Back to School Bash Sponsor- Kohl’s. One Stop Shop for School Shopping! “Kids Shoes Review”

The 2013 School year is here. The summer has flown by without me even knowing it. It doesn’t seem like Aidan’s been out of Kindergarten for an entire 2 months. He has though, and now heading into first grade. Adisyn, my baby girl, is starting preschool. This Mama is going to be an empty nester during the day, I will cry the first week- I KNOW it!

Kohl’s is a One Stop Shop for Back to School! They have EVERYTHING your child needs for that first day back. The best thing about it is that they have everything for your kindergartener as well as your older kids as well.

They have a HUGE selection of School Shoes, that aren’t only fashionable but also affordable. Those two words don’t get mixed around too much- stylish and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Even your “picky” teen will agree!

They have more ways to shop then one, You can shop by gender, the type of shoe you’re looking for, or by brand. What’s even better is after you’ve chosen what you’re looking for you can sort them by price! They are having a major blow-out on shoes, starting at $7!

 

The Shoes•

I always get my kids closed toe tie up shoes because they are still little. They have to have shoes that won’t come off on the playground or during gym. I had a blast looking through the website at all the shoes. They had so many brands to look through.

Aidan♠

I ended up getting Aidan a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Street Mid-Top Shoes.

Both of the kids’ shoes came VERY quickly ordered from the website, within 3-4 days! If you order more than one pair (or more than one item), everything still comes shipped in the same box. I thought that was pretty cool.

These shoes come in 12-6, my son wears a 1 (he’s 6). I absolutely love the dynamic yellow mixed with the black. It just looks so dynamic and calls attention to them. Of course, I’ve always been a fan of Converse. They know how to make simplicity look amazing.

They ARE built not only for comfort but also built to last. They have a padded tongue and collar, so that I know he is comfortable during the entire school day. I absolutely loved how both pair of shoes I received had the laces already in the shoes!

The Converse shoes, however, DO not require tying, My son can just slip these on in the morning before school. This will make my morning ten times easier, because I’ll have to get two kids ready, snacks and backpacks together, and 2 separate buses to wait on.

You CAN fix these so that they can be tied. I WILL tie them on the days he has P.E. so that it will make it easier for him to run at full speed. The outsole is rubber so it gets awesome traction no matter what he’s walking on; linoleum, concrete, or tile.

The outer (upper) part of these shoes are made out of canvas. This makes it easier for his feet to get air and be able to breath. Last year when he would come in from school, I’d change him into play clothes and GOSH his feet stunk. It was because he sit there all day, played on the playground, and had P.E. without his feet getting any air.

Doesn’t he just look so adorable? He loves his new shoes! He can’t wait to start school so he can wear his shoes and show his “new” friends that he hasn’t even met yet.. LOL.

I overheard him talking to my daughter. He said “Adi, I’m cool and you’re not. Cool is black shoes and you have pink on your shoes.” Okay, apparently a first grader thinks he knows what it means to be “cool” LOL.

Buy them: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Street Mid-Top Shoes $32.99

Adisyn♥

I ended up getting Adisyn the Jumping Beans® Athletic Shoes.

My little Diva absolutely adores these shoes. AS soon as she seen them in the box she wanted to wear them. I let her wear them around the house for a little while, so she could get used to how they feel. I swear, she didn’t want to take them off.

They are so adorable. They look tie die on soles, mixed with blue and pink. She wears a lot of both blue and pink, so they are the perfect shoes for her. They are made in Size 11-3, she wears an 11 (she’s 4).

These shoes are sure to get a lot of use. She is PURE energy, all the time. Running, playing, jumping, skipping, hopping, and any other adjective you could think of. She is balled up energy, and I’m sure these shoes can hold their fill

They are very high quality made shoes! They have mesh lining on the top of the shoes and are interlaced on the sides. The mesh lining wicks away moisture. This is awesome because I don’t know how many times it rained last year before school and my sons socks would get a little wet.

The insides of the shoes are comfortable and they have a padded footbed. They fit her feet perfectly. There’s a little room to grow but not too much that she is going to trip over her shoes! She is excited to be starting school this year, I woke up this morning and she already had both school shoes and a school outfit on!

Aidan is so funny. He tried to close his eyes, cross them, or something silly EVERY time! They are fun, energetic kids and I’m glad they both have a pair of shoes that will definitely keep up with them this year.. now only if this Mama could

Buy them: Jumping Beans® Athletic Shoes $20 (Reduced from $40!)

AND..

 

FREE shipping everyday! AND right now they are also having a get $10 Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent!

What do you think about their shoes? Have you done your back to school shopping yet?

Did you all know about the huge selection of brands, prices, and sizes?

Connect with Kohl’s online:

Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest

 

Jessica Renee

Fun Way to Stop Summer Learning Loss for K-2nd Grade: PowerMyLearning

Summer is has been in FULL summer mode for awhile now. Relaxing, hanging out, and swimming is ALL that has been crossing my kids minds. It’s been really REALLY hot this summer.. can you say HUMID?

Have you ever heard OR experienced summer slide? Where you forget stuff you learned the previous year DURING the summer? Kids who do not continue with educational activities over the summer tend to lose an average of 2.6 months of academic growth, that’s a LOT!

PowerMyLearning is here to help you and your kids prevent that Summer Slide in a very fun and interactive way! PowerMyLearning is an absolutely free website with everything your K-2nd grader needs to stay at their learning level (and go even further if they wanted).

My son had a blast because it consisted of FUN. It is like playing a game to him, he  doesn’t “look” at it like a learning experience. He just thinks he is playing (and he is), but it’s purely educational as well. It’s an amazing concept, integrating learning through fun. This is how I teach my kids anyway. If they feel FORCED to stare at a page, they’ll get bored. Why not make it fun so they remember?

it’s really cool because you can add as many children (when you sign up as a parent) as you want. It’s awesome that within 1 second you can link their school by searching your zip code! Of course, my daughter is only in preschool—so maybe I’ll sign her up next year (or this year if she does well). She’s a fast learner.

We were basically focusing on the Math programs. Aidan did really good this year with his letters, learning sounds of the letters.  He can count to 100 but he has trouble adding and subtracting. With PowerMyLearning, he gets to choose which activity he likes and collect points when he finishes those activities!

There are tons of games to choose from. Here are some he played and really enjoyed!

Kids Adding Objects ~ Time to practice addition!

Interactive 100 Square ~ Play with these interactive squares to see interesting patterns.

Apple picking PBS~ Counting with Curious George and his friend Jumpy

There are more than 30 different math games for the K-2 grade level

PowerMyLearning is a free web-based platform designed for K-12 students, parents, and educators. The platform makes thousands of the best online learning activities easily accessible and usable in one trusted place.

Check out PowerMyLearning on social media for the latest updates!

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

Disclosure~ This is a sponsored post on behalf of PowerMyLearning

 

-Jessica Renee

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