Many parents are concerned about how their newly-independent student will manage their finances. Will they burn through their savings over-using their debit card for non-necessities? Will they do what I did and ruin their credit right off the bat with all of the credit card applications that are aimed at college kids? Or, will they manage their money with a Visa gift card so that they can’t go over their limit and create problems that could haunt them for years down the road?

From August 23-29, 2015**, parents, you can save $15 instantly when you purchase $300 in Visa gift cards at OfficeMax! This is a great way to send them off with a safe source of money and for you to save some cash in the process! Here are the details on this awesome deal!

• Program Restrictions:
  • Activation fees apply
  • Limit 2 per household
  • See store for details
  • Customers can double dip on savings if they have a Chase Ink Business credit card! These cards offers increase rewards on purchases made at office supplystores, so customers can earn an additional 4x points or 5% cash back on their Visa gift card purchase.
  • Visa gift card: Use everywhere in the US Visa Debit is accepted.

**The dates on this offer were changed by the sponsor after this post was originally published.

Enter to Win a $50 Amazon e-gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Mom Maven is not responsible for prize fulfillment, that is the responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.
Good Luck!

The post Save $15 instantly at OfficeMax when you buy $300 in Visa gift cards #OMaxVisa15 appeared first on The Mom Maven.

One in five children struggle with issues related to reading, math, writing, focus, and organization, yet many children with learning and attention issues do not have a diagnosis. The adults in their lives often have a hard time understanding their issues due to misconceptions and a lack of information and resources. As a result, children with learning and attention issues often face both academic and social challenges. Sometimes returning to school after a long summer break can bring out some pretty tough emotions for kids.

If you are sitting there reading this, stressed out and feeling alone, don’t be. You are definitely not alone. There are so many others who have been sitting right where you are. Understood is an organization that was created by a coalition of 15 nonprofits, and its content and tools were informed by a survey of more than 2,200 parents of children with learning and attention issues. Understood offers free daily access to experts through chats and webinars, a safe online community that encourages parents to reach out to and learn from each other and a suite of specially designed, first-of-their-kind tools that will help you prepare your child for back to school and cope with everything that comes along with it.

Understood provides parents with clear explanations about learning and attention issues. The resources they provide will give you advice on how to help your child cope with those issues when returning to school and throughout the school year. It offers practical advice for parents on everything from how to partner with their child’s teachers, Back to School preparation, and help with homework to how to cope with the anxiety that comes with back to school. Here are some of the tools that you can utilize to discover what Understood has to offer:

• Back to School Preparedness Countdown – Start the new school year off right! There’s a lot going on—and a lot to keep track of. Download this one-month planner, which has daily tips to get your child with learning and attention issues ready for going back to school.
• General School and Learning Section – Read through each section to see what we have to offer. Complete your profile and let us show you how we can help.
• How to Help a Child Cope with School Anxiety – My son is anxious about going back to school, and the closer we get to the first day back, the worse it gets. He’s been acting out and throwing tantrums, saying he refuses to go. What can I do?
• Working With Your Child’s School – Parents often don’t want to bother teachers in September and October. But talking early in the school year can set the stage for strong communication throughout the year. Here are topics that can get the dialogue going.
• How to be an Effective Advocate for Your Child – As a parent, you are your child’s best education advocate—until he’s old enough and informed enough to speak up for himself. You know your child’s strengths and challenges, and you can help identify and push for the resources your child needs to succeed. Here are some tips to help you advocate for your child at school.

Maybe you are a parent of a struggling child, or even a friend or family member who is watching the struggle from afar. Understood has resources for everyone to learn how to help these kiddos face these challenges together. The You & Your Family section helps families with practical solutions and advice for social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This may give you more opportunity to prepare them for the coming school year, as well as engaging in fun family activities.

Children, family and education are such an important part of life. Sometimes you have to take the hard with the easy, the bad with the good. If you know someone who is struggling, be it a parent or a child; encourage them to check out Understood. They may find exactly the help and inspiration that they need!

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About the Epson LabelWorks 600P

The Epson LW-600P and iLabel app takes full advantage of the capabilities of smart phones and tablets to offer features never before available with traditional label makers, such as:

• “True-view” label preview capability using the camera function to ensure labels perfectly match what’s on the screen
• Wirelessly create, edit and print labels
• Handwriting mode for custom drawing or annotation of labels using the touch screen interface
• Speech-to-text voice transcription and printing
• In-app storage of created label for future use
• Import of custom graphics such as symbols, logos and photographs to copy & paste onto labels for a more professional look or to add a personalized touch
• Creation of QR code labels for content sharing or barcode labels for inventory management which can be scanned by third-party QR/barcode apps
• Lightweight, small form factor – the smallest 24mm (~1”) label printer on the market
• Includes over 100 label design templates and 400 symbols
• Compatible with a variety of tapes, including iron-on, glow-in-the-dark, metallic reflective and ribbons
• Bluetooth^® connectivity for use with smart phones and tablets
• Can be used on AC or battery power

To use the LabelWorks 600P

1. Download the Epson iLabel app for your Apple or Android device
2. Drop in the label cartridge you want to use
3. Turn on the label maker
4. Connect your device and the label maker either with the enclosed cable or via Bluetooth
5. Create your label on your device
6. Print

Mom Maven’s Thoughts

I have wanted my own label maker for some time now. I love that the LabelWorks 600P is portable and has Bluetooth connectivity. I have created labels for organizing things and I have used the iron-on labels to label my favorite hoodie, which I have been know to leave behind at church. This label maker is easy to use and it is easy to customize your labels with icons too. I am now thinking about making personalized ribbons for Aaron & Summer’s wedding! The Epson LabelWorks LW-600P App-enabled, Portable Label Printer is a great asset for any busy parent.

The post Go Back to School with Epson appeared first on The Mom Maven.

MinuteClinic is currently offering back to school and sports physicals for only $39 that’s $20 off the regular price. Even if a back to school physical isn’t mandated, it is always a good idea to get a physical to make sure you are sending them back to school healthy. Is someone in your household headed off to college? Some colleges require physicals before students arrive on campus. MinuteClinic offers college physicals as well.

We all know kids need to have their vaccinations up-to-date before starting kindergarten, middle school and college. MinuteClinic offers a variety of back-to-school vaccinations so that your kids don’t miss their first day. Most states now require a pertussis vaccine before entering college while many states require a meningitis vaccine wither before entering middle school or college. Check out the graphic below to see when/if your state requires the meningitis vaccine.

MinuteClinic is great for busy families because there are no appointments necessary. Just sign in at the kiosk when you arrive. Right now MinuteClinic is also offering a FREE $22 coupon book when you visit. (No purchase necessary. Available while supplies last through 12/1/14.)

If you want to learn more, join us at the #GoBackHealthy Twitter Party, Monday, July 28th at 1:00pm EDT. Prizes will be given out at random, please RSVP here. I look forward to seeing you at the party!

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Welcome to the Ultimate Back to School Bash #bts2013!

3BoysandaDog has teamed up with A+ Interactive Math and some fabulous other brands to bring you this giveaway.

Prizes:

• A+ Interactive Math – 1 year FREE Online Full Curriculum – A+ Interactive Math – 1 winner (choice of: grades K – Algebra I) Value $124.99 . A+ Interactive Math is dedicated to making math enjoyable and learnable for all ages. A+ Interactive is perfect for homeschooling parents or parents that just want to give the child some extra math help. A + Interactive Math offers full curriculum books, workbooks, online education and interactive math CD’s. You can purchase A+ Interactive Math or view their catalog here.

  Door Prize for all participants:

  Multiplication for Elementary & Middle School – download (value $21.99)

  link: http://aplustutorsoft.com/SpecialOffers.do

  Code: enter 3DOGSMATH upon checkout

• $100 Visa Card – This fabulous gift card is being brought to you by www.learntobloghangouts.com! This is the perfect way to get a great jump start on your back to school shopping! You can use this $100 Visa gift card at any location that accepts Visa.

• Back to School Survival Guide – This back to school guide is brought to you by The Confident Mom. In this Back to School Survival Guide you will find everything you need to help you ensure the school year runs seamlessly. This guide is an 80 page printable that will help you keep your child safe while using the internet, help with homework, making packing school lunches easier, become a savvy back to school shopper and much more! You can read more about the Back to School Survival Guide or purchase one here.

• Office Depot Sackpack of School Supplies –Office Depot is committed to providing affordable school supplies! You will find $25 worth of school supplies in this sack pack. The Office Depot Foundation donates over 30,000 backpacks to school children each and every year!

• BYOU Magazine Subscription

• Go Picnic Ready to Eat Meals – Go Picnic makes packing lunches and snacks a breeze. They offer gluten-free, kosher, all-natural and a variety of other snacks that are perfect for back to school lunches and snacks. You can view the large variety of products they offer here.

• Tummy Calm – Have a little one with an upset stomach? Tummy Calm is a safe option to helping your child feel better. Tummy Calm is made with all-natural FDA regulated ingredients. You can read more about Tummy Calm and place an order here.

• BIC School Supplies – BIC offers a wide range of back to school items from pens, pencils, markers, highlighters and much more! BIC is your one stop shop for your back to school supplies.

• Teach My Preschooler – Teach My is your one stop solution for giving babies, toddlers and preschoolers a jump start on education. You will find interactive learning products that promote learning in a fun manner. You can order a Teach My learning program here.

• Texas Instruments – Texas Instruments should be your go to supplies when it comes to tools for math and science calculators. One lucky winner will be receiving this http://education.ti.com/en/us/nspire-family/cx-handhelds. This is a colorful and engaging way for to learn math and science!

• Wild Planet Foods – Wild Planet Foods has tuna like you have never tasted before. This tuna is the perfect ingredient for a healthy and delicious school lunch. Wild Planet offers tuna that has 6 times the Omega 3 and 1/2 the mercury other brands have. Order up your own supply of Wild Planet Foods here.

• GHCretors – GHCretors offers all-natural, non-GMO and gluten-free popcorn in a variety of flavors! You will love that a healthy snack can taste so good. This might just be the best popcorn you have ever tasted. Get your order placed here.

• ListPlanIt – Are you ready to get your life organized? If so then ListPlanIt is the place to visit! Any kind of list you can imagine you will find on ListPlanIt. The winner is going to receive 2 ePlanners (Student ePlanner and Home Education ePlanner, value $10) + a coupon code for a 3-month trial to ListPlanIt! This is a fantastic prize to get the school year started off. You can also sign up for ListPlanIt here.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for being a part of The Mom Maven family, good luck!!

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Start the school year of right with a gift for the teacher! Tiny Prints lets you create custom, mugs, notebooks, labels, iPhone cases, stationery and other items that will brighten a teacher’s day. Today kids have to bring so many supplies to school and everything should be labeled so it doesn’t get lost. Tiny Prints makes it easy to label your child’s items using their adorable custom gift tags. If you have older kids a custom planner or notebook will help keep them organized as they go from class to class. Every mom needs to stay organized too as her kids dive back into school and fall activities. Mom deserves a custom planner or even a custom iPhone or iPad case to make her smile while staying connected to the world outside of her carpool.

Tiny Prints Back to School Sweepstakes

Tiny Prints is hosting an awesome back to school Pinterest sweepstakes with a huge grand prize. If you are a Pinterest user click on over to enter this fun sweepstakes. The sweepstakes runs from 8/5-8/28/13.

Tiny Prints Back to School Giveaway

Tiny Prints is offering an awesome prize pack for one lucky reader of The Mom Maven! This will get you ready for back to school in style. The prize pack includes:

•  5 sets of 24 gift tag stickers
• 1 – 5×8 lined notebook
• 100 – mommy/play date/contact cards

This giveaways is open to US and Canada! The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and notified via email. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I have received compensation for this post as part of the Global Influence Network. All opinions are 100% mine.

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Every kind of label is customized with your child’s name so even if your child doesn’t have a common name or spelling, they can still get customized labels! On most labels you have a choice of colors and designs too. Now through September 28, 2012 you can get a great deal on their Ultimate Back to School Combo for only $42.00!

As you know my kids are 17, 17 and 19 and they were all excited to receive their Mabel’s Labels Tween Packs for this review. School starts next Monday and we haven’t done much shopping for supplies because they don’t know what they need until they attend each class for the first time, but here are some pictures of what they have done with their stickers so far.

As you can see Mabel’s Labels has something for everyone, I personally use their Bag Tags on my camera case and laptop bag Have you used Mabel’s labels before? Which kind is your favorite? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Dsiclosure: I received 3 Tween Packs, one for each of my kids for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine. There are affiliate links in this post.

The post Mabel’s Labels Helps Your Child’s Belongings Come Back Home appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Participating salons:

•  Best Cuts
•  BoRics
•  Cool Cuts 4 Kids (participating salons only)
• Famous Hair
• Fiesta Salons
•  First Choice Haircutters (U.S. participating salons only)
•  Head Start Salons
•  HairMasters
•  Holiday Hair

Besides great haircuts, participating salons offer services for the whole family! Included in the Coupon-A-Thon are kid-friendly salons like Cool Cuts 4 Kids, as well as full-service salons such as HairMasters and Smartstyle, which provide color services, perms, waxing, and more! With savings this big on haircuts, why not treat yourself to a new style or color, too? Also, while you’re at the salon, be sure to check out a wide range of professional haircare products from all your favorite brands, including Paul Mitchell, Biolage, Redken, and more!

With these great prices there is no reason to click on the coupon below and take it to your local salon so the whole family can look great as we head back to school.

The post Back to School Haircut Coupons for the Entire Family appeared first on The Mom Maven.

We received the black and white Snoopy Folio to review. Jordan unpacked the portfolio and slid his iPad in. It fit like a glove. The portfolio has multiple tilt positions while allow for optimum content viewing. The swivel allows you to use the iPad both horizontally and vertically. There is a light magnet that hold the portfolio closed for easy carrying. The case is designed so that all ports, headphone jack, volume control can all be accessed while in the portfolio.

Horizontal viewing

Vertical viewing

Back of portfolio

We love the look and feel of the iLuv iPad Snoopy Portfolio. Unfortunately, the only iPad in this house belongs to my 17yo so and he feels this portfolio isn’t manly enough for him (hee hee). So we decided the best thing to do is to share the love. So we are giving away our portfolio to a lucky reader of The Mom Maven. One tab on the box got ripped while we were opening it but the portfolio itself is like new. It has only been out of the box for the purpose of this review. The value of this giveaway is $59.99. The giveaway ends August 25, 2012 at 12:01am. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter. The winner’s entry will be validated and then I will email the winner. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received this iPad Portfolio for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine. I am giving away this portfolio by my choice. I was not asked to hold this giveaway.

The post PEANUTS iLuv iPad Portfolio Giveaway appeared first on The Mom Maven.

The kit includes:

• 1 – 50ml Screen Spray
• 1 – Screen Shammy for use on various devices
• 1 – Plasma Screen Cloth
• 1 – CD/DVD Cloth for media disks
• 1 – Sweep mobile cleaning pad.
• All components are packaged in a zippered Storage case so you can keep everything handy in one place!!
• 

Everything fits neatly in the case, which when zipped is about 6″x3.5″x2″. We’ve used the kit on my laptop and Jordan’s iPad so far and we love how easy it is to use and how clean our screens are. It’s funny how we get used to looking at a dirty screen and then when we clean it we really notice a difference.

You can order a kit from the Dust-Off website for $24.99 or pick it up at your local Best Buy, Costco, Staples or Office Depot. You can keep up with all of the Dust-Off products on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KeepitDustOff.

Who in your family needs this kit? You? Your college kids? Teens? Tweens? Everybody? My answer is everybody! It may live in Jordan’s backpack but we’re all going to be borrowing it!

Disclosure: I received a kit for the purpose of this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

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