Showing posts with label back to school

Back to School is the perfect time for Moms to practice Mental Rest

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, September 05, 2023

Recently, I was talking with a Mom friend who is in the thick of the back to school schedule. Since she knows I’m on the other side of the back to school stress, she asked if and when things got better. I assured her they would as her kids get older, and that now would be a perfect time to practice mental rest. Today, I have the privilege of sharing insights on this topic from Shiela Mie Legapsi, President of Cyberbacker and contributor to Newsweek and Pop Sugar. 



Moms Need Mental Rest:



Moms practice mental rest

VIEW the POST
4 comments

Win Dream Builders Blu-Ray +DVD in Back to School Giveaway Hop

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, August 05, 2022

Happy Friday! I hope you've been enjoying all the cool giveaways I've shared over the summer, and the summer of giving isn't done. I've teamed up with my favorite group of bloggers to bring you a cool back to school giveaway hop! There are so many fun and cool prizes to win. Starting here, on my blog. I'm giving away a Blu-Ray + DVD copy of Dream Builders. A perfect after school or family movie night prize.


Back To School Giveaway Hop!


Back to school giveaway hop

VIEW the POST
17 comments

Get around campus easily with a Jetson Quest Electric Scooter

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Thursday, August 29, 2019

Do you have a student entering or returning to college this year? Our oldest daughter recently returned to Lipscomb University here in Nashville for her junior year. We love Lipscomb for a host of reasons and feel it's a great fit for our daughter and us, expect for parking! Nashville’s not a huge city yet, but it is growing by leaps and bounds, with an average of 100 people moving here per day. Our once quaint suburban streets where most local colleges are located, simply aren’t equipped to handle the traffic. Parking and getting to class on time is especially tricky at Lipscomb! I’m hoping they will implement a new policy allowing scooters on campus soon. I daresay parking and getting to class on time is a top concern for college students across America, which is why I think the Jetson Quest Electric Scooter would be a perfect way for college students to get around campus easily. 

Cool Scooter Alert! @ridejetson, #ad, @BestBuy

VIEW the POST
0 comments

Send students back to school with a reusable notebook

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, September 07, 2018
By now, most kids across the country have either gone back to school or will be very shortly. While the kids get excited about a new school year, we parents may become a bit frazzled with all the necessary back to school supply shopping we must do. The supply lists seem to get longer and more costly each year, that’s why I’m so excited to share an innovated product with you today. Read on to see how you can send your students back to school with a reusable notebook too.



Rocketbook Everlast reusable notebook #ad

VIEW the POST
0 comments

ZeroWater pitcher helps college students have pure drinking water + giveaway

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, August 03, 2018
It’s that time of year again parents. The time we both dread and love- back to school time is here in middle Tennessee and in communities all around the south. This year will be a little easier for us with our oldest daughter since she will be a sophomore in college. We know better what to expect with her living on campus.  We wanted to ensure she had cleaning drinking water when she moved into another dorm hall this year, and working with ZeroWater will ensure that.



AD: ZeroWater pitcher helps college students have pure drinking water + giveaway


VIEW the POST
22 comments

Don’t fear back to school bake sales with Krusteaz bakery style cookie mixes #giveaway

in , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Now that my elementary school Mom days are behind me, I don’t get called upon to bake for class parties much anymore. While I do miss seeing the joy on the kids’ faces when I shared a sweet treat; I still get pressed into baking service for the hospitality committees at both the middle and high school level- which often means donating to bake sales.  Sometimes I don’t have time or the supplies needed to bake from scratch, but I don’t fear bake sales because I keep Krusteaz bakery style cookie mixes on hand. My thanks to Krusteaz for sending me complimentary products for today’s post and giveaway. 
My WAHM Plan: a pan of fresh baked cookies

My family and I love a warm, fresh from the oven cookie, so it was difficult for us to decide which cookie mix to try first; there were so many good options in my box of Krusteaz Bakery Style mixes like:
  • Butter Vanilla Sugar
  • Oatmeal Scotchie
  • Brown Sugar Oatmeal
  • Double Peanut Butter
  • Triple Chocolate Chunk

 We tried the Oatmeal Scotchie’s first. What a delightful cookie! Sweet and salty and just about perfect with a glass of milk. These were gobbled up so quickly by my family; I knew I’d have to tackle bake sale cookies while my cookie monsters were at school and work! I chose to make Triple Chocolate Chunk cookie bars.



My WAHM Plan: Don't fear back to school bake sales with Krusteaz!


The mix comes together quickly and there is almost no clean up with the Krusteaz mixes. Just add an egg and some butter and stir. The batter has a beautiful brown color- and look at all these chunks of chocolate! 

My WAHM Plan: Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie Batter
Hello, cookie bar perfection! They are moist yet fluffy, not thick and dense like some bars. Because there is three types of chocolate, they are sweet and very satisfying, so I suggest cutting 18 cookie bars if you use an 8x8x2 inch baking pan like I did. 
My WAHM Plan: Cookie bar perfection!


The hardest part was getting them cooled and wrapped for the bake sale without my family eating them! I’m thrilled at how easy these mixes are to work with and how good they taste! Nobody will ever know you didn’t bake these cookies from scratch unless you tell them.

I invite you to learn more about the Krusteaz brand, find yummy recipes and coupons by visiting their website and by following them on Twitter.


 Win It!
My WAHM Plan: Krusteaz prize pack


Krusteaz wants to help ease the stress of back to school baking for one lucky reader, who will receive a Krusteaz Back to School prize pack which includes a variety of Krusteaz bakery style cookie mixes and apron, oven mitt and lunchbox!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 Terms:
No purchase necessary to enter. Open to U.S. residents who are 18+ years or older. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.
Disclosure:

My thanks to Krusteaz for sending me free products to facilitate today's post and for hosting this giveaway. I didn't received monetary compensation for my thoughts, however, I only share content I feel will benefit my readers. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

VIEW the POST
20 comments

Tasty back to school lunchbox treats and a giveaway!

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, September 16, 2015
We are eight weeks into the new school year and so far I’ve been able to offer up some pretty tasty lunchbox options for my teen daughters. I like to add something special to each lunch;  so I was pleased to try Nonni’s THINaddictives snacks free of charge for today’s post and giveaway. I loved these snacks as did my daughters! They were the perfect lunchbox treat!

My WAHM Plan: Nonni's THINaddictives #snacks, #giveaway

Nonni’sTHINaddictives come in three flavors- Cranberry Almond Thins, Pistachio Almond Thins and Cinnamon Raisin Thins.  Each has their own unique flavor, reminding my daughters and me of certain holidays throughout the year. For instance, the Cranberry Almond Thins make us all think of Christmas baking while the Pistachio Almond Thins bring to mind their delightful biscotti when I pair it with my mid- morning coffee.  These crunchy almond thin cookies are so tasty- even the pickiest eater is going to love them!

My WAHM Plan: Enjoy Nonni'sTHINaddictives in 3 flavors
Each box of Nonni’s THINaddictives has 6 servings of 3 almond cookies sealed in their own freshness packs which make them the perfect lunchbox add-on or after school snack. With these freshness packs, I find myself grabbing my daughter’s favorite flavors and just tossing them in my purse as I head out the door to pick them up from after school activities. 
My WAHM Plan: Nonni's THINaddictives snacks come in freshness packs

I can feel good about bringing them THINaddictives and water to eat as we drive home because these treats are healthy, averaging around 100 calories or less per pack, they are low-fat, low carb and contain 3 grams of protein per serving to help keep hunger away until dinner.

I invite you to learn more about the Nonni brand and all their products and special offers by visiting their website here and following along on Twitter and Facebook. 


Win it!

Would you like to try Nonni’s THINaddictives for free? Thanks to the generosity of Nonni’s 2 lucky readers will win the 3 boxes each. You’ll receive 1 box of Cranberry Almond Thins, Pistachio Almond Thins and Cinnamon Raisin Thins. Entering is easy using the Rafflecopter form below.  


Terms:
No purchase necessary to enter. Open to U.S. residents who are 18+ years or older. My WAHM Plan is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.


Good Luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure:

My thanks to  Nonni for sending me free products to facilitate today's post and for hosting this giveaway. I didn't received monetary compensation for my thoughts, however, I only share content I feel will benefit my readers. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

VIEW the POST
18 comments

Protect your home from pests with #LearnWithOrkin + A Giveaway!

in , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, August 28, 2015
You know I love sharing giveaways on Fridays, and this week I've got a great Back to school Mom on the go Prize pack courtesy of Orkin, today's post and giveaway sponsor. I will receive the same cool prize pack as listed in the giveaway below, however all opinions are my own.


Class is back in session!
Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring lots Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. Orkin is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don’t get schooled by pest problems in your own home during this busy time of year. This fun, interactive quiz will help you learn how to keep pests out of your home. Just click on the Pest Prevention Pop Quiz below to get started. 




While I will admit I did pretty well on the quiz, there was preventative measures I'm going to work on in the late summer so my home will be as unwelcoming as possible when the cold weather gets here. It will be here before we know it, so Orkin says now is the time to take action to protect our homes! 


I love how Orkin knows that we moms are on the go more than ever and wants to make sure you’re all set when driving the kids to soccer practice, racing to make it to school on time and just maybe getting a minute for yourself! I invite you to learn more about Orkin by visiting their website or following them on Twitter and if you are still bugged by pesky mosquito's, you might want to check out Orkin's Bite Back at Mosquito's on their YouTube channel. 


Win It!

Back to school Mom on the go prize pack on My WAHM Plan

The Orkin Back-To-School Prize Pack includes:
One (1) Silver USB Portable Charger – We know you’re on the go from sun up to sun down and you can’t afford not to be accessible. This emergency charger is small, sleek and can help your phone keep up with your busy lifestyle!
One (1) Double Wall Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/ lid - Your car isn’t the only thing that needs fueling up in the morning … this stainless steel travel mug is a great way to ensure your morning coffee is always within arm’s reach.
One (1) Orkin “Protect Your Home” PDF Checklist - This handy checklist from the experts at Orkin will help you think like a pest in order to help protect your home from pests.

Terms:
No purchase is necessary to enter using the Rafflecopter form.  My WAHM Plan is  not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners will be notified by email used on entry form and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is not associated with nor endorsed by Facebook, Twitter, or any other social channel.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
VIEW the POST
10 comments

Back to school outfits for Moms

in , , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 25, 2015
School has been in session here for two and half weeks and the long, hot August days feel never ending. I was sharing with my daughters how I wished I could pull together some more "back to school" outfits for myself quickly.  That's when my stylish teen daughter Melissa, set to work on Polyvore curating some lovely sets for me. She did such a great job, I asked her to make her collection available for my readers.  

By Melissa Kinsman:
When the kids go back to school, it can be stressful for everyone. This year, moms should shop for their back-to-school wardrobes, too! We have put together some super-cute and functional outfits we think you will love!

Back to school outfits for Moms


Outfit one:

Where we live, school starts in August, and it’s very hot.  So, shorts are a great way to keep cool. These Bermuda shorts are the perfect length for moms. Yellow is a great summer color and the lace adds a very sophisticated and grown up feel to the shirt. These Wedged sandals are super cute and grown up. Every mom needs a big purse, and this black, leather one will hold everything you need.

Outfit two:

Jeans rolled up as Capri's are a great way to use jeans in every season. Keds are a preppy tennis shoe alternative. The Solid tank gives you lots of opportunity to dress up with a fun jacket, or (like we did) add some bling! A nude tote adds elegance to a casual-chic outfit. If these colors are too dark for you, jeans go great with any color, you could wear a bright color and go light on accessories or you can add a patterned scarf to the dark tank top.


Outfit 3:

A soft denim, drawstring skirt gives you the comfy feel of sweats, rising just above knee length it’s very appropriate for a school event. The baby doll top is a great cut for any body type. While being a bit shapeless it doesn’t appear boxy on anyone and it can hide a muffin top. We loved this one because it’s supper affordable and comes with your super cute bling! The flats add a really cute touch, but a nice nude wedge or strappy sandal would look really good too! We loved this tote it added a nice beachy feel to the outfit!


If you'd like to learn more about the items in my sets, please visit me on Polyvore and follow my Mom, Linda there too!


Please share in Comments: 

Which outfit would you like to wear "Back to School" and why? Can you guess my favorite?

VIEW the POST
6 comments

Let your creativity flow with reusable dry erase boards and note pads

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 04, 2015
Never would I promote writing on walls, or worse to me, writing notes in books; but now that I’ve had the opportunity to test out the Slickyboard and Slickynotes free of charge for Shoplet.com, that is exactly what I’m promoting. 

Creativity is about flow and imagination and with these two new products I’m going to talk about today, dry erase boards and note pads, you can let your creativity flow!

My WAHM Plan: Slickynotes starter kit

I received the Slickyboard Beginners kit which included:
  • 10 30X25 inch Whiteboard sheets
  • 1 slickynotes pad in large (Green)
  • 1 slickynotes pad in medium (purple)


About Slickynotes Whiteboards and slickynote pads:

The electrostatically charged, adhesive free dry erase sheets allow you to stick these to the walls and set your ideas free! Now you can whiteboard anywhere you want! You just stick the whiteboard sheet on the wall and it stays put while you work. 

Stickyboards can be used on any smooth, dry indoor surface.  Another great feature of these products is they are reusable. Just wipe off the dry erase marker on the whiteboard, or erase the pencil off the slickynotes and you're good to go. 

Slickynotes products are made of recyclable polypropylene making them a number 5 recyclable and earth friendly. 

Whiteboard Uses:

My kids have drawn on these, played hang-man, designed clothing sets and more all with a dry erase marker, the slickynotes whiteboard and their imagination. 

These boards could even be helpful in my home office, where I can use one to jot down creative blog posts, alert my husband to urgent business matters etc.

My WAHM Plan tests slickynotes

The only drawback I’ve seen with the whiteboards is glare. If you are going to be using them for presentation purposes in a business environment, you’ll have to account for lighting. Even with my lights off and just one window with blinds partially open, I got quite a bit of glare as shown in the photo above. 


Slickynote Uses:

I found a perfect use for the slickynotes with while going through a new cookbook! I just plop the slickynotes on a page, jot down my motes and start a shopping list right there.  

These would be perfect for studying when the kids head back to school to jot down notes, brainstorm ideas for class projects, even doodling and sketching is okay with these fun, reusable notes. 

Learn More:

I invite you to learn more about the Slickynotes Beginner Kit here. I think you’ll like letting your creativity flow with these innovative products!


Please share in comments:  If you had a few Slickynotes dry erase whiteboards and note pads, where would you put them in your home and what would create with them?



Disclosure:

My thanks to Shoplet.com on behalf of Slickynotes for providing a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. I received no monetary compensation. I’m disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”


VIEW the POST
8 comments

Back To School

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Yesterday was the first full day of school for us.

watch out for buses
Watch out for school buses and school zones!


Ms. T and I start our days at 5:35a.m. It is hard to get up that early! No amount of prepping and doing dry runs can truly make you feel happy about greeting the day at this hour. But, we try.  

Ms. T is a good sport.  She sets her own alarm and then actually gets up and turns it off. Not many 8th graders do that. I didn’t. I relied on my parents. Since both of them worked, I could lay there for “just one more minute” knowing one or both of them would rouse me.

As a work at home Mom, I know I am blessed to have the ability to stand in my kitchen each morning, cup of coffee in hand, talking with my girls and husband, helping them be prepared for their day. 

It was and still is the lifestyle choice that works best for our family. I am a work at home Mom- a Hybrid, balancing both, but putting more emphasis on home than on career. Still,  I can see both sides clearly. And can honestly say:  All Moms Work Hard!  No Mom judgments’ here!

As our girls enter 8th and 4th grade this year, I know it’s not going to be all peaches and cream, but I’m trusting in the Lord and a good, solid routine. 
To me, routines are just as important now as they were when my daughters were babies. Sameness when it comes to waking, eating, homework, sleeping;   etc. is a very good thing!

Have your children started back to school yet? If so, what do you add or subtract from your routine during the school months?  Do you have a set routine, or do you wing it?

For me, I add volunteering at both schools, getting together with girlfriends for a quick coffee and going to small business owner meetings. I subtract late night movies.

Here's wishing you and your children a happy, safe, productive school year!


VIEW the POST
17 comments

May Days

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, May 09, 2012

There’s something almost magical about May.
It’s one of my favorite months. Maybe that’s because I’m a May baby.
Maybe I love how Mother Nature puts on a beautiful flowery show in May.
Maybe it’s because the girls are out of school before Memorial Day and we get to kick off summer early.
Ah, May. What’s not to love?

The last 3 weeks of school is what.  Every year I wonder why the schools try and cram so much stuff into the last 3 weeks of school when we are all tired: parents, students, staff.
 At one point, I even said aloud “who is the person who thought it would be okay to lump Teacher Appreciation week, Read across America week and a field trip together”?
This work at home Mom/volunteer was feeling the pressure, and I’m not even a room mom this year.  
This morning found me volunteering at the elementary school for the Teacher Appreciation week Breakfast. I showed up with my quartered, chilled orange wedges ready to lend a hand.
 As I past the smiling faces of kids in brightly colored and oh-so-comfy looking Pajamas (for Read across America Week);  I was struck by the positive energy all over the school.
The kids are happy. All the teachers and staff are busy, but happy. They are finishing strong.
This happiness is why the days are so jam-packed in May.  It’s all for our kids.
Being welcomed, needed and appreciated made me feel small for my moment of selfishness earlier this month.  
We’ve got 2 more weeks of fun-filled days ahead of us.  Armed with my checklist and a positive, community friendly attitude we will finish strong too!

Do you volunteer at your kids’ school? Please share your thoughts!
VIEW the POST
10 comments

Middle School Changes Everything

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, August 16, 2011


As of this morning, my kids have been back at school 3 and one half days.  So far all is going well.  I will stop here and do something necessary and deserved: I will pat myself on the back and proclaim to all who can hear me (the cat) “Way to go Linda”, you’ve got this new schedule down!”

Okay, enough of that, back to reality where I pray most sincerely that we all can keep up the pace needed this year to ensure everybody gets to where they need to be every morning in a calm and orderly fashion.  On  time.  With all supplies needed for the day present and accounted for.  Amen.

All women, especially Moms juggle all day every day; this is a simple fact of life. As a work at home Mom,   I pride myself on my planning and time management skills, but as the title of this post suggests: middle school changes everything!

 Ms. T is in 7th grade this year with a new start time, bus route; dismiss time, dress code, etc. Everything changed because of the dreaded re-zoning that took place last spring. Our small community fought long and hard with the powers that be to stay at our nice K through 8 school, but change came anyway.

So, I do what I always try to do: I find the good in the situation! And, thankfully there is a lot of good to be found at our new schools.

Still, I have to say, the earliness in which we all must get up now is hard to get used to! Even with planning and practicing the new schedule 2 weeks prior to school starting, we all are dragging our collective behinds by 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. ( depending on the age of the draggy)!  

Ms. T’s alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. She immediately wakes up, turns it off and quietly comes in to see if I’m awake.  I’m smiling as I type this because my girl shows such responsibility and love in doing this. No sooner have we whispered our Good Mornings, than our alarm goes off. Hubby promptly says “ Babe” and hits the snooze.  Then I’m up and at’em with my first born.   Just my first born.

  This has been the gift in all of this. I get alone time with each girl every morning!!

 Ms. T and I talk in hushed voices for those precious 15 to 20 minutes we get every morning before hubby gets up and out of the shower. Her bus comes so early now, that her little sister is just getting up when Ms. T is getting on the bus. They don’t see each other until after school.

 Meanwhile, I’m packing  lunches , making breakfasts, feeding cats,  hugging, laughing, chatting with hubby and  Ms. M.   Simple, family “stuff” that I’m privileged to be able to do as a work at home Mom. I have several working Mom friends and I know their mornings don’t look or feel like this. 

Then, around 7:15 a.m., after hubby has left for his day,  the house gets quite again, and it’s just Ms. M and I.

 I get to spend quality time with her now.  With each daughter getting her own time and space there is no more crazy rush for the bathroom at the same time, no squabbling  putting on shoes or  bonking heads to grab backpacks at the same time, no more sibling interaction equals no more sibling grumpiness in the morning!

 Ah, blissful mornings, full of peace and happy thoughts and hugs all around!  I am blessed and thankful. And to think, I actually fought against this re-zoning! Silly Me.

Do you have school aged kids at home? If so, what time do you get up? Are you a working Woman? What time do you greet the day?
VIEW the POST
12 comments
© My WAHM Plan · THEME BY WATDESIGNEXPRESS