Family * Travel * Food

First Choice Makes Going Back to School Easy and Fun in Columbia

Jump-Start Back-to-School event offers school supplies, backpacks, and more

Select Health of South Carolina’s First Choice health plan will host its second Jump-Start Back-to-School event of the summer, featuring back-to-school information, children’s activities, and backpacks with school supplies provided at no cost (while quantities last). The event will be held Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Choice Community Center, 217 Park Terrace Drive, Columbia, SC 29212. Participants are asked to register in advance by calling 1-888-676-9588. Select Health of South Carolina is the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care organization and is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies.


“This year, we will be ready to serve more than 500 Columbia-area families with school-aged children, helping make sure they’re healthy and ready for the new school year,” said Select Health Market President Courtnay Thompson. “We’re very fortunate that more than 20 agencies and community partners are willing to join us and help children get the school supplies they need.”

Jump Start has served more than 15,000 families in the last 13 years and has now been expanded to locations throughout the state. Select Health’s bilingual staff will assist Spanish-speaking families, and interpretation services will be available for attendees with limited English proficiency.

“Good health is proven to help children perform their best in school,” said Dr. Kirt Caton, market chief medical officer at Select Health. “School-age children and young adults up to age 21 need yearly well visits with a primary care physician, and our staff can help First Choice members schedule these appointments with their doctors.”

Two more Jump-Start Back-to-School events are scheduled this summer: North Charleston on August 5, and Conway on August 12. Learn more by calling 1-888-676-9588 or by visiting www.selecthealthofsc.com/jumpstart.


About First Choice by Select Health of South Carolina

Select Health of South Carolina, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, contracts with the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) to offer First Choice, the state’s oldest and largest Medicaid managed care health plan, in all 46 counties statewide. For more information about First Choice by Select Health, visit www.selecthealthofsc.com.

Select Health also offers the First Choice VIP Care Plus Medicare-Medicaid plan and First Choice VIP Care (DSNP) Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan for dual eligibles in 46 counties, as well as the First Choice Next Health Insurance Marketplace® product in 17 counties. For more information about First Choice VIP Care Plus, visit www.firstchoicevipcareplus.com. For information about First Choice VIP Care, visit www.firstchoicevipcare.com. For more information about First Choice next, visit www.firstchoicenext.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves approximately 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Health Insurance Marketplace® members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Newtown Square, Pa., AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 40 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

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Rocketbook Is The Last Notebook You Will Ever Have To Buy (Giveaway)

We are deep into back-to-school season over here. Many of you might have purchased new clothes, shoes, backpacks, lunch boxes, and school supplies. There is one item that I bet you didn't get. How about a notebook that will last a lifetime? The Everlast notebook by Rocketbook provides a classic pen and paper experience that is built for the digital age. Although it feels like a traditional notebook, the Everlast is endlessly reusable and connected to all of your favorite cloud services.
When you write using any pen from the Pilot Frixion line, your writing sticks to Everlast pages like regular paper. Use the Rocketbook app to scan your notes into editable documents and automatically save them to your favorite cloud services including Dropbox, Google Drive, and Evernote, to name a few. Rocketbook allows students to document their notes and illustrations in an efficient and environmentally-friendly way. Since it's reusable, Rocketbook will last a lifetime.

We are definitely old-fashioned pen and paper people in my home, so I was eager to test the Rocketbook out for myself. I love that I can take notes or work out math problems while helping my son with his home school math lessons. I realize that we were going through way too much scratch paper, and it was such a big waste. Now we can work out problems, and wipe clean with a damp paper towel with zero waste! The size is perfect if you are traveling or have a need for a notebook while on-the-go.

Rocketbook makes different sized notebooks and notepads, and offers pens and accessories to go along with them. This would make the perfect gift for any student, teacher, or for friends or family who are big on earth-friendly products. I mean how can you go wrong with a notebook that will last a lifetime? Check out the video below to see the Rocketbook in action.

Purchase your Rocketbook on their website or Amazon.

Giveaway: One lucky reader will win one (1) Everlast notebook from Rocketbook, and one (1) 3-pack of Pilot Frixion gel pens ($41 value).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and ends on Oct 14, 2018. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!
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Summer Giveaway- Win $100 PayPal or Amazon

It's hard to believe that the summer is slowly coming to a close. We start school a little later this month and aren't ready quite yet. How about you? Are you and your kids fully prepared for back-to-school? I've teamed up with a group of amazing bloggers to bring you this last-minute summer giveaway. Just in time to put some extra cash in your pocket. Whether it's for school supplies, shoes, clothes, school fees or maybe to prepay on lunch accounts, I'm sure $100 can be a big help. Check the details below on how to enter and good luck! 


How to enter: There are 10 Instagram accounts. Follow one or all, but the more accounts you follow the more entries you’ll receive. If you’re already a follower of an account, claim that entry! This giveaway starts August 15 at midnight EST and ends August 31 at 11:59 PM EST. Entrants must be USA residents and at least 18 years old. One winner will be randomly selected from all qualifying entries and contacted via the email they provide. The email will come from joannegreco at gmail. The winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The prize is $100 in Paypal or Amazon online gift card, winner’s choice.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Save On Back-To-School Items And More With Groupon Goods

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own as always.


Do you love saving money? Of course you do! Who doesn't want to get the very best deal on items you need or even want. With back-to-school season here, many of you might be looking for electronics for your kids. In my case, my college daughters have never-ending lists of things they need. If you are searching for laptops, printers, headphones or just about anything else, Groupon Goods is your answer. I was browsing their site and was blown away by the amazing deals they offered. It made me kick myself when I saw the price of an activity tracker compared to what we recently paid at a department store. We could have gotten three for the price of one had we gone through Groupon.
::Insert the stunned, wide-eyed emoji here::

Look at these deals for a laptop computer and wireless printer.


If you are on a budget sending your kid off to college, this is a great deal. $200 for a printer and computer is unheard of. 


Another great thing I like about Groupon is that you can get local deals. This is perfect if you are taking a trip and need some discounts for local services, things to do or dining spots. I am going to Charleston, SC next next month and I am going to browse around Groupon to see what deals I can find there.

If you are looking for specific items, I urge you to check out Groupon Goods first. I am losing my mind over the kitchen appliances! I found an oil-less fryer and electric pressure cooker that is screaming my name! There are so many amazing products to choose from and the prices are so reasonable.

Be sure and follow Groupon on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates.

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5 Back to School Tips for Parents

Preparing your children to go back to school can be stressful for your son or daughter, but it can also take a toll on parents as well. Make sure you are prepared for the school year by following these 5 tips.
Image courtesy of taesmileland at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

1. Get Organized
Getting organized is possibly one of the most important steps in preparing for a new school year. Take note of all information and dates you should be aware of and write them down. You definitely don’t want to miss out on meet the teacher day or other important events like parent teacher conferences. Also, take the time to get to know your child’s teacher and take advantage of any opportunities to interact with them. You definitely won’t regret having an open communication line with your child’s teacher.

2. Take Advantage of Sales
Shopping for back to school supplies can be somewhat expensive, but you can manage these expenses by finding the best deals and sales. If you are lucky enough to live in one of the states that offer tax free holidays, you can save a lot of money! Scope out the sales and make shopping lists. If you know your child will need more than just a few notebooks, pens, and pencils, go ahead and buy extra.

3. Set Schedules
Before school starts back, set schedules and make sure your child is aware of who will be picking them up and dropping them off at school as well as what time each day. By setting a regular schedule, your child will feel more comfortable.

4. Establish a Routine
Along with setting schedules, parents need to make sure that they follow a routine for each day. Set a time that gives your child (and you!) enough time to wake up, eat breakfast, and get ready for school each day. Of course there will be days that don’t go according to plans, but if a routine is in place, it will be much easier to stay on track each day.

5. Have a Discussion with Your Kids
Before your child goes back to school, make sure you take the time to talk to them about doing their best in school and motivate them for a great year! Also, take the time to talk to them about emergency plans, schedules and routines.

Here’s to a great school year ahead!

By Guest Author: Lauren Byrd

Lauren is a contributing writer and media specialist for Mavis Discount Tire. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and automotive blogs based around driver safety tips, auto service tips, and more. 
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Back-to-school Beauty Essentials from KISS & Instrumental Beauty #AD

In less than 2 weeks, my kids will all return to school. My girls will both be at the University of South Carolina and are very excited for the year ahead. They have been hustling around shopping for those last minute must-haves and beauty products are very high on that list.

Lucky for them, they have some great items we received for review to get them ready to head back. First up, it's all about the fabulous hair styles. Although both of my girls have curly hair, my younger one straightens hers and likes to add some curls for a more polished look. The KISS InstaWave Automatic Curler is the perfect tool to make quick, easy waves and curls. What makes this tool so great is that it works on all hair types. It even works on my silky hair that usually won't hold a curl for very long. I posted a review before if you want to check it out. You can purchase the KISS InstaWave at KissInstaWave.com for $59.99. Any young lady would love this item and it would make a great gift for your favorite college student heading away to school this fall.

Along with great hair, you can't forget to take good care of your skin. My older daughter goes through some trying phases when it comes to her face. The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush is the perfect thing for her. The best part about using a sonic facial brush is that it removes dirt and impurities traditional face-washing can easily miss.

The cleaner your skin, the healthier it looks and feels. My daughter has used her facial brush a couple times so far and can feel a big difference. She's so pleased that it hold the charge for a long time and has a built-in timer that alerts you when it's time to switch to another part of your face. Go here for a full review of this item. The Instrumental Beauty Sonic Facial Brush can be purchased at select drugstores and at InstrumentalBeauty.com for $80.00.

My younger daughter, Brie loves playing with color and especially when it comes to her nails. KISS imPRESS Manicure ($7.99 / Walgreens) is an easy way to get a fabulous mani with minimal effort. With so many colors and designs, you can have a fresh new look as often as you would like.
Here is what Brie had to say:
When I first saw the Kiss brand imPress press-on manicure nails, I was very excited to apply them to my own nails because of how beautiful and professional-looking each pattern of nail tips was. When applying the nails, the process was very simple. Directions were included both in and on the box, but I did not really need them because all that I had to do was clean and prep my nails with the included nail file, then remove the sticker from the back of the nail tip, and finally stick it onto my fingernail firmly for about 30 seconds. Due to the variety of sizes of nails included, I was able to select one to fit each of my fingernails with ease. I received several compliments on my manicure, and many people were shocked to find out that it was a stick-on manicure that I did myself due to the high quality of it. Although the application process was easy, several nails began to fall off after a few days. That may have been due to me not pressing the nails on securely enough in the application process, which I will definitely keep in consideration next time I apply the nails, likely in the near future. This nail product is very practical and professional overall. 

She is planning to play around with the KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit ($9.99 / Walgreens) this week. Since she is already and artist, this art kit makes her very giddy. I'll post at a later date with what she came up with.

I received sample products in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own as always.
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Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Kit can help your kids find their stuff with ease #ad

School and the Fall sports season is in full swing all over the country. One issue that I think every parent can relate to is missing jackets, shirts and sometimes even sport's jerseys. It happens. Kids often times put their belongings down for a moment and their busy mind forgets about it. I have visited the lost and found pile numerous times over the last 14 years and I can't stand it! I finally have something to help ease getting items back with no hassle. Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Label Kit is here to save my sanity.

 This kit conveniently holds everything you need.
The actual label-making unit is small and lightweight, and can be used anywhere. As a matter of fact, it's so portable that I have taken it in the after school car pick-up line to use it. It is very user-friendly and requires no major skills to learn.

Key Features:

  • Everything you need to create personalized iron-on labels — includeds a LabelWorks LW-300 printer, 2 iron-on tape cartridges and an application guide.
  • Amazing variety — 14 fonts, 10 styles, 300+ built-in symbols, over 75 frames and more
  • Less waste — smaller lead margin compared to other brands, for up to 60% less lead margin waste
  • Large built-in memory — store up to 30 self-created label designs
  • Prints up to two lines of text — more space for you to add specialty frames or symbols to enhance your design
  • Easy to apply — automatically printed with a split back for easy and fast peeling
  • Whisper quiet — prints labels without distracting those around you
  • Iron-on labels — durable, machine-washable iron-on labels can be applied to almost any fabric in just seconds
  • Carrying case included — stores the LW-300 printer, two cartridges, six AAA-sized batteries (not included) and optional AC Adapter (not included)
My thoughts about the Epson LabelWorks Iron-on Label Kit: 
  • It is SO easy to use! As long as you know how to press buttons, you can use this. 
  • I like the selection of fonts and icons to make personalization better. This is great if your kid is involved in sports or different activities/clubs. 
  • It is super quiet and I love the cutting feature. You have minimal waste which means more labels. 
  • I think this would be great for sports' teams since their jerseys or tees are all the same. You can even include an email address if the item has been found, so it can be returned. That's the beauty of being able to personalize 100%.  




  •  Ironing the label on is so simple and it really holds up to washing. 


  • If you have multiple children who sometimes have the same color garments, this is a great way for them to find which one belongs to them. It also lessons any stress or arguments :) 
Overall, I really recommend this nifty little machine. It's very useful and practical. It's great for parents, business owners or teachers. The unit retails for $69.99 and can be purchased online at the Epson store. I think it's a great gift idea for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to connect with Epson on Facebook and Twitter for product updates and promotions. 

I received a unit for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own as always. 

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Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free for back-to-school (Giveaway) #ad

I received some yummy samples to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own as always. 
I have noticed that so many of my friends and family have transitioned to gluten-free foods for a variety of health reasons. I have considered it for my family, but we are big on texture. Gluten-free has tasted like cardboard in the past and that has turned us off. When I did some research on gluten-free Canyon Bakehouse breads, I was drawn in to the fact that they say their breads are soft and have a texture close to traditional breads. I just had to find out for myself. I received a nice assortment of breads for my family to try out including: Cinnamon Raisin, Mountain White, 7-Grain and Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffins.
I decided to start with the Cinnamon Raisin bread for breakfast. I like my bread toasted so I popped it in on a low setting before I spread a thin layer of butter on it. I took a bite and then another. I was indeed shocked that it had the same texture that I am used to with cinnamon raisin bread. Also, it wasn't overly sweet which is good.

The next one I tried was the 7-Grain bread. I made a sandwich for lunch and decided to try a tiny corner without toasting it. I think I am still too new to gluten-free bread so I toasted it lightly. That did the trick! It tasted like a rich Artisan bread I would buy from a bakery. It was really hearty and filling. I can't believe that this regular bread eater might just be convinced to make the switch! I searched the store locator to see if there were any stores in my area that carry them and to my surprise, I found 4 locations. You can also order baked goods directly from the website. Right now, they have a special if you order "one of everything", you can get $5 off.  They even have a page dedicated to recipes using their products. I think there will be some cinnamon raisin French toast being made in the near future.

At school about 2 students in each classroom have a food allergy. To help parents prepare for the school year, here’s our checklist for staying safe with food allergies:

Tips for Staying Safe at School With Food Allergies

  • Keep teachers and staff in the know – Set up a meeting before the first day of school with your child’s teacher, the school nurse and principal to talk about your child’s allergies.
  • Provide a list of safe and unsafe foods for your child – Especially with gluten allergies, many people don’t understand what it is or where it can be found. Creating a quick run-down of foods to avoid will eliminate fear or confusion on the school’s part.
  • Make an allergy action plan – Provide the school staff with medical information, emergency contact info and a food allergy action plan in case your child has a reaction at school.
  • Attitude is everything – Along with school staff, it’s important to talk to your child about the allergy so he/she understands it. If you don’t treat the allergy as something “weird” then they won’t feel embarrassed.
Try these gluten-free breakfast ideas: 
  • Cinnamon Raisin bread with almond butter or peanut butter.  Canyon’s Tip: choose all-natural nut butters to avoid harmful trans fats. 
  • Mountain White cheese and avocado sandwich.  Canyon’s Tip: Avocados are a great source of healthy fat for energy and keeps the belly full.   
  • 7-Grain toast with a slice of turkey. Canyon’s Tip: lunch foods (ie: turkey) make great breakfast foods since they’re low sugar and full of protein.
  • Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffin with a hard-boiled egg.  Canyon’s Tip: hard-boil a bunch of eggs on Sunday for quicker prep each morning.
Do you want to try out Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-free breads for yourself? One Mom Files reader will win an assortment of baked goods including: Cinnamon Raisin, Mountain White, 7-Grain and Cranberry Canyon Crunch Muffins. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on September 11, 2014. Two winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. *Prizes may vary.
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Get ready for back-to-school with Fiskars #ad

As we near the end of July, it's time to start preparing for back-to-school. This means clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. My kids have always enjoyed buying school supplies even if they aren't overly enthusiastic about going back to long school days and homework. I'm a big believer in buying quality school supplies and don't mind paying a little more for items that will last longer. Fiskars school scissors have been the only brand I have purchased since the pre-school days. My youngest child had the training scissors that were so important in helping his little hands master how to cut paper. 
Fiskars makes sizes and varieties for all different needs. I love the fun bold colors they now make. The quality is the same that it has always been. I don't think my kids have ever broken a pair of Fiskars scissors before. They are just that durable.
I love the non-stick blades. They give a clean cut. 
Fiskars is currently running a giveaway on their Facebook page to win a set of Kids Scissors for the entire class! Parents or teachers can enter. Wouldn't you want your kids' class to have high-quality scissors that will last all year long? It took me less than a minute to enter.
I can't believe how many different types of cutting implements they make. I have my eye on some of the mixed-media and fabric shears. I may have to treat myself! Yes, I get excited over cutting tools! Oh and you crafting mamas would drool over the selection. You can find the Fiskars brand at many retailers nationwide and of course you will see all the kids' scissors in the back-to-school section. Now that I think about it, a new sharp pair of scissors might be a nice thing to give my little one's teacher as a gift. Check out the Fiskars website and connect on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

I received products samples from Fiskars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own as always. 
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Kindergarten update: William loves school!

We are into our second week of the school year and so far, so good! William walked into the school last week with the biggest smile on his face and was full of excitement to be in big boy's school. We were lucky to have met his teacher and teaching assistant a couple weeks before school at kindergarten camp. I really think the camp was a great benefit to help break him into being in school. He goes to bed without argument and wakes up on his own. It's nice to have a 5 year old boy wake up each morning fully rested and excited to start his day. We have a very simple routine in the morning and he has already gotten into the groove of things. We walk him into school each morning and let him lead us to his classroom. He knows how to get there but being a curious little boy, he gets a little sidetracked sometimes. Daddy insists that he needs to prove he can get to his class on his own before he is allowed to go into the school by himself. I don't have a problem with that. It's nice walking into the school each morning and seeing all of the warm smiles and welcoming good morning greetings from the staff and other parents.

I have gotten positive feedback from his teacher and look forward to keeping close communication throughout the school year. We are so lucky to have such wonderful educators. Of course I have signed up to volunteer to help out with pretty much everything! I did so much when the girls were in elementary school and got to see what an asset parental participation is to not only the student, but also to the teacher and other students. My first volunteer job will be picture day next week and I am really looking forward to it! It's a good way for me to get to know some of William's classmates.

When I pick William up each afternoon, I ask him what the best part of his day was. He always starts off with, "We went to the playground two times!". He hasn't learned all of his classmates' names quite yet, but knows his main teachers and some of the related arts teacher's names. He just loves P.E.. His coach is the same one that his sisters had throughout the elementary years. It has been wonderful seeing a lot of familiar faces at the same school I spent countless hours in. We feel like William is going to thrive in kindergarten and the rest of his elementary school career. Oh, by the way, I did NOT cry on the first day of school! I didn't even have any anxiety or fear. I guess I feel like he is right where he belongs. I look forward to sharing more about his kindergarten adventures. Thanks for reading!
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Limited Edition "Head of the Class" Birchbox for Teens

Birchbox is thrilled to announce their latest limited edition box, Head of the Class - their first-ever limited edition box curated specially for Birchboxers-in-training (and for the young at heart!). Just in time for back to school shopping, this box contains all of the necessary essentials to prep for school with style. Teens and parents can snag this box here for just $28 (an $80 value).
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Start school the "write" way with BIC back-to-school product line-up (Giveaway) CLOSED

Contest Closed. Winner is Help! Mama Remote...
It's back-to-school time all over the country. We have been preparing for weeks as the kids head back next week. I was so lucky to receive the entire back-to-school line-up of products from BIC. Having one in high school and two in college (husband included), it is important to have good quality writing tools for the tremendous amount of writing they all do. BIC has so many choices for every one of your writing needs. Below are details about each product as well as my personal thoughts. 
BIC Tech 2-in-1 Stylus and Pen:
I really like this a lot. It is perfect to attach to my tablet so that I have a 2-in-1 option especially when I am on the go! The pen writes smoothly and the stylus glides across the touch screen easily. My daughters had to fight me on this one. I won though! This innovative product is available in a one-pack with a SRP of $4.99, and a two-pack with a SRP of $7.97.

BIC Automatic Mechanical Pencil:
The BIC Automatic Mechanical Pencil makes it easy to retract and protect lead with just one click of the clip at the top of the barrel, which means no more broken lead at the bottom of your new backpack!

This innovative and refillable mechanical pencil offers a modern look with a clear barrel and colorful accents, as well as a textured grip zone for comfortable and controlled writing. Perfect for standardized tests with its number two lead, the BIC Automatic Mechanical Pencil is available in 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm lead sizes and has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3.29 for a one-pack and $5.99 for a two-pack.

Both of my daughter use them and really prefer the mechanical pencil over the traditional wooden pencil. It is a must-have for them!

BIC For Her Gel and Marker Pens:
BIC for Her Gel and Marker pens offer beautifully smooth writing that will pass any test!

• BIC for Her Gel pens have stylish accents and a beautifully designed barrel, a contoured rubber grip for comfortable writing and a floral design embossed on the tip of the pen to help her express her style.  Available in a 0.7 mm medium point in blue, black, and new pink and purple inks, BIC For Her Gel pens have a SRP of $4.69 for a two-pack. Me and my teens LOVE these! They write so smoothly and we love the very girly look of it.

• BIC for Her Marker pens feature black, pink and purple inks for precise and creative writing. With its pearlescent designed barrel and sleek metal clip, the BIC for Her Marker pen is the perfect writing instrument to help her express her style. BIC for Her Marker pens have a SRP of $4.69 for a three-pack. My high school daughter snatched these up because she said they are perfect for precise details for her honors art class projects.

BIC Brite Liner Highlighter Tape:
BIC Brite Liner tape is re-inventing the way we highlight! This fluorescent tape adds vibrant highlights without bleeding through paper.  It also erases easily, making it convenient to use on textbooks. Available in the most popular highlighter colors, fluorescent pink or yellow, the BIC Brite Liner Highlighter Tape has a SRP of $2.29 for a one-pack and $4.59 for a two-pack.Our entire family was impressed with this. It's nice to not have your highlighting destroy your actual writing. Very cool item!

BIC Round Stic Grip:
One of the favorite back-to-school standbys has a new look, and is now offered with pink, purple, turquoise and lime green fashion inks!  Perfect for everyday writing, the BIC Round Stic Grip pen is offered in both fine and medium points and has eight unique ink colors to choose from, which are indicated by the color of the pen’s cap and grip. With a SRP of $2.19 for an eight-pack, the BIC Round Stic Grip pen provides comfortable writing at an exceptional value.

BIC Z4+ Roller:
BIC Z4+ Roller pen also has a new look, offered in black, blue and assorted ink colors in .7mm fine point.  Look for the neon ink colors, which provide smooth writing and a visible ink supply. These roller pens are amazing! I love the assortment of colors we all like to write in our planners in a different color per subject/topic/category.

Fun and fashionable, the BIC Z4+ roller pens offer a unique style and precise writing. These are perfect for my husband. He has always been a big fan of fine and smooth pens. BIC Z4+ Roller has a SRP of $8.29 for a four-pack and a SRP of $9.45 for a neon ink five-pack.
Confession: My family had a nerd moment when we laid our eyes on these fabulous writing tools! 

We really love all of the products overall. I can't even pick a favorite! I think the most impressive part is the pricing. Writing utensils can be very expensive and I feel like BIC's prices are reasonable for the great quality you get. You can't go wrong with that! 

I am thrilled to be able to give away one set of the BIC back-to-school line-up to one lucky reader. Enter below: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 26, 2013. One winner will be selected at random and contacted by email to claim prize. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received items from BIC for review purposes. All opinions are my own and no additional compensation was received.  
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Smart tips to get your little one prepped for kindergarten

Tomorrow marks the first day of August and this means back-to-school month for many of us. Being a stay-at-home mom to a rising kindergarten student means getting my little one ready for a whole new world. Since William has never attended pre-school or been enrolled in any programs that are in a group setting, it will be a big adjustment phase for him (and me). It also dawned on me that there are plenty of things he is not used to besides being around other kids. I have been trying to remember the kindergarten days when the girls were in it. One thing that really stuck out to me was the use of hand sanitizer. Being at home most of the time, there has been no need for it. I purchased a bottle and have been teaching William why he will have to use it in school. Of course, I have had to be harder on him with potty practices. He still has never been into a public restroom on his own so I am still VERY a bit nervous about that one. 

Another important thing is his sleep schedule. We started putting him to bed at 8:00 each night and wake him up about 6:45. He had such a tough time getting up this morning so I think we will move his bedtime starting next week to 7:30. A lot of kids don't get enough sleep at night so we want to make sure to not interrupt his sleep schedule as much as we can, even on weekends. Once he wakes up in the morning, we go through the full morning routine of washing, brushing, breakfast and getting dressed. So far so good. 

I recall when the girls were in kindergarten, that they had lunch as early as 10:30 AM. What I do is prepare Will's lunch early in the morning between getting him fed and dressed. I pack his lunchbox as I would for school so he can get in the habit of opening it, eating/drinking and packing up in a short time. When they are that young it can take longer to get situated and they have a very limited time to eat. It's funny, I make him line up like they would at school and he calls me "teacher". It has been going very well and I feel confident that he will make it through lunchtime with ease.

Each morning I have specific practice worksheets, coloring pages and other things that are kindergarten-based to get his mind focused on academics. I even teach him how to raise his hand and not speak until I acknowledge him. It has been really good having his big sisters at home to help out with training him for school.  I have him enrolled in "kinderbee" camp from August 6-8 for him to be screened for placement as well as for him to get a chance to preview what big boy school is like.

He officially starts kindergarten on August 21st. William is so enthusiastic about school and we are all so excited for him.

I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry. I tell myself that each day :)
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A must-have for any parent | How I stay organized

I have been a stay-at-home mom/homemaker for over 18 years. One of the most important parts of my job is organization. I have to keep up with all appointments, school events, activities, sports, bills and everything else in between. I have found the best way to keep it all together is with an organizer. I specifically use one that is made for students. The reason why is the layout goes according to the school week. My life revolves around the kids so my calendar needs to do the same. Student organizers are also a lot cheaper compared to the traditional ones you find in the office supply stores. Those can run you $20 or more!
I bought mine at Target last year right at the start of the school year for about $8. I found out that if you wait until about the second or third week after school starts, they go on clearance for 50% off and eventually 75% off. I love the size of this one because it is big enough to write everything in, but small enough to throw in my bag if I need to. My husband has one and so do the girls. We all can't live without it! Since the last month of the organizer is July, I have to make sure to get a new one soon. I have tried putting appointments and events in my iPhone but I more prefer the old-fashioned method of writing it down.

How do you stay organized?
Shelly, Mom Files
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Progresso Light Crème Soup prize pack giveaway

**CLOSED** Winner is freddie~ Congratulations!
Craving rich and creamy flavors, but don’t want to splurge on calories? With two new creamy flavors, Progresso® Light soups are giving those who are managing their weight a new reason to celebrate! At 100 calories per serving, now you can indulge in warm, creamy soups like Light Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese* and Light Chicken Pot Pie Style* without feeling guilty. Packed with indulgent, satisfying flavor, these two new Light creamy soups are the perfect way to make thoughtful eating decisions without sacrificing incredible taste.

I have to say that I really love the Light Chicken Pot Pie Style the best. It is perfect for a fast and satisfying lunch I can feel good about. My 16 year old loves the Light Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese. I will have to keep some of these in my pantry for those late game nights and for after school on days that they want more than a normal snack.


~These two new Progresso Light creamy soups are joining the lineup of more than 40 flavorful soups that are 100 calories or less per serving
~These Weight Watchers® endorsed soups have 100 calories and a 2 PointsPlus® value per serving
~The Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese variety boasts pieces of potato with savory bacon and rich cheese flavor
~The Chicken Pot Pie Style variety exudes a home-style essence with cuts of white-meat chicken, hearty potatoes and classic vegetables

*Light Chicken Pot Pie Style: At least 33% fewer calories than regular ready-to-serve soups. Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese: 50% fewer calories than the leading potato, cheese, and bacon ready-to serve soup. See nutrition information for sodium content.

 You can grab a money saving coupon on your next purchase of Progresso soups here.

Giveaway:
One lucky Momfiles reader will win a great prize pack including:
(2) Cans of Progresso® Light creamy soup
(1) Soup mug
(1) Lunch tote
(1) Water bottle


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Contest is open to US Residents only and will end on September 26, 2012. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email to claim prize. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Disclosure: The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Progresso® through MyBlogSpark.

Shelly, Mom Files
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