their current selection of breads, muffins, bagels, granola, and pizza crust.

Because Udi’s is expanding their line, parents and children can pack gluten-free lunches that are healthy, flavorful, and enjoyable without having to sacrifice the types of foods they enjoy.  Here is just an example of how to pack a gluten-free lunch:

Organic Roasted Turkey Breast

Organic fresh veggies

Fresh Hummus

Udi’s Gluten Free Whole Grain Bread Loaf

Snacks:

Gluten Free Vanilla Granola with Almond Milk Yogurt (morning snack) and a piece of organic fruit

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (Afternoon snack) with fresh cut organic veggies/hummus

The above lunch includes a variety of whole grains, fruits and veggies, and protein.  It does not include dairy, but a parent could easily sub milk or a dairy-based yogurt if their child is not allergic.  If you have more than one child, parents can still offer each child the same lunch since it might be easier and more affordable not to have to buy two different types of foods.

Udi’s is continuing to expand their line of gluten-free foods. For more information, just visit their website or Facebook page.

Win It! One of you will win a $50 Udi’s Back-to-School Prize Pack.  Simply leave me a comment with a gluten-free tip or an Udi’s product you’d like to try.  Comments will close on September 11th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Udi’s Gluten Free Foods.

Photo Credit: hortongrou

While we’re still enjoying warm summer days at the beach, the back to school season is nearing. Even in our own household, things will be different this year as our son enters pre-kindergarten.  This year is all about preparing him (and ourselves) to be timely, disciplined, and attentive. We’re also aiming to infuse and inspire some fun and excitement about learning!

Shopping for the back to school season can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly.  However, with a few time and cost-saving techniques, you and your child can rock the back to school season in eco-style!

1. Take Inventory. If this isn’t your child’s first year attending school, go through last year’s clothes, shoes, and school supplies to see if anything can be used again. I recommend doing this with your child so you can make decisions together.

2. Do Your Homework. While you may be obligated to purchase necessary items dictated by your child’s school, you can “Google” sustainable options to the remainder of your back to school list. In some cases, you may be able to ask a teacher if your child can use soy crayons, biodegradable pens and pencils, recycled paper and notebooks and more.

3. Seek plastic alternatives. Have you noticed just how much plastic surrounds us? From products to packaging, we could stand to consume less. Opt for a hemp backpack and commit to packing a waste-free lunch.

Speaking of waste-free lunches, Annie’s Homegrown, Stonyfield YoKids, Honest Kids and Seventh Generation have partnered to help families choose sustainable lunch options for their children.  Through September 30th, families will receive a free Kids Konserve lunch sack (made from recycled cotton) with the purchase of one of the following products (mail-in form with proof of purchase required):

Any Annie’s Homegrown item
Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-packs or Squeezers
Honest Kids Organic Drinks 8-pack carton or 64-ounce bottle
Seventh Generation Disinfectants (sprays or wipes)

And because we’re talking about a greener back to school season, why not begin instilling healthy eating habits within your children by opting for organic fruits, veggies, dairy, and meats and sustainable snacks free from preservatives, artificial colors/flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats.  Many of the brands that have partnered to help families choose a waste-free lunch offer organic, healthy foods that are good for your children and good for the environment.

What are your best tips for a greener back to school season?

Win It! FOUR of you will win a Kids Konserve lunch sack filled with coupons to buy your favorite sustainable products including Annie’s, Stonyfield YoKids, and Seventh Generation. Simply leave me a comment with your best tip for a greener back to school season. Comments will close on August 31st at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Items for review and giveaway supplied by the company.

This Giveaway is now closed. Congrats to our winner, Sand!

Last week, I told you about Box Tops for Education, a phenomenal program that helps raise money for schools.  Not only have they partnered with Walmart to offer extra box tops this month, they’ve partnered with Sam’s Club to offer 6 Box Tops on a Pack.  If you purchase participating products such as Honey Nut Cheerios and Nature Valley Oats ‘N Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, you’ll be able to help your local school earn more money through Box Tops for Education.  For more information, visit my previous post.

Win It! One of you will win a $25 gift card to Sam’s Club. Simply leave me a comment with the name of one General Mills´ product you’re excited to see featured in the 6 Tops on a Pack offer at Sam’s Club.  Comments will close on August 30th at 11:59 PM PST.

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.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Gift cards for review and giveaway supplied by Sam’s Club and Box Tops for Education via MyBlogSpark