Archives for August 2011

The Fun, Fashionable & Amazingly Useful SnapSac {Win One!}

And the winner is:

We all like the idea of using reusable shopping bags right? But let’s face it, those grocery store bags can be pretty plain and you can only fit so much in them.  Enter SnapSac.  These bags are super stylish and come in multiple sizes including a Super and Mega size that fit so much more stuff.

Did I mention they are stylish?  You can totally be seen with these bags out in public and still maintain a reputation as a fashionable woman.  You may even be able to convince your kids to carry them (you know your teenage daughter that wouldn’t be caught dead with the grocery store bag at the mall?).

SnapSacs are sturdy and yet lightweight.  Oh, and they snap down to fit in your purse or tuck into a pocket in the car.  What’s the point of having a reusable bag if you never have it with you, right?

I got to try out the SnapSac Super Tote (as shown above) and this bag is SO useful.  If you are clothes shopping this would be a great bag to take since it will hold more than a traditional grocery bag size.  It will also fit a whole meal worth of groceries or would be a great bag to take a change of clothes to the gym in.

So what’s the best part about SnapSacs? Besides the fact they are practical, fold compactly and stylishly designed; these bags are very reasonably priced!  The Grocery Totes start at $1.99 and the Mega Totes are just $7.99.  Oh, and don’t forge the Insulated Lunch and Cooler Totes!  They would be great for school, work or playdate lunches at just $5.99 and $9.99!

You can purchase these great bags online here OR if you happen to live near a SPROUTS Farmers Market you will be able to find them there!

Want to win one?  Follow the details below to enter to WIN a SnapSac! Be sure to leave me a way to contact you should you win.

Mandatory to Enter:
Go to SnapSac.com and tell me which SnapSac you would love to have if you win.

Additional Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each action):
Follow Mommy Kudos via Google Friend Connect (upper right side of this page).
Follow SnapSac on twitter
Follow Mommy Kudos on twitter
Like SnapSac on Facebook
Like Mommy Kudos on Facebook 
Subscribe to Mommy Kuddos via RSS
Subscribe to Mommy Kudos by email
Tweet about this giveaway (up to once daily) you can use this message or tweet your own and include the link to this giveaway and @mommykudos:
“Win a fabulously green & stylish reusable bag from @SnapSac

Contest ends September 14th at 11:59 PM EST. Open to U.S only.

Disclosure:  I was sent a SnapSac Super Tote free to review and was not compensated in any other way for this post.  As always, my opinions are my own.

Getting in The Groove Of Back to School {and some tips!}

Back to school time came quickly for us this year.  I felt barely ready for the early mornings, 20 papers to sign each day, and making sure we had lunch stuff on hand to make lunches.  As we tweak our routine there are some things that have helped that I thought I would share.

Michelle over at Make 5 Dinners in One Hour, has a wonderful tutorial on pre-making lunches for the whole week.  This works well for homeschoolers too!  It will save you time and stress.

Well Planned Day, On the Go Planner, July 2011 - June 2012Well Planned Day Family Homeschool Planner, July 2011 - June 2012


I purchased the Well Planned Day, On the Go Planner for this year.  For years now I have used Google calendar to keep all of the homework assignments, snack days, field trips, etc… straight. I have loved that I can add to it with my iPhone as well.  However, this year I felt the need to have a calendar that I could see everything that is coming up ahead of time and that I could write in.  The Well Planned Day Planner is so much more than a calendar! It is a meal planner, gift organizer, budget keeper and more all rolled into one.  Last year I LOVED using the Well Planned Day Homeschool Planner for myself (best homeschool mom planner EVER, if you ask me!) and the student versions for my kids. Since all of my school age kids are going to school this year I look forward to having the benefits of the planner again in the non homeschooling version.

Last but not least we are ironing out our after school routine.  It takes some getting used to when you’ve had a whole Summer to get out of the routine!  Our schedule looks something like this:

  1. 30 minutes for snack and “debriefing” after school
  2. Homework completed
  3. Lunches prepared for following day
  4. Free time.
  5. Before dinner chores
  6. Dinner
  7. After Dinner Chores
  8. Get ready for bed, including lay out clothes and shoes for tomorrow.

This plan makes morning time much more stress free and enjoyable for everyone!

How’s your back to school routine going?  Do you have any suggestions for what is working for you?  Anything not working?  I’d love to hear from you!

Save $3 on The New Veggie Tales DVD The Princess & The Pop Star

Save $3 when you buy the new Veggie Tales Movie The Princess & The Pop Star.  Click here to print the coupon.  If you want a chance to win one then enter my giveaway here.

New Veggie Tales DVD: Princess and the Pop Star {Win It!}

There’s a new Veggie Tales DVD out! This new one is really cute {aren’t they all}! It’s called Princess and the Pop Star.  It’s about a farm girl and a pop star that trade places and end up realizing that God made each of them with different gifts and put them in the right place from the start. It’s a great message for girls of all ages and even boys too.  My little guy enjoyed the movie almost as much as his sisters did {wink & smile}.

We had the privilege of having a preview party for the movie and all of the kids {and moms too} really enjoyed it!  We even had some pop stars show up {some of the kids dressed up for the even}!  It was tons of fun!

Here’s preview of the show:

I’m offering one Mommy Kudos reader the chance to win The Princess and the Pop Star DVD.  Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to enter and leave me your email so I can contact you if you win!

Mandatory to Enter:
Follow Mommy Kudos via Google Friend Connect (upper right side of this page).

Additional Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each action):
Tell me which Veggie Tales movie is your favorite
Follow Mommy Kudos on twitter
Follow Veggie Tales on Twitter
Like Mommy Kudos on Facebook 
Subscribe to Mommy Kuddos via RSS
Subscribe to Mommy Kudos by email
Tweet about this giveaway (up to once daily) and include @mommykudos in your tweet.

Contest ends September 1st at 11:59 PM EST. Open to U.S only.

Disclosure:  I was sent a preview DVD for free to review.  The giveaway DVD is provided by Mommy Kudos.

Great Deal on Groupon for Gymboree Play & Music (60% off)

I’ve always wanted to try Gymboree’s Play and Music but haven’t ever done it.  Groupon is tempting me with this great deal! For about 60% off you get a one-month membership package at Gymboree Play & Music (up to a $135 total value). The package includes:

  • One-month membership with unlimited open-gym attendance and one class per week (up to a $85 value)
  • Waived initiation fee (a $50 value)

Here’s the fine print:

  • Expires Nov 17, 2011
  • Limit 10 per person. Limit 1 per child. Valid for location purchased only. Must activate membership by 11/17/11, membership expires 1 month from activation date. In-store only. New families only, adult supervision required. Not valid for school skills class, birthday parties, or product purchases.

Click here to get in on this deal.