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. 

5-hour ENERGY® “Yummification” contest & Giveaway #spon

5-hour ENERGY® provided me with the information, samples and a gift card for this post. All opinions are my own as always. 

The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® announced the launch of the “Yummification” video contest, where entrants can win a share of $100,000 for creating a video of their favorite way to mix a 5-hour ENERGY® shot with an everyday beverage. The contest will be judged on the creativity of the video and the taste of the creation

· Drink creations must follow the approved/non-approved ingredients guidelines (i.e. no caffeinated beverages or alcohol)

· To enter the contest, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form; “Like” 5-hour ENERGY® on Facebook, then create and submit a video that is no longer than 60 seconds showing an original combination being made, tasted, and named (creativity counts!)

• One grand prize winner will receive $50,000, and the following prizes will also be awarded:
• Second Prize (1): Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000)
• Third Prize (1): Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000)
• Fourth Prizes (10): One Thousand Dollars ($1,000)

Entries must be received by August 19, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. EDT to be eligible.  No purchase necessary.  US residents only.  18 years and up   

To enter, visit www.5houryummification.com and follow the instructions to complete the entry form or “Like” the 5-hour ENERGY® page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/5HourEnergyShot and follow the instructions to click the contest tab

For official rules, visit 5houryummification.com

I was provided with a selection of 5-hour ENERGY shots so that I could create my very own beverage. I mixed 4 ounces of 100% cranberry juice, 1 5-hour ENERGY Lemon-Lime shot and 2 ounces of club soda. I call my creation, Citrus-Berry Splash. I even got fancy and garnished my goblet with a slices of lemon and lime. What do you think? It was very refreshing and I'm glad I went with the club soda and not lemon-lime soda. I think it would have been too sweet. 

Information about 5-hour ENERGY® shots:

·5-hour ENERGY® shots are dietary supplements that provide hours of energy and alertness
· Contain a blend of B-vitamins, amino acids, and essential nutrients
· Helps people feel alert and energized for hours
· Zero sugar, zero carbs, zero herbal stimulants and 4 calories!
· Caffeine in a 5-hour ENERGY® shot is comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee
· May consume up to 2 bottles of 5-hour ENERGY®, spaced several hours apart. For moderate energy, drink ½ bottle of 5-hour ENERGY®

One lucky Mom Files reader will win a gift pack of 5-hour ENERGY shots ($30 value) as well as a $25 Visa gift card to buy supplies to make their own drink creation. Enter below: a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to US Residents only and will end on August 5, 2014. Please follow giveaway rules in Rafflecopter widget. One winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via email. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

Are you prepared for an emergency? See how Boltwell can help

Emergencies-- They are not something we expect, they just happen. We do all we can to prepare ahead of time. Sometimes you are quite sure what you even need in your emergency kit. I received a sample box from Boltwell that included a variety of basic items to keep on hand in case an emergency arises.

The box was filled with so many handy items. I was really impressed with how detailed it was. 

Emergency kit included: 

• Weather radio that has a light on it as well. 
• Hand Sani Pen to clean away the ick that can make you sick.
• Multi Tool- cuts, saws, screws, unscrews and can open bottles. 
• Food bar for when hunger strikes
• Ultibrush- All-in-one toothbrush including toothpaste
• Toilet kit- for when you aren't around a toilet
• Quick Dry Chamois Cloth- good for drying your hair or absorbing water from a puddle.
• Dry Shampoo- Keeps hair fresh when showering is not an option.
• Pocket Lantern- It gives off way more light than you would expect with 4 settings including flashing. 

The First Aid Kit was loaded with so many items. I don't think I would have thought of half of these things. 

CONTAINS:

• Flexible bandages

• Large gauze pads

• Gauze rolls

• Gauze sponges

• Latex-free first aid tape

• Butterfly wound closures

• Flexible wrap bandage

• Latex-free nitrile gloves

• Triangle bandages

• Emergency scissors

• Irrigation syringe

• N95 masks

• Antiseptic skin cleanser

Boltwell offers a variety of kits for so many different needs such as Fire safety, Pet care, Food, Car and more. You can purchase kits ready-to-go or individual items as add-ons. I think my husband will want to get the emergency ladder. I feel like along with keeping extra food supplies available and having a family plan, you can be prepared for emergencies with these emergency kits. 

Check out Boltwell emergency kits on their website and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. 

New from IHOP: Scrambles Inspired by Tastes from Around the Globe

The Restaurant Famous for Making Eggs Any Way You Want Them Has Three New Scrambles Inspired by Tastes from Around the Globe

Do you have a taste for adventure, but can’t get away? For a limited time, you need only go as far as your local IHOP® restaurant:  they are bringing exactly that—a taste of adventure— straight to your table with the introduction of their new World Scrambles, which capture the best flavors from destinations both near and far!

Guests at IHOP restaurants have always been able to enjoy a multitude of egg dishes, prepared any way they want them, and now three new savory egg scramble sensations, available now through September 7, give them even more “egg-citing” choices to enjoy:

All-American Bacon Scramble: Fluffy scrambled eggs topped with diced fresh tomatoes, crispy hickory-smoked bacon and shaved white cheddar cheese.

Tuscan Scramble: Eggs scrambled with sweet basil, roasted red peppers, finished with shaved Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, and topped with delicious fresh spinach

Californian Scramble: Jack & cheddar cheeses melted into fluffy scrambled eggs topped with our salsa & fresh avocado.

Each World Scramble, a satisfying choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner, is made to order and perfectly paired with golden hash browns and your choice of a warm flour tortilla, toast, or two of IHOP restaurant’s classic buttermilk pancakes.

Guests can also beat the summer heat with refreshing new lemonades, also available until September 7. In addition to a traditional lemonade, IHOP restaurants are now offering a cherry lemonade and a mango lemonade, each garnished with a slice of lemon, and available with free refills. Each ice-cold lemonade pairs well with IHOP’s new dinner salads, sandwiches and other entrees. For more information or to find an IHOP restaurant near you, please visit www.IHOP.com.  Follow IHOP on Facebook and Twitter.

To a Cultured Land — Interesting Educational Family Days out in the UK

A family holiday to the UK can be one of the most memorable yet educational adventures children can experience. Packed with history, culture, wildlife and fun, the UK is the perfect destination for American families abroad. Not only are there loads of kid-friendly activities, but everyone speaks English, making family travel that much easier. Here are a few of the best family-friendly days out on a UK holiday.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
With attractions that cover 800 years of naval history, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is located in the larger HMNB (Her Majesty’s Naval Base) Portsmouth, a fully functioning port for the British navy. The Historic dockyard is an enthralling day out for families since it’s a maritime museum featuring educational exhibits including the raised wreck of the Tudor carrack Mary Rose, the HMS Warrior (from 1860) and HMS M33 which was a WWI monitor. The museum is one of the world’s most renowned maritime museums and children will love seeing relics from the adventurous seafaring days of yore.

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest, oldest occupied castle in the world and is — to this day — an official royal residence. The castle is open to visitors and offers free audio tours for families, narrated by such colorful castle residents as Gilbert the Grotesque, Tipu Tiger and Cyril, a Page of the Back Stairs. As well as guided tours, there are loads of family activity trails to explore, shops, and a regular schedule of insightful programs throughout the year.

Sutton Hoo
This Suffolk gem in the east of England is an ancient Anglo-Saxon burial ground covering 91 hectares overlooking the Deben estuary. The site has a fascinating archaeological history and seamlessly melds contemporary children’s fun with ancient historical exhibitions. There are woodland walks, an adventure playground, tracker packs and activity trails to keep the whole family engaged and entertained for an educational day out.

Family travel can be expensive and the exchange rates are rarely in favor of anyone coming into the UK. To make the most of a UK holiday, take public transport wherever possible, search for discounts prior to arrival and bring pack lunches, because the UK is best appreciated over a civilized picnic in a quaint location.