Crocs for This Full Mommy

When I was at BlissDom earlier this year, there was a lot of talk about Crocs. As one of the sponsors, Crocs made it possible for everyone to try out a pair.

As a mom, my first inclination was to order a pair for my kids. But then I thought I should treat myself.

I didn't want the typical clogs that you think of when you think Crocs and I was very surprised to see the selection when I perused their website. Lots of styles and lots of colors.

I decided to go with a three-season clog called Troika. It's three-season because it does not have the ventilation holes, has a taller heel so that your heels don't get wet in the rain or light snow, and it has a leather section on the top.

I printed out the sizing chart, but was skeptical that they would actually fit. I have a wide foot and I can never order shoes online unless it's a brand and style I have purchased before.

When my Troika Crocs arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The blue is a little deeper than it appears in the photo, making the navy a neutral that could be worn with most outfits. And they fit!

The sizing is such that I can wear them with or without socks. I did retire them for the summer months, but am pulling them back out for cooler fall temps. I will wear them all the way until summer hits again next year.

I got a ton of compliments on them and everyone says "Those are Crocs?!" They are the perfect accompaniment to jeans and tees.

The moral? Don't knock 'em till you've tried 'em.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Umi Shoes Prams

Admit it- You think your baby has perfect feet, don't you? I know I do.

Now that my littlest man is starting to walk I want to make sure I have shoes for him that are just as perfect as he is. I wanted something sturdy, comfortable, flexible and of course, they had to be all these things and stylish too. (Did I mention he's perfect?)

Luckily for me, I know just where to go. Umi shoes provided me with a pair of UmiPram shoes to review for my 1 year old. We received a pair of Possum Pram shoes (shown above) from Umi in navy blue.

What can I say that I haven't said before? Umi continues to crank out some of the best footwear for children that I've seen. These don't disappoint. I love the thick soles with grippers on the bottom for stability. These shoes are flexible for easy on and off. The Velcro is high quality (I've had shoes where the Velcro falls apart or wears thin within a few wears- Never with Umi) and I know these will keep him warm when the temperature starts to dip.

Last but not least, did you see them? Cute. Oh so cute.

Visit Umi Shoes for all the fabulous styles for girls and boys.

(Here's a bonus tip: Send Umi your suggestions for a local retailer in your area that you would love to see carry Umi shoes and they will send you a 10% off coupon to use on your next online order.)

Old Navy: Unbelievable Savings, Unbelievable Giveaway!

Have you been checking out Old Navy's Item of the Week? They've been having some pretty terrific sale prices that are hard to pass up. And they hide coupons on the site each Thursday (click around to try to find one).

Beginning Friday (tomorrow), you can stock up on Women's Cable V-Neck and Argyle Sweaters for just $12 each.

As if that wasn't reason enough to go to Old Navy this week, we have a terrific giveaway for you: We have TEN $45 off $100 coupons.

That's right, if you are one of our ten winners today, you could save almost 50% off of your purchase. That's just our way of helping you out with back-to-school shopping for the kiddos or building your own fall wardrobe.

So here's our questions for you: Which do you like more and why? The cable V-Neck or the Argyle sweaters? (Check out Old Navy's Women's sweaters.)

WIN IT!
Giveaway Title: OLD NAVY
Prize: We have TEN $45 off of a $100 purchase coupons to give away. (One coupon per winner.)
Number of Winners: 10
Entry Question: Which do you like more and why? The Cable V-Neck or the Argyle sweaters?
Entry Form: Click here (You MUST use OLD NAVY without quotation marks on the entry form as the giveaway title.)

Enter By: 8/27/09 (Enter by midnight EST Thursday, August 27, 2009. This is a quick giveaway because coupons are valid August 28 to September 3, 2009 only.)
Rules: Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways. Only one coupon per blogger. You absolutely cannot sell the coupon to another blogger, on EBay, etc. Winners will be notified by e-mail and the coupon will be sent by e-mail. The Full Mommy is not responsible for any delays and winners must redeem the coupon before the expiration date. No prize substitutions will be offered. Coupons are valid for in-store purchases only.

What, you want more?

(From the M80 Newsroom:)

Old Navy’s “One Day Wonder” sale is back with a stylish vengenance! This time around you get a free graphic tee when you purchase a pair of adult jeans for $19 (regular price is $29.50)!

The sale takes place this Saturday 8/29. If you’re interested, plan to shop early because these are sure to go quickly!

*Select styles only. Excludes Collectabili-tees. Offer available In-Store Only.

Bambino Mio Potty Training

We are in the early stages of potty training our two-year-old. I've been through this before and learned a thing or two in the process. Not that wisdom will make it any quicker! There is no magic bullet!

But I have found a product that may make it a little less messy: Bambino Mio training pants.

With my first child I purchased a supply of training pants that were cotton and a little more absorbent than regular underpants. But even with the training pants, when she peed I had a mess everywhere. I even bought plastic pants to put over them, which only made her sweaty. Not to mention that they looked ridiculous!

But the Bambino Mio training pants are different. They contain a layer of waterproof material that helps contain the liquid. When my son wears them, the majority of the time I can tell that he peed and change him. I have had a few instances where he peed so much that it soaked through to the outer layer. But I can tell you from experience that it was not a waterfall and a puddle like with other training pants that don't have this absorbent layer.

I definitely grab the Bambino Mio training pants before grabbing any of the other underpants in his drawer.

The only thing I forget is that you are supposed to line dry them. Since I throw them in with my cloth diapers, sometimes they make their way into the dryer.

The Bambino Mio training pants are:

• Designed especially for toddlers when potty training
• Promotes independence with pull-up style design
• Cotton blend with waterproof layer and inner pad for super absorbency
• The waterproof layer allows toddlers to feel wetness while minimizing accidents
• Machine washable
• Available in 3 sizes
  11-13 kgs (24-29 lbs)
  13-16 kgs (29-35 lbs)
  16+ (35lbs+)
• Available in White, Pink and Blue

So you've got your training pants that will help minimize messes, what do you need next? A potty.

The Bambino Mio potty is a little different than the potty I used with my older child. This one isn't so much of a seat. When my son sits on it, its more like squatting since it's lower to the floor.

But that also makes it lightweight and very portable.

And the great thing is that the position it makes him sit in, coupled with the high front have helped to aim his boy parts down. This is something I have a harder time doing with a potty ring.

The Bambino Mio Potty is:

• Lightweight and compact in shape
• Secure handle at rear
• Easy clean surface
• High front to prevent splashes

In addition to training pants and the potty, Bambino Mio makes cloth diapers and swim diapers.

Now if only there really was a magic bullet to potty train a toddler!

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers

I don't have to tell you that cloth diapers are environmentally friendly (though if you'd like some reasons, here are a few). But they are cost effective and really easy to use. I am kicking myself for waiting until the second child to start using them.

Pocket diapers are my preferred form of cloth diaper because they are so easy to put on a child and easy to wash and stuff. Though I have a dozen of one brand, AppleCheeks sent me one of their diapers to give a try.

And I like it!

AppleCheeks come in two sizes: Size 1 fits from 7 - 20lbs and Size 2 fits from 18 - 40lbs. My son is about 30 pounds and wears the size 2.

I use these as pocket diapers, but the AppleCheeks covers can be used either as pockets or as covers (which is even more economical because they can be worn more than once by just swapping out the liner).

The rows of snaps help you get a custom fit for your child. This is the first diaper that I have used that has snaps instead of velcro and I'm really liking them. My velcro cloth diaper covers are beginning to be a tangled mess when they come out of the dryer.

The microfleece lining really is super soft. When I first felt it, I noted how soft it was. Great since a diaper is against a baby/toddler's tushie all day long.

And the colors! Ooh I love the bright colors. AppleCheeks come in a rainbow of colors, better than pink and blue pastels I can tell you.

If you are thinking about using cloth diapers, or if you already use them and are looking to expand your stash, take a good look at AppleCheeks.

Here's a video about using your AppleCheeks (it plays once in English and then again in French):



This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She cloth diapers her second child and now wishes she had done the same with her first.

Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam

HIT Entertainment has two new DVD's available beginning August 25, 2009.

Fireman Sam: Help Is Here!

When my five-year-old saw the cover of this DVD, she immediately noticed that Fireman Sam looked different. My husband and I are old school and we appreciated the look of the older episodes. But our daughter loves the new animated look. And truth be told, the animators have more freedom with the new format. True to Fireman Sam tales, Norman is up to no good and inadvertently causes fire after fire. But Sam is always there to help save the day.

(From the DVD:)
See Fireman Sam in action in this thrilling collection of firefighting adventures! Join your pals, Fireman Sam, Norman, Mandy, and Radar as they make courageous rescues throughout the town of Pontypandy. Fireman Sam saves the supermarket on Fire Prevention Day, helps the rescue dogs find missing people, shares important safety tips, and makes a daring helicopter rescue in the midst of a forest fire. Fireman Sam is here to help you learn about fire safety, teamwork, and having fun with your friends.

Bob the Builder: Call In the Crew

Of course your preschooler will enjoy the five episodes featuring the Can-Do Crew. But my son's eyes lit up when he saw that the package included his very own Scoop vehicle. Because my daughter is a gardener and likes to collect unique things, her favorite episode was Scrambler's Seaweed Delivery.

(From the DVD:)

Get a big scoop of fun with your pal, Bob the Builder! Join Bob, Muck, Scoop, Digger, and Roley in 5 exciting action-packed episodes as they have fun getting the job done! Watch and learn as Bob and his Can-Do Crew build a house, open a new café, fix an old gate, and help a family of ducks. Teamwork and fun go hand in hand in these building adventures.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Please read our disclosure statement. DVDs were supplied by Lionsgate/HIT Entertainment and I was not paid for my review.

Sweet Tomatoes Offers a Sweet Alternative to Cooking!

We've reached that point of summer where every meal seems to consist of hot dogs or soynut butter and jelly sandwiches, so I was thrilled when the folks at Sweet Tomatoes offered to send me and guest to dinner. Off we went to their Glenview, IL location.

Sweet Tomatoes, known as Souplantation in some regions, seems a bit more upscale and healthy than your basic all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurant. Perhaps it's because the salad bar is front and center. Salad is the star of the meal rather than a side attraction, for me at least. I usually start of with samples of their prepared salads like Field Greens with Citrus Vinegarette and then go back for a second plate to build a salad of my own. They've got just about every topping you can think of from your basic cucumbers and tomatoes to jicama and chick peas. I love it!

But maybe this salad talk is not for you or your little ones. And that's okay, because they also have a pasta bar, a potato bar, pizza bread and several varieties of soups (some vegetarian). There's something for everyone here, so it makes for a fuss-free family dinner out.

Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation are currently offering an international culinary tour with special menu items, children's placemat activities and coupons for 99-cent children's meals. For example, through the end of August, they've got a fiesta featuring items like Aztec Taco Salad and Posole with Pork Soup. September 1-15, the focus will be on Greece with items like Classic Greek Tossed Salad and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup (yum!). The World Food Tour will end in late September with an Asian spin.

As I mentioned earlier, if these items don't tempt your tummy, there are oodles of noodles, pizza breads, soups, the potato bar and loads of other options, plus dessert to satisfy your crew. And if that's not good enough, remember the restaurant staffs does all the dishes.

If this sounds good to you, sign up for Club Veg to receive monthly coupons and special offers. And check out their fundraising and sponsorship programs.

This was written by Kim who can be read at Hormone-colored Days where she currently muses about gratitude as part of the TinyPrints Gratitude Challenge.

Puj Go Sling

I really enjoyed wearing both of my children. With my first baby I would pop her in a sling and wear her as I watered the garden or took her on early morning walks. It was a bonding experience as I named all the flowers and described everything we saw.

With the birth of my second child, I found that wearing him freed me up to chase after my toddler! One of my favorite ways to carry him was the hip carry.

Using a pouch like the Puj Go Sling is a very simple way to do the hip carry. Its simple design makes it quick and easy to pop your little one in and be on your way. I love the prints of the Go Sling as well as how lightweight the fabric is.

Unlike some other baby carriers I have tried, the Puj Go Sing is not at all fussy. No adjustments to make, no guessing.

Just take your measurements to find the size that will work for your body. And if you have questions about sizing, just e-mail them and they will help you out. They recommend using their sling beginning when your child can hold their head up and until about 2 years (15-30 pounds).

And it's priced right. Some baby carriers are over $100, but the Puj Go Sling retails for $48.

If you are looking for an easy way to carry your child and like the hip carry position, take a look at the Puj Go Sling.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She wore both of her children until they could be worn no more.

The List Caddy

Want to make grocery shopping just a little easier? Want to free up your hands or keep track of your pen? Then you should give the List Caddy a look.

The List Caddy clips to your shopping cart and holds your shopping list upright. It will also hold your coupons and pen.

The magnets allow you to store it on your fridge where you can make your shopping list as you run out of pantry items.

I like to keep my List Caddy with my stash of reusable shopping totes in my trunk so I won't forget or misplace it.

The List Caddy is an inexpensive solution to help make your grocery shopping go a little easier. Visit their website for more uses beyond the shopping list.




This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Card Cubby: I'm a Card-Carrying Member

If you are like me, you have store-specific coupons that go unused and gift cards that get misplaced. Why? Because I didn't have a good system to organize them...

Until now.

Enter the Card Cubby.

The Card Cubby works great for me because I can organize my gift cards, discount cards, and coupons alphabetically. My Target coupons go with the "T" tab; my Kohl's coupons get filed under "K."

I have had a lot less "I thought I had a coupon for that" since I started using the Card Cubby.

And it's small enough that I can keep it in my purse.

I also used it on my recent trip to the BlogHer conference to organize the business cards I received. The cards I got at the Ford event went under "F" and those from PR reps went under "P." You get the point. I was able to pop cards in there in a manner that I would be able to remember where I met someone and why.

I use the Card Cubby religiously since receiving it and I have had a lot of people ask me where they, too, can get one.

Where can you get yours? Order directly from Carb Cubby or look for them at various retail locations. They come in a lot of great colors and textures and you will surely find one that fits your style.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

OnTray: Take That Snack With You

How do you keep small kids occupied while you are trying to shop? Feed them, right?

I've found an easy way for kids to have access to their own snacks. Forget a snack cup while shopping. The OnTray attaches to the grocery cart and you won't have to keep bending down to pick up the snack cup your toddler just threw.

With it's lid, you can fill the OnTray with snacks before you take off on your shopping excursion. Or, if you do as I do, I just keep it in the diaper bag or with our reusable shopping bags and I open up a bag of whatever snack we are purchasing and let him chow down.

Can a grown up use it even when their child is not with them? Uh, yes! You can attach it to the cart and place your keys, cell phone, and coupons inside. Good for me because coupons kept in my purse usually get forgotten and go unused.

The OnTray is mom invented (of course!) and made in the USA.

• #5 PP, FDA Approved Plastic (visit www.bisphenolafree.org for more information)
• Microwave Safe (remove lid first)
• Dishwasher Safe (top rack only)
• Easy to clean & store
• For ages 6 months +
• Mom invented
• Manufactured in the USA

Purchase them online for $7 (two for $12) or from various retailers. Trust me, worth the seven bucks!

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

*Photo from the OnTray blog.

Rockin' Baby Sling

I am a little sad that my son is getting too big to wear. I have tried lots of different slings with him and each has their merits.

One of the slings I wore him in was the Rockin' Baby Sling. This ring sling will stand apart from the rest based on pattern alone. They aren't your powder blue and powder puff pink pastels that dominate the baby aisle, that's for sure.

Instead they are fun, bright prints and colors that will reflect your style.

I like ring slings, such as Rockin' Baby, because they are so versatile. You can literally wear your baby from birth through toddler years by using the different carrying positions and holds. My personal favorite is the hip carry. The hip carry (shown in the photo) can be used from 6 months until the child is 40 pounds.

What's great about Rockin' Baby (beside their rock star styling) is that they have great customer support on their website and they have a library of babywearing instructional videos on YouTube.

And I also love companies run by mompreneurs.

Rockin' Baby offers the ring sling and baby pouches (also great for the hip carry!) in a variety of fabrics and prints, including some that are organic.

Oh, and don't forget your rock star husband. He will find a sling or pouch at Rockin' Baby that will suit his style too! My husband wore both of our kids.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She wore both of her children in a variety of slings, pouches, and Mei Tai carriers.

New on DVD: Bob, Barney, and Percy, Too!

The Bob the Builder Lunchbox Gift Set includes three DVD's: . Even though my son doesn't brown bag it to school (he's in preschool), I like these little lunchboxes as a tote. It is roomy enough for a few small board books and a couple of vehicles. And it's just the right size that my little guy can tote it around. This set is priced at under $20, which I think is a steal. The three included DVD's are The Big Game, Can We Fix It?, and Celebrate With Bob.



Of course my son loved the Bob the Builder: Built for Fun DVD, but he thought it was really cool that he also received his very own Rollie vehicle. Play games with the vehicles and help build a greenhouse out of recycled stuff. Will you kids like it? In the words of Lofty, "Yeah, I think so."






I don't think I have to tell you again what a Thomas fan my son is. So any new DVD will engage him. I like that the Thomas & Friends: Percy and the Bandstand is not absolutely Thomas-centric. Go on a hot air balloon ride, plan a birthday party, and more in the episodes "Toby's Special Surprise," "Duncan And The Hot Air Balloon," "The Man In The Hills," and "Percy And The Bandstand."





In the Barney: Book Fair DVD and Book Collection you'll join Barney, BJ, Baby Bop and the kids as they go on adventures such as joining the circus. With each book Barney opens, the next story is begun.








This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

Back-to-School Organizing Tips from Peter Walsh and OfficeMax

I was recently invited to participate in a webcast sponsored by OfficeMax and hosted by none other than organizing great Peter Walsh.

Your family, like mine, is probably in the middle of getting ready to go back to school. With the help of some organizational products, putting schedules into place, and creating routines, everyone can have a smooth transition and a productive school year.

Peter gave some great tips that I know I will be implementing.

TIPS FOR HOME

• Find the vision you have for a space
• Make organization a family value
• Use the right tools for great organization

TIPS FOR ORGANIZING YOUR CHILD

• Show that you value organization
• Establish clear limits and routines
• Always "finish the cycle" (complete a task)

TIPS FOR THE CLASSROOM

• Establish clear routines
• Involve kids with classroom organization
• Use words, pictures, and color to help organize

If you would like to view the webcast with Peter Walsh, you can view it below. And my review of Peter's [In]Place System, also available at OfficeMax, is worth another view.

OfficeMax sent me some great supplies from the Schoolio Von Hoolio Darling Collection to start the school year right. I may even share them with my daughter ;) I love the coordinating line of notebooks, pencils cases, clip boards, and expanding files. I actually began using the expanding file to keep track of school paperwork for both of my kids. And the owls and flowers are so cute!

If you are looking for school supplies that will stand out, give OfficeMax a visit.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She wishes Peter Walsh would pay her a house visit.

Santa Cruz: Add Organic to Your Child's Lunchbox

My daughter starts kindergarten in two short weeks. While there are so many things I have to fret about, one area that I like to pay particular attention to is what will go in her lunchbox.

I like to choose the least processed foods and organic when they are available to me. I hate high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and unnecessary added sugar.

I mean, really, shouldn't peanut butter taste like...peanuts?

Santa Cruz Organic does peanut butter right. Whether you like crunchy or creamy, light or dark roast, Santa Cruz has got your bread covered.

In fact, we used Santa Cruz organic peanut butter to make PB&J while camping this weekend. One thing I like about it is that it is easy to spread. Some of the organic brands that don't add in all the extra junk are a little difficult to spread, especially when refrigerated.

PB&J is classic lunchbox fare. And what's a great addition? Applesauce.

Santa Cruz makes a wide variety of organic fruit sauce combinations. Your child won't get bored if you throw in an applesauce cup every day. Choose from apple apricot, apple blackberry, apple cinnamon, apple cherry, apple raspberry, apple blueberry, and apple strawberry.

And you can certainly take them to work when you brown bag.

The varieties I tried were all wonderful and my kids went through them quickly.

When you are looking to stock the pantry in the next few weeks as your children go back to school, I hope that you do as I do and go for lesser processed foods with little or no extra additives or HFCS. When you reach for Santa Cruz Organic, you know you're getting good stuff!

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She loves PB&J made with wheat bread, grape jam, and creamy peanut butter.

The Tigger Movie from Walt Disney DVD

Because Because Because Because Because- Because of the wonderful things he does...

Right, sorry about that. I can't help but get that cute Tigger song stuck in my head whenever I see his picture.

Me and my kids had a chance to review a copy of the Tigger Movie. I didn't even realize that this was first out in 2000 and this is the 10th anniversary edition. ( I wasn't watching many kids DVDs back in those days.) What I think is cool is that the message of the movie, which is about finding family and how families come in all shapes and sizes is just as relevant today, if not more so, than when it first came on the scene.

Consistent with Disney flicks, this one has catchy musical numbers and your kids will love to revisit with Pooh and his gang of friends. As a bonus, this DVD set includes two episodes from The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Available now. Don't miss this entertaining and family friendly movie.

Umi Shoes Birthday Sale

Attention! Attention!

I have a review coming up in the next week or two of Umi Shoes, one of my absolute favorites for kids, during our Back To School week.

But in the meantime, this is too good not to pass along. TODAY ONLY Umi is having a birthday sale. 40% off of all shoes. Even online orders.

Hurry over and check it out.

Back-to-School: Children's Place

I like to stock up on clothes for my kids at Children's Place. I always feel like I am getting good quality for a great price. I even think the sizing is such that my kids don't outgrow them as quickly as they do some other brands.

At the end of the season, I always stop in (a few times) to stock up on clearanced clothes for the next year. I already have a stash of 3T shirts and pants for my son to wear this coming winter.

But I also never blink at paying full or sale price in season for my kids when I shop at Children's Place. And I love that when you buy multiples of tees and bottoms, they often have discounts.

I appreciate that their clothes are so mix and match, are always age appropriate, and the patterns and prints are hip, yet still child-like.

Children's Place sent me a dress and backpack for my daughter who is entering kindergarten in a few short weeks.

The Indian Summer dress almost has hippy styling and I love the fall colors. My daughter recently wore it for a very special dinner out with mom and dad. It was both comfortable and very cute. Pair it with the Recess Mary Janes, and your daughter will be dressed from head to toe.

Their backpacks, priced reasonably at $15.50, coordinate well with their fall line of clothing.

You'll definitely see both of my kids sporting clothing from Children's Place as they head to school this fall.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She loves quality at a good price.

Back-to-School: Ticonderoga Pencils

You probably don't think about pencils when you think about ways to be eco-friendly. But the Ticonderoga Enviro Stik pencils are more than your average pencil.

Just think of all the trees it takes to fill all the back-to-school pencil cases!

The Enviro Stik pencils are made from approved timber from renewable forests. They don't use lacquer for their finish, the ferrule can be recycled, and the eraser degrades.

Yeah, all of that!

Whether or not you recycle your ferrules (or even know what a ferrule is), you have to agree that buying wood products from renewable forests is a good thing.

And you aren't spending an arm and a leg for them either. A package of 10 Enviro Stick pencils retails for just over two bucks.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! She likes a nice sharp point on her pencils.

Back-to-School: Recycled Post-it Notes

I am trying to green up the office and school supplies that I buy for our family's use. One product that we seem to go through a lot of are Post-it Notes. That's why I was so happy to see that they are now available made from recycled paper.

What's more, the package is very easy to open. You just twist it and it pops open. Much better than trying to pull a little red tab.

I also like the more subtle earthy colors of the recycled notes.

Recycled Posti-it Notes come in a variety of sizes and are available just about everywhere that sells office supplies. They are made from 30% post-consumer content (the rest is pre-consumer recycled content) and all notes sold in the USA are made in the USA.

And remember to toss your used Post-It Notes into the recycling, not the trash bin.

Here's a cute video about sustainability featuring Post-it Notes:



This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more!

(3M sent me a variety of recycled Post-it Notes to use for this review.)

Back-to-School: Mabel's Labels

My daughter will enter kindergarten in a few short weeks. When I looked at the supply list, it seemed as if everything needed to be labeled with her name: backpack, lunchbox, binder, gym shoes.

I knew that Mabel's Labels would make this an easy task for us. That's why I chose them for our back-to-school labeling needs.

Of course you could just write your child's name with permanent marker, but seriously, how fun is that?

The Ultimate Back-to-School Combo has everything you will need. It is $39.00 for a pack of 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags.

Choose from four color combinations. You even get to choose the icon that will appear with your child's name. My daughter had fun choosing the colors and the icon and seeing how they would look.

The labels are dishwasher and microwave-safe and UV resistant. The clothing labels are laundry safe.

The shoe labels are great. I put them in my daughter's tap shoes and she can easily pick them out in a sea of shiny black shoes.

Look to Mabel's Labels for a variety of labels and stationary products.

DISCOUNT: Use coupon code 7AWPSS for 10% off your Mabel's Labels purchased through August 14, 2009.

This was written by Leighann who can be read at Multi-Minding Mom where she dishes about family, food, foraging, frivolity, and more! Leighann loves labelling everything.

(Mabel's Labels sent me a set of labels so that I could see the quality and try them out.)