Ok, so you are probably thinking…Cookbooks for Back to School? Cindy you’ve lost it. Hear me out…these great cookbooks have at least 3 Back to School applications but before I share that let me tell you about these books. Trust me…just keep reading.

The Handstand Kids Cookbooks are 3 cookbooks that help your kids learn to cook and eat healthy! The cookbooks come in Italian, Chinese and Mexican to introduce your children to foods that may not be the norm in your household.

The Handstand Kids Italian Cooking Kit for Kids! is packaged in a pizza box with a chef’s hat (that fits all-sizes), the Italian Cookbook kit introduces kid chefs ages 3 to 12 to delicious and healthy Italian recipes. Recipes like There’s Bread in My Salad Panzanella, Oh My Pizza Pie, and Mamma’s Spaghetti & Meatballs will take your little chef around the world through your own kitchen. All the utensils and ingredients are translated into Italian so you can speak the language of Italy as you cook! The recipes are leveled from 1 to 4 garlic cloves so you will know the age appropriate level for your little chef.

The Handstand Kids Mexican Cookbook Kit is packaged in a resealable tortilla bag with a child-sized oven mitt, the Mexican Cookbook kit introduces kid chefs ages 3 to 12 to delicious and healthy Mexican recipes. Recipes like Farmer’s Market Chips & Salsa, There’s a Meatball in My Soup, and Cheese sandwiches into Quesadillas take your little chef around the world through your own kitchen. All the utensils and ingredients are translated into Spanish so you can speak the language of Mexico as you cook! The recipes are leveled from 1 to 4 avocados so you will know the age appropriate level for your little chef.

The Handstand Kids Chinese Cookbook Kit is Packaged in a large takeout box with child-friendly chopsticks, the Chinese Cookbook kit introduces kid chefs ages 3 to 12 to delicious and healthy Chinese recipes. Recipes like Spring-a-licious Spring Rolls, Kung Pow! Chicken,and Year of the Monkey Smoothies take your little chef around the world through your own kitchen. All the utensils and ingredients are translated into Mandarin so you can speak the language of China as you cook! The recipes are leveled from 1 to 4 chopsticks so you will know the age appropriate level for your little chef.

As I promised…here are 3 ways you can use these cookbooks for Back to School:

1. Inexpensive After School Activities: Children seem to want to spend their afternoon in front of the television after the school day has ended. The Handstand Kids Cookbook Company provides children and parents with an inexpensive after school activity that doesn’t include video games or the couch. What better way to get back in the groove than the stimulating activity that incorporates learning and fun? The Handstand Kids Cookbook series teaches children how to have fun while learning the language, culture and cuisine of a new country.  Each cookbook translates all ingredients and utensils into the country’s primary language to help children learn as they cook.
2. Feeling Good on Day One: Eating healthy and getting enough sleep are two important tips for a fantastic first day. The Handstand Kids Cookbook kits can help your child prepare for the back-to-school mentality; the children’s cookbook series aims at promoting health and nutrition and encourages children to become their own healthy food advocate.  The Handstand Kids Cookbooks teaches children the language, culture and healthy cuisine of a new country.  Each recipe includes healthy and nutritious ingredients to complete these delicious family-friendly meals.
3. Activities for Homeschoolers: I know I am always looking for creative activities to tie in to my kids’ homeschool studies. Cooking is a great way to learn about a country so these cookbooks could easily tie into geography, history, literature, math, language arts and home economics classes.

These cookbooks will have you and your kids enjoying time together in the kitchen and eating healthy meals too!

It’s that time of the year again, you finally get settled into a workable summertime routine with the kids and everything changes again. It’s back to school time and that means back to morning chaos, homework disorganization, and dealing with massive amounts of information between school and home. I’ve got some interesting tips that highlight some lesser-known ways for keeping kids organized for school, and I thought you might be able to use in a story you’re planning.

It’s normal for kids to generate chaos and disorganization (it comes with the territory), but being organized is a learned skill that is developed over time. With guidance and practice, kids can develop an effective approach to becoming organized. Amy Morris, single Mom of two teenagers and founder of GotFamilyGetOrganized.com, offers these unique tips to help your kids start the school year with a check plus.

5 Ways To Keep Kids Organized

Hub Of The House – Create a central location to hang a bulletin board that will hold important school and family information. Teach kids to update the calendar upon receiving new information and get in the habit of checking it the night before for the following day’s activities so that they can prepare in advance.

GotFamilyGetOrganized.com – An organized parent sets a good example. This website stores in a unique, simplified, and easy to use format, important family information: school schedules and extracurricular activities, social and sport information, and medical, just to name a few, and it is all available in a central location that can be accessed anytime and anywhere – from any computer, iPad, or smart phone.

Organize Backpacks – A backpack is your child’s personal assistant. Teach them how to keep it neatly organized by only filling them with necessary school day items and keeping out unnecessary loose papers, non-school items and liquids.

Make Lists – Teaching kids to make and prioritize lists will provide them with a greater sense of accomplishment – as they complete items and their lists become smaller, they will feel more productive and they have a greater sense of satisfaction in themselves.  Kids will take ownership for their tasks, shape their own time, and gain greater independence.

Student File Storage – Teach your kids to sort and effectively file school papers in an organized manner.  It will be crucial to them at exam time – especially if midterm and end of year final exams are inclusive of all the material covered to date.

Organization is an awesome opportunity for kids to gain self-confidence and independence and not lose their sanity or you lose yours.

Back to School time means kids need padlocks for their lockers and bike locks if they ride their bike to school. I don’t know about you but I always had the hardest time remembering my lock combinations. Well this awesome company, Wordlock, has made lock combinations much easier to remember because they are words instead of numbers! How cool is that?!?

Wordlock® presents the first combination bike lock and padlock that unlocks with a word instead of forgettable numerical codes. Offering 10,000 word and letter combinations with easy to set dials the all-in-one lock is easy to read, easy to set, and hard to forget your personal word combination. Wordlock® is the next generation of friendly, easy to use security devices for everyday use. Wordlock bike locks have four letter dials and cable made from curled, heavy-duty braided steel that extends to reach around the bike rack at the store, school, park or downtown. Wordlock padlocks provide maximum security against theft with a 2 5/8 inch hardened steel shackle and body.
Wordlock has teamed up with Woman’s World Magazine to save you money on any of Wordlock’s various products. Now until September 30, 2010 you can save 15% on any Wordlock product, visit WordLock’s Amazon.com page by clicking on the link, choose the lock you like, and then enter the special discount code 10WWORLD when you check out.

Notebooks, Post-it notes, pens, pads – it’s that time of the year again. Waiting around for those crazy, last-minute, 10-notebooks-for-a-dime specials could slash your spending, but there’s lots more you can do to save big. ShopSmart magazine shares their list of nine tips to make the most of back-to-school sales this August:

Save While Shopping for School and Office Supplies

1.     Take inventory: Chances are, you already have some of the things you need in your home office.

2.     Stick to your list: It makes sense to get a jump on the stuff you know you need (think filler paper and pencils), but wait for the school’s list to do the bulk of your shopping.

3.     Consider swapping: If the search of your desk drawer turns up things you no longer have use for, swap them for things you do need. Call other moms, or go to Swapmamas.com. Click on School & Office to see listings from people who have stuff and people who need stuff.

4.     Skip taxes: Many states offer tax-free shopping days in August to encourage spending on clothes. You might find information about your state by searching the Internet with your state and “tax holiday 2010.” Some states extend the discount to supplies and computers.

5.     Buy in bulk: Warehouse clubs are great places to load up, but so are online stores like RaymondGeddes.com and DiscountSchoolSupply.com – just remember that shipping costs can add up if you don’t order in bulk.

6.       Consider refurbs: Whether you need a laptop or your kid needs a fancy graphing calculator, refurbished or opened but unused products can save you hundreds of dollars. Check Amazon.com, Crutchfield.com, Dell.com/outlet, and SonyStyle.com/outlet.

7.       Automate savings: Sign up at ShopItToMe.com to get an alert sent to you when there’s a sale on those expensive sneakers your son just has to have or those shoes you need for work.

8.       Be strategic: Shopping the sales at a lot of stores could save you big bucks, but it’s a huge waste of time. Instead, search circulars online at YahooCircularCentral.shoplocal.com and SundaySaver.com. Then shop at stores with price-matching policies, such as Staples, Target, and Walmart.

9.       Go to school: Ask whether your child’s school has a supply program where you buy one box with everything your kid needs for the year. Staples claims its SchoolKidz program offers savings of 20 to 50 percent.

These tips are courtesy of the September 2010 issue ofmagazine.

I wanted to talk to you about one very important aspect of back to school preparation that often gets overlooked. We carefully follow the list for pencils, notebooks and school supplies. We shop for back to school clothes and shoes. We stock the cupboard with healthy school snacks. But we forget the one thing that can make or break a school year for a child – good vision!

It’s very important to make sure you have your child’s eyes checked before they head back to the classroom! 80% of what children learn is through vision and among school-aged children, 6-11 years old, an estimated 5.3 million have a vision problem.

If this is something you overlooked while getting your kids ready for back-to-school we have a solution! LensCrafters can help make sure your kids’ vision is perfect before they head back to the classroom. You can visit ANY LensCrafters store this weekend for the semi-annual sale and they will perform an eye examination for your child to determine their vision needs. If you purchase a pair of frames you get 50% off the prescription lenses. The sale will be held from now until the end of August.

SALE DETAILS: LensCrafters 50% off lenses sale (for a limited time with frame purchase)! This sale only happens twice a year – so act now for back-to-school vision needs!

Additionally, LensCrafters offers a 30-Day Unconditional Guarantee that allows consumers to test drive prescription eyeglasses risk-free for 30 days. If you don’t love them, return or exchange them within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, no questions asked.

LOCATION: ANY LensCrafters store NATIONWIDE! Visit www.LensCrafters.com or call 800-522-5367 for the location nearest you.

Disclaimer:50% off Lenses INCLUDES BIFOCALS, NO-LINES AND PRESCRIPTION SUN.Valid on multiple pairs. Both frame and lenses purchase required. Cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any vision care or insurance benefits or plans, any store or other offer, discount or sale, previous purchases, readers or non-prescription sunglasses. Valid prescription required. Discounts are off quoted price. Certain brands excluded, including Duralens, Maui Jim and Oakley Authentic lenses and clearance frames. Void where prohibited. See store for details. Offer expires August 31, 2010.

Starting Monday, August 23rd we will be celebrating our 2nd Annual Back to School Bash here at The Mom Maven. The week will be full of reviews, giveaways, shopping tips, sale info, organization tips and recipes to help your family start the year off right.

I used Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Sunblock when I visited Busch Gardens Tampa Bay a few days ago. It was a hot and humid Florida day and there was not a cloud in the sky. I thought this would be the perfect day to try the sunblock.

I applied it to my face, ears,and neck before heading to the park. I was immediately impressed with how silky smooth it felt after applying. While we were at the themepark I sweated, a lot but my face never felt oily or greasy-which has often happened with other products I have used.

When I returned home and washed my face there was no oily residue and the Neutrogena UltraSheer Liquid Sunblock had protected my skin from sun damage.

Would you like to review UltraSheer®, too? Then go to http://www.giantwavepool.com/ultrasheer!

Or get $2 off your UltraSheer® purchase at http://www.neutrogena.com/suncoupon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free for review purposes from Tidal Labs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I have liked Audrey Assad’s music since I first heard her singing “Winter Snow” on Chris Tomlin’s CD Glory in the Highest-Christmas Songs of Worship last fall. Since then she has been featured in studio on my local Christian Radio station, TheJoyFM, a few times and I just love her soothing vocals and sweet spirit.

I was very excited when I was asked to review her debut solo album, The House You’re Building, which released last month. In case you haven’t heard of Audrey yet here is some info:

Audrey is a 27-year-old singer/songwriter based out of  Phoenix. Individualistic. A free spirit. Untraditional.  Truly one-of-a-kind, this intensely honest singer-songwriter is carving out her own unique path in the music industry and opening hearts to God along the way. I think her story of self-acceptance would be a great fit for your audience! Digital outlets have already welcomed Assad with the single “For Love Of You” receiving one of iTunes ® strongest debuts on the Christian/Gospel Singles chart. Assad has already toured with industry elites Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Tenth Ave North and more. The 27 year-old, Phoenix-based singer songwriter also landed a duet with Chris Tomlin with “Winter Snow” on his Glory in the Highest Christmas album as well as sang with Brandon Heath on 2 songs from forthcoming Jars of Clay Shelter project.

Audrey’s clear, haunting voice is beautiful and soothing to the soul. The songs on The House You’re Building are a well thought out mix of worship, prayer and praise songs. I’ve listened to the CD several times and I have had trouble choosing a favorite song. This  is one of those CDs that I will worship with in my quiet time and a different song will hit me as significant depending on what I am walking through at the time.  I think right now my favorite is “Restless”, this is the chorus: “And I’m restless, I’m restless, ‘Til I rest in You let me rest in You. And I’m restless, I’m restless, ‘Til I rest in You let me rest in You. O God I will rest in You.” Those lyrics about sum it up for me right now.

Check out Audrey’s new CD at your local Christian bookstore or click this link The House You’re Building to buy it on Amazon.com.

CardsDirect offers the very best in personalized greeting cards for business or personal use.  Over 2,000 card designs are available in categories that include Christmas cards, birthday cards, thank you cards, photo cards, baby shower invitations, birth announcements and many more!  With free personalization and custom imprinted verse, CardsDirect offers an easy online ordering process and top quality cards with the best selection, customer service and pricing found anywhere.

I love sending cards, it is so much more personal than sending an email or e-card. This year I’ll be getting my photo Christmas cards from CardsDirect and you can too! CardsDirect is giving 1 lucky reader a code to redeem for twenty-five cards up to a $50 value at CardsDirect. This code will be good towards anycard  purchase made on their site and is open to US Residents only.

Mandatory 1st Entry: Visit CardsDirect.com and look around. Then come back here and tell me what cards you would order if you win.

Bonus Entries:

• Follow @CardsDirect on Twitter
• Like CardsDirect on Facebook and leave a comment that you are entering TheMomMaven.com’s giveaway
• Tweet this ” @MomMaven is giving away $50 in greeting cards from @CardsDirect http://bit.ly/9d32kW ” You may do this up to 2x a day leave the tweet URL in your comment.
• Subscribers, GFC Friends, Networked Blog followers and Facebook Likers each get 1 entry

This giveaway ends at 10pm on Saturday August 28, 2010 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Disclosure: I received a code for $50 worth of cards as a thank-you for hosting this giveaway. If you have questions please see my full disclosure statement in my blog footer. Thanks you.

UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT’S ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 PUMPS UP THE VOLUME WITH THE ULTIMATE LINEUP OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC ARTISTS

Tickets on Sale Now for One of the Hottest Christian Music Festivals in the Nation, Featuring Performances by Skillet, Relient K, Jars of Clay and More

Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock The Universe returns this September 10 and 11 with one of the most exciting celebrations of Christian music in the nation. Fourteen soul-stirring rock acts will take the stage for a weekend filled with incredible music, inspirational stories from celebrity speakers, and the opportunity to enjoy the most thrilling theme park attractions at Universal Studios Florida.

This year’s Rock The Universe lineup features the spiritual sounds of Christian rock’s hottest acts, such as five-time Grammy award-winning group Jars of Clay; hit band Relient K – featuring popular songs like “Forgiven” and “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been;” Skillet – whose unique symphonic rock sound inspires fans everywhere; and Needtobreathe – whose music has been featured in hit movies and television shows like “The Hills,” “Employee of the Month” and “P.S. I Love You.”

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 LINEUP

Friday, September 10: Skillet, Relient K, Newsboys, Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down, Kutless, and Chuck Tocco

Saturday, September 11: tobyMac, Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, Grits, Needtobreathe, Fireflight,  and Jeff Chandler

Rock The Universe guests will also experience the pulse-pounding thrills and revolutionary attractions that can only be found at Universal Studios Florida. Guests can plummet down a virtual 1,000-foot waterfall in Shrek 4-D, speed through darkness in the world’s first psychological thrill ride in Revenge of The Mummy or rock out at 65 mph on Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – a radically-innovative roller coaster that combines hit music, first-ever maneuvers and highly-sophisticated audio and video for a one-of-a-kind ride experience.

There are a variety of ways to experience all the excitement of Rock The Universe 2010. The best value is the “Rock Your Weekend” ticket, which will be sold only in advance and includes admission to both nights of Christian rock concerts, access to the Sunday Morning Worship services and three-day tickets to both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure – featuring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the most spectacularly-themed entertainment experience ever created that was inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling stories and characters. This offer is only available until Sept. 3 and will not be sold at the gate.

ROCK THE UNIVERSE 2010 OFFERS:

“Rock Your Weekend” Ticket

• Must Be Purchased On or Before Sept. 3: $89. 95 for groups, $99.95 for individuals
• Three days’ admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to use throughout the event
• Admission to both nights of Rock the Universe 2010
• Access to Sunday Morning Worship services

Rock The Universe 2010 Two-Night Ticket

• Advance Pricing: $69.95 for groups, $84.95 for individuals Day-of: $79.95 for groups, $84.95 for individuals
• Admission to Rock The Universe 2010 on both Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11

Rock The Universe 2010 One-Night Ticket

• Advance Pricing: $44.95 for groups, $49.95 for individuals Day-of: $57.95 for both
• Admission to Rock The Universe 2010 on either Friday, September 10 or Saturday, September 11

For more information about Rock The Universe 2010 – including the return of the Sunday Morning Worship services and the “Rock Your Weekend” Getaway package – or to purchase tickets, visit www.rocktheuniverse.com or call 1-888-RTU-INFO (1-888-788-4636).