Showing posts with label school

I have received information and materials from JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER, Inc., McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division, LLC. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. #PositivelyPrepared #BacktoSchool #CollectiveBias


#‎ad‬ Be ‪‬#PositivelyPreparedfor ‪#‎BacktoSchool‬ this year with these tips and savings from #Target‬ and #Tylenol‬.


We are in our third full day of the new school year here at casa Kinsman and I will confess to feeling a little more pressure than usual as I take in the scope of what this milestone year will bring for my family. ”Busy” doesn’t seem to adequately cover the 2016-2017 school year ahead!  My oldest daughter is a senior with a heavy class load, clubs, prom, graduation and college looming large. My youngest is an eighth grader with tough classes, banquets, club events, and graduation from middle school.  Instead of letting this pressure filled year overwhelm me, I found easy ways to be prepared for this school year with my teens and want to share them with you today. 


Family vacation fun


Have fun! I’ve read several back to school checklists and oddly, this simple way to stay positive during this crazy, hectic time of year wasn’t mentioned. I snapped the above photo on our recent family vacation to the Smoky Mountains. We were having so much fun, so I’ll implement time for fun into our daily routines.



Take time to stretch everyday! #PositivelyPrepared for #BacktoSchool



Stretch! You may think that back pain is strictly parent’s domain, but that is not the case. Our teens lug around a loaded down back pack full of books, or carry their books to class daily. Not to mention having to look down at their desks to do their assignments. This can lead to back pain and a serious crick in the neck. Setting aside just 10 minutes after school to stretch out those tired muscles will help refresh and invigorate our kids to finish the day on the right foot.


Hydrate! By the time we feel thirsty, we are probably already about a quart low on fluids! Most kids don’t drink enough water during the school day, so it’s very important that we offer tasty ways for our kids to re- hydrate after school. Be sure to stock up on after school snacks that are super hydrators like watermelon and grapes. Make a cool and refreshing fruit smoothie if your busy schedule allows, or try this trick. Fill a water bottle halfway and place in the freezer when you making lunches for the next day. Grab and fill with water to take with you to after school activities. 


Inevitably, no matter how well we plan our days, back to school time can bring on aches and pains, colds and headaches, so my last tip is to stock up on reliable pain relief products like TYLENOL® and MOTRIN®.  Afterall, TYLENOL® is the #1 Doctor Recommended Brand of Pain Reliever and offers trusted pain relief


#ad Get #PositivelyPrepared for #BacktoSchool at Target


I find all the products my family trusts at Target. Get positively prepared with the right pain relief for you and your family by visiting your local Target and heading towards the pharmacy, or by shopping for pain relief online at TargetEach family is different and will have different pain relief needs, but here are my suggestions based on what works for me and my family.  



#ad my trusted pain relief to be #PositivelyPrepared for #BacktoSchool


TYLENOL® Regular strength Liquid Gels:
Trusted pain and fever relief now in a liquid gel. Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, backache, minor pain of arthritis, the common cold, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, temporarily reduces fever. For adults and children 6 years and older. Use only as directed.

MOTRIN® IB:
Works fast to stop pain where it starts. Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: the common cold, headache, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, muscular aches, premenstrual and menstrual cramps; temporarily reduces fever. For adults and children 12 years and older.  Use only as directed.

TYLENOL® 8 HR Muscle Aches & Pain:
Take control of your muscle pain and take back your day. Temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: muscular aches, backache, minor pain of arthritis, toothache, premenstrual and menstrual cramps, headache, the common cold; temporarily reduces fever. For adults and children 12 years and older. Use only as directed. Acts fast and lasts all day.* *Up to 8 hours. Tough on body pain. Gentle on your stomach.  

Want to learn more about TYLENOL® products and read reviews? I suggest you follow them on Facebook hereBe sure to get social with Target too! My teens and I love shopping at Target and I follow them on Facebook and Twitter to learn about current sales and giveaways. You can save more when shopping with Target by using their Cartwheel savings app!  Head on over to Target’s website to learn more.

Whether you are relishing the last days of your summer vacation, or your kids have already headed back to school, I hope my today’s post will help you ease back into school mode and help you be positively prepared for what the school year holds in store for you and your family.



Please share in comments: What is your best tip for easing back in to school routines?

You’ve got the “write” stuff Pentel, Happy 50th!

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, May 05, 2015
If you are sitting at a desk reading this right now, do me a favor please; take a quick inventory of your pens. I’m betting at least one of them is a Pentel. Personally, I have loved Pentel products most of my life because my Mom, a busy account manager, used their pens almost exclusively.  That’s why I was happy to work with #Shopletreviews who provided me with complementary Pentel products to share my thoughts with you. All opinions are my own.


writing, pens, pencils,


Happy 50th Pentel! 

Pentel of America sold its first pen in 1965. That’s the same year the Gemini 6 and Gemini 7 space capsules conducted the first Earth orbit rendezvous in history.  And, here’s a little known fact, each astronaut carried a Pentel Sign Pen in their sleeve pocket!  

The Pentel Sign Pen made another famous appearance in 1965 when then United States President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed his “Great Society” during his State of the Union Address. He signed the Address with a Pentel.

Admittedly, I’m not signing anything as important as a former President, and I’m certainly never going to be an astronaut – but I still sign and write some pretty important pieces of paper her in my little corner of the world. 

My family and I love Pentel’s new Vicuna line of low viscosity fine ballpoint pens. They come in a rainbow of ink colors and write ultra smooth while drying fast on the page. Perfect for quick notes and homework, these pens are already migrating into other parts of our home. 


write, pencils, eraser, office, school, supplies,
Source

Equally easy to use is the Twist –Erase III fine point automatic pencil with a jumbo eraser. My daughters prefer mechanical pencils for school work and found the ergonomic comfort grip a huge plus.


My personal favorite of all the Pentel products sent to me for review is hands down the Pentel EnerGel Alloy medium point roller ball pen. 

birthday, wishes, pens, pencils, #Pentel


It has the style and feel of a much more expensive pen. The quality of ink makes it a superb writing pen that I will keep handy for signing important papers that need a smooth, quick dry- no smear signature. 


You can shop and save on these Pentel products and other office supplies by visiting the links found on each product above and by visiting Shoplet.com


Please share in comments: What color of ink is in the pen you are using today?

Today isn’t the Luau

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, May 16, 2014

That’s what my 5th grade daughter said to me as soon as I picked up the phone rather frantically this morning. I say frantically because I was driving to the school to volunteer at the Luau when her phone call came in.


Seeing it was the school calling at this time of morning makes a Mom’s mind jump into sick or hurt kid mode. But no- it was my sweet daughter saving her over tired Mom from showing up at the wrong event on the wrong day.

After I thanked her and hung up, I started laughing as I turned around to head back home.  I found it quite funny that Mrs. Planner me, Mrs. “I’ve got this handled” me was heading to school to be keep my “appointment” with the 5th grade classes who would need me to guide them in all things crafty at my table from 10 am to 11am. It said so on my planner. 


scheduling
A portion of my planning tools

I even had my daughter convinced that it must be a combo event-  a field day and Luau party day because it was on my planner and on the family calendar and since I am very rarely wrong on scheduling and even more rarely miss an appointment, we believed me.

I even had Melissa lug a bag full of Bubbles and drink pouches on the bus with her this morning so they would be there, ready for the parents arriving early to set up for the Luau. 

Except that I was wrong and it’s not Luau day. 

It’s field day.  I didn’t volunteer to help on field day because it’s Friday and I always work on billing etc. for my husband’s business on Friday’s.

So why did I find myself half way to school, still air drying the back of my hair on a Friday morning?

I can come up with several plausible explanations-

  •  I am sleep deprived (says every parent on the planet trying to finish out the school year strong).
  •  I looked at the wrong planner/calendar/notepad/notebook/post it notes. (Which is true, I had the right info on the family calendar.)
  • Melissa thought it was Luau day too.


But in the end, I think this little “Oops” was much needed comic relief. The universes way of saying “Hey Linda, slow down and quit white knuckling yourself to the end of the school year”.  

Message received loud and clear Universe!


I took a look at my planner just now and surprisingly, happily, the only thing I have on my planner for Friday May 23rd is: Our Summer starts!

Whew- I think I’m going to make it after all!


Share with me in comments: Have you ever showed up at an event on the wrong day or time?  And when do your kids get out of school for summer?

Winter Weather Closes Schools in middle Tennessee

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, December 10, 2013

We watch the evening news, hoping the bad weather will be close enough to warrant the happily awaited call from the school district announcing school closings. But, bedtime comes and the call still hasn’t come in, so the girls put on their PJ’s inside out and hang a sock on their bedroom door in an effort to bring on their heartfelt desire for snow!


MyWAHMPlan.com
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The sleet starts tinkling off the roof and deck by 11pm- but still no call. The children are nestled all snug in their beds with visions of snow balls dancing in their heads- but the snow didn’t come. Just rain, sleet then ice.

At 5am, we get the school call that my husband and I knew had to come because we saw the icy sheen on our road before we finally fell asleep.
We turned off the alarms and snuggle down for some precious, indulgent sleep-in time. Secure in the knowledge that as small business owners, we only answer to ourselves if we don’t make it into work on time.

We are blessed in that way- and we know it. I still remember clearly working for a boss who didn’t care how treacherous the commute – if he could make it in, we were all supposed to make it in. Ditto, my husband’s boss, who had a big 4 wheel Jeep that could have made it through any type of weather.

As we watched the news this morning and saw all the wrecks from people spinning on ice not just here, but all across our great Nation- I stopped and said a prayer for all the Moms and Dads who had to be out in this mess for their job.  Our wee bit of ice is rapidly melting in the sun, but I know by the evening commute- some of our country roads will be slippery again.

I pray and think “But for the Grace of God go I.” I know that could easily be me out there, along with my husband- slipping and sliding and worrying our way to a job we have to get to if we want to eat.

I pray for everyone’s safety.

As I look over at my beloved children- safe and warm with me, while I hear my husband working in his shop, I tear up a little- overcome with my Blessings. 
Getting the call that schools are closed are no big deal here for us, we welcome them! But I know, for some families they are a hardship. I feel sorry for each and every one of them and vow again- not take this moment or my life for granted.

This post- although very heartfelt- is part of my job. Is there a guaranteed paycheck waiting for me on Friday? No. 
But- I wouldn’t trade being home safe and warm for a paycheck- unless I had too. And then I would hope somebody would pray for my safe return home too.

I bid your safe travels and warmth and happiness on your return home today and if you are blessed like me to be at home- stop a moment and take it all in. Capture the moment and enjoy!

Please tell me in comments what winter weather do you have today!

Schools are closed today for a Manhunt

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, February 25, 2013


We were watching the Oscars last night,  my husband and I hoping that the last joke Seth McFarlane said flew right over our dear daughter’s heads, when all of our phones started ringing at the same time.

 This usually means only one thing: there will be no school the next day or the schools will be opening late due to inclement weather.


bad weather
Courtesy: abclocal.go.com
 These messages are met with glee on the part of the kids and since I’m a work at home Mom, I am able to roll with it much easier than my working Mom friends. 

What startled us was the reason behind this closing: a manhunt was happening right then for a man who worked at one of the counties schools and had access to said schools.  According to the news, this man was involved in a domestic violence issue.

I applaud the district for putting safety first. In light of all that has happened in and around public schools of late, I say it was an excellent call, but it raised a deeper question for us as parents. 

What type of background checks are being done for employees in supporting positions such as this man who was a maintenance worker?  Is this another area our public schools need to improve upon?

 I honestly do not know what criteria are in place. But I mean to find out. I am a bit embarrassed that I don’t know.  I just assumed that these workers were asked to go through the same screening process as teachers, staff and even volunteers.

 For example, I am a tier 3 volunteer in our school district which means I have been finger printed and had a background check completed; therefore I am able to go on field trips and volunteer for activities that put me in direct contact with children.

I hope in my search I do find out that all workers entering our schools have had to pass this same level of security, if not more.

We spoke with our girls at length about safety at schools and let them know we felt comfortable sending them to school because our district did go the extra mile to ensure our schools were as safe as possible. 

Thankfully this dialog ran long ( much like the Oscars) and we had stopped watching the show to talk. This saved our kids from hearing any of the song Seth McFarlane entertained the audience with next. You know the one about female body parts? So not kid friendly. 

 By the end of the Oscars, when my kids had been fast asleep for some time, our local news reported that the manhunt had ended. The man safely in custody and that schools would remain closed.

Good.  I am very thankful that this story has a happy ending.

 So has your school ever been shut down for something like this? Do you know what your school districts security policies are?

Please share your thoughts on this. 





Monday and My Plan

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, May 23, 2011



I had a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  I am energized and ready to jump into my week.

Here's what I've got planned for this week:

1. Attend Graduation Ceremonies/ Class parties/Goodbyes at my girls school ( we got rezoned) without crying!!! Today I made it through one Graduation and the walk down the hall to grab her heavy backpack without doing it. As Scarlet O'Hara once stated: Tomorrow is another day! and I think it may be a bit harder with all those bittersweet lasts coming. Wish me and my mascara Good Luck!

2. Finalize girls summer activities: VBS, Theater, Swim, Reading Across America and get those dates on my planner and off my post-it notes.

3. Start formulating my first ever book review! This weekend,  I devoured Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda and I am excited to be able to write my first review on such an Outstanding novel. Stay tuned.


4. Formulate sales/advertising strategy for husbands business for the next quarter.

5.  Celebrate my birthday!

6.  Count my blessings, everyday. If you are reading this, you are a blessing to me! I would love to hear from you, so that I can visit and connect with you.

Family Time

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Monday, January 17, 2011
I for one am glad the kiddies didn't have to go to school again today in observance of M.L.K. day.
I enjoy having them home with me.  My plan for the day? Let my Kids plan my day.

Sure, I certainly don't get as much work done, but hey, there is always tomorrow when they will go back to school and the house will be quite and my multiple things to do lists will be there waiting for me.

On days like this, where it's mellow and easy and fun I get my payday. My Yay! I work from Home pat on the back.
The money part of working from home? Well, that will be earned another day. The type of payday I'm talking about has nothing to do with money and everything to do with hearts full of love.

So, to all you Moms, work at home or not. I hope you got the day off, or will have a special day soon to enjoy your kiddies. Delight in their delightfulness and the unconditional love they give.
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