Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner Review: Manage Your Time This School year!

Can you say that you’re an organized person? I’d love to be able to sit here and tell you that I am. Guess what, it wouldn’t be the truth though. I run around like a chicken with it’s head cut off most days. I have this to do, that to do, post this, schedule that, and it’s hectic!

I can solemnly promise that I have good intentions, that I MEAN to be organized, that I try. If you seen my desk and workspace you’d laugh or run away one. I have a ton of books, binders, paper, and review items just randomly placed. I tend to get it all cleaned up, reviewed, the giveaways posted.. but more just keeps piling up.

With everything I have to do, it’s just SO hard on me to remember EVERYTHING. Taking care of 2 kids, cleaning and taking care of the house, cooking, and laundry. Writing and Promoting 2 separate blogs and a home business, Social Media, and maintaining my blog traffic. Chaos? Of course!


My son was diagnosed with ADHD just this past year. I could already see it coming before it did. He was having continuing trouble concentrating, listening, and paying attention. It was seriously declining how much he was learning because he couldn’t stay focused.

The 2013 School year is already upon us, how this happened I’m not sure. Time sure has flown by this summer. Within 2 weeks my son is going to be a first grader, and then a week later my daughter will start preschool.

I needed to find a way to successfully organize my schedule and theirs. If I’m not organized, how can I teach my children to be organized? This Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner is perfect for any student or mom who desperately needs to organize school work, work, or just life in general.

Leslie Josel launched Order Out of Chaos® in 2004 after her son was diagnosed with ADHD, Executive Dysfunction and other learning differences. Originally focusing her practice on working with the chronically disorganized (ADHD, students with learning challenges, hoarding behaviors); she expanded her business in 2008 to include relocation and downsizing services. Read more about Leslie here.
She was an organizer WAY before it was a career for her. Do it’s only right to say that she knows how to plan, manage, and organize. She does in fact, know her stuff. As soon as I opened the package with the Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner, I automatically knew that this was the BEST planner I’d ever seen.

I haven’t had the chance to fill it all out yet, because the school year isn’t here yet. It’s hard to miss due dates, speeches, tests, or quizzes when they are written out in plain view for the student to see. I am using my planner for my life, blogs, and kids.

The tabs you see on the left that I have written on (Kids, Stylish Southern Mama, Home) that is shown no matter what page you’re on. I love that. I can use this all year without having to change anything. I can write down if the kids have a class party, need something for school, what they are learning that week, or whatever!
I can also keep up with my 2 blogs. I’ve left a tab blank below each of them in case it runs over.. I do have a long to-do list for both my blogs.. and this is the best way! I’ve also put the first tab at the top for MY personal use and what I received in the mail that day (for blog purposes). That way if I have a doctor appointment (which I do on Monday), I won’t miss it!
I love that there is also an afterschool part! School work/ Regular work doesn’t end at 3. There’s homework, extra activities after school, and such. I have to admit that I CLEARLY fell in love with this planner.
Of course, I’ve had MILLIONS of different planners, agendas, and blank notebooks I turned into planners trying to make it easier to personalize to me. It was truly hard though. If you want to create a schedule with a regular planner you have to take the time and go through EACH day and write the same thing a million times.
That’s the reason this is so brilliant. I can see the “tabs” no matter what week it is. I didn’t have to waste time and go through each day/week/month and write home, school, this blog, home, that blog. It is all drawn out for me!
Not only that, but regular planners do NOT have much space AT all to write ANYTHING. It isn’t broken down like this one is. They are usually broken down by morning, afternoon, and night. If something isn’t written out CLEARLY for me, it’s easy for me to skip past it and forget!

You can see a video that Leslie put together, highlighting all the features of the Academic Planner.

Special Features

A customizable index page at the front of the planner enables students to record their class subjects (7 subject boxes) only once. Eliminates forgetfulness and frustration.
Weekly planner pages line up on a subject-by-subject basis, creating an easy method for students to record and review their weekly schedules.
Days of the week are listed horizontally across the planner, allowing students to quickly see assignments and due dates and creating continuity that is critical to developing time management skills.
Includes space to enter after-school activities and weekend commitments, allowing students to PLAN their weekly workload.
The unique grid system quickly reveals both scheduled and available blocks of time, facilitating weekly time management and planning strategies.
Larger size pages (7” x 11” interior pages) allow for more room to write assignments and appointments.
NEW FEATURE! Handy vinyl back pocket holds notes, slips and other necessary papers.
NEW FEATURE! Three-hole punching allows for easy placement in binders.
NEW FEATURE! Durable laminated covers and sturdy spiral binding stands up to students’ school bags and lockers.
Based on a school calendar (August to July).
OPTIONAL FEATURE: Add an Academic Planner PageMarkerto help your student quickly find his or her place.

Get yourself organized!

Order Out of Chaos Academic Planner is only $19!
I swear this could be worth WAY more, it relieves SO much stress, worry, and time spent procrastinating!
Connect with Leslie online:
Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube


-Jessica Renee

Stay Cool During School with Cool Gear- CoolGearCan Review

Cool Gear has come out with an amazing product called the CoolGearCan. I was excited to get to work with them and try 2 of these bad boys out! Rethink your drink with the CoolGearCan! It doesn’t matter if you’re a mom, a teacher, or a student- this is an amazing alternative to can drinks!

The coolgearcan™ is portable, earth-friendly, reusable and fashionable! Available in lots of fun, bright colors and trendy prints. I was simply AMAZED by both of the coolgearcans that I received. They are very high quality and the designs are beautiful!

I am VERY guilty of grabbing a can drink from the refrigerator without thinking twice. Sodas, Coffee in a can, and Energy Drinks. Most of the day you’ll find me sitting at the computer working, working, and working some more. I need the caffeine to help me get the work completed, not only in a timely manner but great quality.

THERE is a problem with popping a top on a can though, after it has sit there for a second the condensation starts dripping. I have to either get paper towels or locate a coaster just so the condensation doesn’t run underneath my laptop. The coolgearcans DO NOT produce condensation at all, I love it.

Having a reusable can-like drink container is absolutely amazing, I tell ya! I have been packing mine Everywhere with me. Not only have I gotten asked “What are you drinking?”, but “Where can I find one of those?” Most people who see me with it think it’s some kind of new drink.. they don’t know what it is until I twist off the cap and SHOW them that it’s a reusable drink container.

“They work like any to-go cup, except they are 10x better.”

They have a twist-on cap, which makes them spill-proof. We’ve all had to-go drink containers and coffee cups.. but what happens when that lid pops off on you when you’re driving down the road? You’re going to soak your clothes AND your car. The twist on caps are AMAZING!

It is a double wall insulated beverage container which helps keep your drink icy cold for up to 6 hours! I went to rummage sales with my mom over the weekend and brought my coolgearcan along. It was HOT outside, really HOT. I was thankful to get in the car and find that my drink was still cold even with it sitting in a hot car! Ahh.. refreshment.

It has a sliding lid, no twisting and turning while driving! How cool is that? A push of a thumb and it’s open and closed again! I love this because when we go camping or out to the beach, I don’t have to worry about Ants or other bugs crawling into my drink. I would have to worry about it if I were drinking a regular can beverage! NO bugs in my drink!

The coolgearcan is sold in 50+ designs in 16 oz. and 12 oz. containers. They can be bought at the Cool Gear Website for $8.99 (16 oz.)

or CVS, Wal-Mart, & Bed, Bath, and Beyond

For more information on Cool Gear or the coolgearcan, please visit the website, Facebook page, Pinterest, Youtube, Instagram and (@coolgearinc).

 

-Jessica Renee

 

Uncover a new way to shop with MyEveryNeed

I am super excited to be telling you about MyEveryNeed, which is a new revolutionary way to shop. Huh? Shopping, I say? YES, you heard me correctly! This is a new, cutting-edge online virtual mall with a brand new way to buy!
As a mom, I can’t tell you how hard it is to get time to get out by myself or with some friends and do some therapy shopping. Now, I don’t have to ask my mom or Adams’s mom to watch the kids for a couple hours, so I can go out. I can just shop from the comfort of my home without ANY issues, because they have absolutely EVERYTHING you could ever want or need.

The best thing about this new online virtual mall is that they are pulling out a brand new way to buy their items! They have come up with an E-Giftcard and spending cash platform that has never been seen before in the world of online shopping!
This new platform will allow you to shop now and pay later with absolutely No interest charged to you what SO ever! How cool is that? It is very unique to MyEveryNeed which makes it even better! They are ABSOLUTELY changing the way the online buying service works!

I think it’s amazing myself. Who wouldn’t rather shop from the comfort of their home? Especially during those dreaded holiday seasons where everybody and their mom seems to be out shopping at the same time. I don’t mind crowds, but the holiday seasons are absolutely nuts when it comes to shopping.
I just think that this would be so much more efficient, comfortable, and convenient! So, are YOU ready to be a part of shopping history?

Whitney USA Competition MyEveryNeed from MyEveryNeed on Vimeo.
You can sign up at their website MyEveryNeed and connect with them online!
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and Instagram
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of MyEveryNeed.com, all opinions are honest and completely my own.

-Jessica

Beauty Review: Capriclear Natural Coconut Oil Spray Moisturizer

CapriClear Natural Coconut Oil Spray Moisturizer is the first ever spray on moisturizer made with all natural coconut oil. It is hypoallergenic and is made for sensitive skin and those who suffer from Eczema. It is dermatologist formulated and tested.

Both of my kids have sensitive skin. Not OVERLY sensitive, but some fragrances in moisturizers cause them to turn red and get a mild rash. The only ingredient that this has in it is pure, simple coconut oil.. so there’s absolutely no need to worry about them breaking out or turning red from fragrances.

What makes it easier is that is has a spray top bottle. If you’ve ever had to chase kids down and flip open a bottle of lotion while trying to put it on them, you KNOW what I mean. It’s hard! They wiggle, they move, lotion gets everywhere. This just reduces the need for all that. Just take the cap off, spray them down, and smooth it in!

It is colorless and odorless, so there is no need to worry about clothing or anything getting stained because it dries really quickly. The hydration lasts for quite some time too, so there isn’t a need to reapply it all the time like a lotion.

Not only do the kids benefit from this, but I do as well. Where I go to the tanning bed on a regular basis, my skin needs to stay hydrated. The more moisturized your skin is, the better it will hold a tan and it will hold it for a longer period of time.

Since I’ve been going my feet tend to stay dry, REALLY dry. I’ve never had my feet so dry before. I’ve tried all kinds of different scrubs, lotions, and foot moisturizers and my skin just keeps peeling on my feet. I’ve been spraying this on my body and feet after I get out, and it’s been doing an amazing job keeping my skin moisturized.

CapriClear® does not contain steroids, emulsifiers, fragrances, animal products, artificial dyes, preservatives or other additives such as sulfates, parabens or toxins that can lead to skin irritation.

Connect: CapriClear on Facebook,& @capriclear on Twitter!

Buy It! You can buy the CapriClear for $16.99.

 

Jessica Renee

Tanning Lotion Review: Fiesta Sun Hot Cinna Buns

The delicious, mouth-watering aroma of fresh baked cinnamon buns in a bottle. Fiesta Sun Hot Cinna Buns is a fat free formula made with proven tanning accelerators, advanced hot action skin stimulators, mega vitamins and sugar cane bronzers leaves you speechless.

I’ve been using this divine concoction of a tanning lotion for over a month now. I was going to post the review before now, but I’ve had some set backs both in my personal and blogging life. The first thing I noticed with this lotion is the delicious almost edible smell.

They were right when they said it smelled exactly like Hot from the Oven Cinnamon Buns. I went early in the morning before a Dr. Apt to tan (and it was before I had eaten) and I swear I was fantasizing about Cinnamon buns, rolls, and cinnamon bread the entire time! It smells THAT good!

The lotion is a darker/khaki brown and goes on very smoothly. You don’t need very much at all to get the job done. If you overuse it, you’ll be sticky. Just stick to using what you need, it’s a very generous lotion in terms of use.

I love that it has a flip top bottle. It helps to get only the amount you need. When I get a lotion that doesn’t have one, I have to put some of it back in the bottle with the palm of my hand. You squeeze the bottle and gobs of it just comes out. That’s the reason I love the flip top. It only lets you squeeze out what you need, hence no wasting!

It has a combination of Accelerator/Bronzer/DHA in it, so it instantly bronzes the skin while in the tanning bed. The rich, deep, dark color it produces is stunning. The fact that it doesn’t take long to develop is astounding.

It’s because of the tanning accelerators, advanced skin stimulators, mega vitamins and sugar cane bronzers all mixed into one. Usually you don’t see a accelerators mixed in the lotions, you have to buy them separately.

I can get out of the tanning bed and immediately notice how moisturized and silky soft my skin feels after using this lotion. It has silicones in it, that’s the reason it softens the skin and makes it look and feel so healthy.

It does have a tingle in it, although it isn’t the kind of tingle that is going to leave your skin sensitive and hurting if you’re sensitive to tingles. I really like tingle lotions, and although this isn’t the strongest tingle lotion I’ve used, it’s still pretty on par for also having a bronzer in it!

DHA & natural bronzers for a deeper, darker, long lasting tan. Vitamins A, C & E for healthy looking skin. Exotic botanicals fight off free radical scavengers to help defy age. Isosorbide complex helps deliver benefits deeper into the skin.All the satisfaction, without any guilt!

• With Accelebronze

• Natural Golden Caramel Instant Bronzers

• Exotic Botanicals

• Vitamins A, C & E

• Pure Argan Oil

• Pure Milk Extracts

• Silicone Emulsion

• Tight and Firm Formula

• Paraben Free

Fiesta Sun has a variety different tanning lotions: be sure to check them out!

Buy it: You can buy the Fiesta Sun Hot Cinna Buns at your local tanning salon for $30.

 

Jessica Renee

 

Wine Review: Friends Just Wine- Wine in a can

Friends Wine in a Can is a brand new wine beverage to hit the U.S. market this year, and I am absolutely thrilled to be one of the first few to get to taste test! YUM. Friends Wine is the next generation in wine beverages, bringing a fresh take on sophistication and unexpected fun to any party or gathering.

Friends Wine flavors include:

· French Wines made in France with 12 percent alcohol

o Cabernet Merlot

o French Melon Wine

· Sangria and Moscato “Fun” Wines contain 6 percent alcohol and served chilled

o Sangrias: Original Red and White

o Moscatos: White, Rosé, Peach and Strawberry

I was excited to get to be a part of this. There are more and more wine drinkers emerging, and more events where it’s acceptable to drink openly. Concerts and Professional Ball Games are just a few, yet they only offer beer.

Having a barbeque? Going to the lake? Camping? You may consider getting some of these for yourself, while your hubby gets the beet! I love the thought that you can just take a couple cans of the Friends Fun Wine in a Can with you and enjoy a relaxing drink of wine without the hassle of cups and wine corks.

I want to tell you about the Moscato wines first. I received 4 Moscato wines; White, Rose, Peach, and Strawberry.

These are light-bodied, kind of on the tart side, with the sweet hint of fruit in it. It has a medium acidity level to it, so it’s not too strong of a wine but it’s good! It isn’t sweet like a fruit juice, it still has that bitter sweetness to them, but if you like wine and would like to try something new—these are perfect!

I was also sent 2 cans of Sangria; Original Red and White and then 2 cans of French Wine which are the Cabernet Merlot and the French Melon Wine. The French Wines are 12% alcohol, which is more than the Sangria and the Moscatos at 6%.

Wine is an acquired taste, I have to admit. It isn’t something you can take to like drinking a soda. You have to appreciate the time and effort it takes to make the wine and what is in it. Both the Moscatos and Sangrias are blended with berries and citrus both for aroma and essence. 

I loved being able to crawl in the bed with a good book and my nightly selection of Friends Wine in a can. I loved not having to search for the wine cork, and about killing myself to get the darn cork out!

I love that this is making us “consumers” think outside the bottle.. these slim cans are 100% recyclable. Cans can be recycled into new cans and back on the shelf within 60 days, how amazing turn around is that?

This is an amazing alternative to bottled wines. I love being able to relax at the end of the night with a can of wine and a great t.v. show or book. It’s totally different than a bottle because I can NEVER no matter how hard I try get the cork back in!

Going to a party at a friends house? Don’t forget your Friends Wine in a Can

About Friends Beverage Group

Friends Beverage Group offers the Friends Wine in a Can Collection™ and the Friends Just Wine Collection™ in 23 states. They are currently available in the U.S. on all Spirit Airlines flights and at Wal-Mart, Kroger's, 7-Eleven, CVS, and other national retailers.

Connect with Friends Wine in a Can online:

Facebook and Twitter

 

 

Jessica Renee