http://kswb.vid.trb.com/player/PaperVideoTest.swf
• Eggs – they help with memory retention and are a great source of protein
• Oatmeal – sustains them through the morning and helps with retain information
• Berries – antioxidants in berries (blueberries and strawberries) boost cognitive function
• Yogurt – great source of protein and calcium, which helps the brain stay awake and alert
• Water – to avoid dehydration, which can lead to poor concentration
• Lay out the next day’s outfit the night before complete with underwear, socks and shoes.
• Set-up a grooming station by the door (including a low-level mirror) so your kids can check her face and hair before leaving the house in the morning.
• Make it fun! Create a song to sing or a game that helps your child stay focused
• Set an alarm that rings 15 minutes before you’re supposed to leave the house. It’s a great reminder to you and your child to finish up the last of the preparations and get ready to go!
I searched high and low — here’s the short list of the cutest lunch boxes! They get an extra bonus if they were “green!”
1. PVC-free Lunch Bag from Four Peas – cute styles for any grade schooler. Available at Magical Child in Encinitas or www.fourpeasonline.com. Retails for $18. 3. Goodbyn Lunchbox – individual compartments so no plastic bags needed. Dishwasher safe. Comes with 275 stickers so kids can decorate their own – no two will be the same. Available at www.goodbyn.com. Retails for $34.95.
4. RuMe Jr. – good for the older kids, can hold personal items and also
1. Contigo Autoseal Kids Mug – Available at www.gocontigo.com. Retails for $15.99 for two.
2. Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles – Available at Magical Child in Encinitas. Retails for $20.
• Label items since you will be reusing them and they can get lost or left behind. Cute varieties are available at www.appliedlabels.com. Back-to-school packs retail for $34.
• It might also be handy to have two lunch box sets since most kids tend to leave items behind at school.
Organic, low-sugar snacks are all the rage these days. Mamas are searching for snacks that are tasty and budget-friendly. From one mama to another, here are a few snack suggestions that will be sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.
• SMASHIES – portable, organic, low-sugar apple sauce in a squeeze pouch. No mess, no spoon required. Available at Whole Foods and www.amazon.com. Retails for $9.99 for 10-pack.
• Revolution Foods PopAlongs – better than chips, baked and not fried and made with whole grains. Available at Whole Foods, Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us. Retails for 99 cents each.
• Revolution Foods Grammy Sammys – yogurt filled sandwich bar. Retails for $3.99 at Whole Foods (launches Sept. 2009) and www.revolutionfoods.com.
• Kashi TLC Tasty Little Cereal Bars – packed with real fruit, whole grains and fiber. Available at major grocery stores. Retails for $3.69 a box.
• ZESPRI Kiwifruit – nothing better than real fruit! Just scoop and eat. Available at Vons and Ralph’s. Retails for about 50 cents each.
• ATTUNE Probiotic Bar– they are in the same refrigerated case as yogurt but have less sugar than most kid’s yogurts AND deliver probiotics that help boost digestive health and immunity and calcium as well. They come in chocolate or granola bars. Available at major grocery stores. Retails for $1.69 each.
• Stretch Island FruitaBu – provide one whole serving of fruit and it’s fun. Often it’s the presentation that makes kids eat and this one is super fun! Available at major grocery stores. Retails for $3.99.
• Annie’s Naturals Cheddar Bunnies — the ultimate preschool snack! Organic and no trans-fat. Available at major grocery stores and Whole Foods. Retails for around $4 per box.
My philosophy is simple: just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to forgo style or your life. You can do it all with a little help from Mama. Mama makes life easier by doing all the shopping, crafting and ranting for you because really...what Mama has the time for that?! Mama will not lie, I can bake but if you're looking for cooking tips you might be better off going someplace else!
Awesome Christine!!! I am going out and getting those Graham cracker snacks for my girls as well as the smashers Thanks keep the ideas coming!!
Great Job Christine!!! I tried opening the video clip but couldn't see/open … have a hunch my work has some firewall that prevents me so I'll check it out at home! I can't wait to talk to you & get the full scoop!BTW, I love the options you listed for snacks and lunch boxes … you know I'll be trying them!
Great job Christine!! I read your blog every day along with Carrie's. Looking forward to seeing you and the children in November!
Love this post – great tips for working women too!
Christinewww.pthappyhomemaker.blogspot.com