We had a blast using the Play Doh Backpack!  It was perfect timing for some back to school reinforcement after a long summer.  My Kindergartener made patterns with letters and colors.  The scissors were great for perfecting fine motor skills.  He absolutely loved cutting and shaping his letters and numbers with the Play Doh tools and stamps.  My 8 year was equally as entertained.  What kid doesn’t love Play Doh?  This cute backpack kit kept everything neatly organized and was not at all overwhelming with the number of pieces and set up.  As a teacher and mom, I loved the fact that it had letter and number stamps.  This was a fun, easy way to sneak in some math and spelling practice.

It makes a super gift! Only 14.99, the Back Pack comes with four 5-ounce cans of PLAY-DOH compound, a FLIP ‘N SNIP tool, presser, rail, roller, knife and 36 cutters.  Take everything you need to make fun creations everywhere you go with this fantastic clear Back Pack. With four cans of PLAY-DOH compound and more than 40 accessories, the number of things you can mold, shape, cut and create is practically endless! Plus, when it’s time to hit the road, put everything inside, zip the top, put the pack on your back and you’ll all set to travel with fun in tow!

I’ve got the girls six month dentist appointment hitting right before back to school every year.  I like it then because I feel it’s a great way to start the year fresh… new hair cut, physical, clean teeth, new clothes and shoes and of course new school supplies.

Today they were given a great bill of health…I guess the trip I took to the Colgate headquarters during BlogHer in NYC payed off!  I’m now on top of replacing tooth brushes and scrubbing really well on the back teeth, which has payed off!

Anyway, my oldest has yet to lose any teeth…she’ll be 7 in December.  They did an x-ray today and it looks like her permanent teeth are ready to come through and her baby teeth are not ready to leave anytime soon.  This means that they will need to pull out the baby teeth so that the new teeth can glide right into place.  I cringed at the thought, but my 7 year old was ready to do it right at that moment.  You see, all her friends have been visited by the tooth fairy and she has yet to get paid for her precious teeth, so the thought of having her teeth pulled sounded a bit like this… “Cha-ching!”

Anyway, long story short, I decided to have her wait until after picture day, thanks to a fellow mom that reminded me that picture day was coming up and scheduled her tooth removal till the end of the month.

At the same time, I got an email from Delta Dental about healthy lunch ideas that promote health teeth… perfect timing right!

“Common lunch foods actually contain a shocking amount of sugar,” said Dr. Jed Jacobson, chief science officer and senior vice president at Delta Dental of Michigan. “With small changes, it is surprisingly easy to pack a lunch that is healthier overall and better for your child’s teeth.”

Consider a lunch with a packaged ham, cheese and crackers meal, a small can of diced peaches, fruit snacks, and a juice box. While it seems healthy and balanced, the sugar count is a whopping 62 grams. An average candy bar contains about 25 grams of sugar.

A few substitutes can reduce the sugar count tremendously. Switch to a ham and cheese sandwich on wheat bread and skip the fruit snacks – in addition to high sugar content, their stickiness holds sugars against teeth for prolonged periods. Swap out the juice for a kid-sized sports drink or milk and opt for fresh fruits or vegetables instead of canned. These small changes bring this lunch’s sugar total down to a more tooth-tolerable 19 grams.

For other teeth-friendly substitutes, consider yogurt as a good option for boosting calcium with only 10 grams of sugar. Even better is string cheese, which also offers calcium but with zero grams of sugar. For a special treat, vanilla wafer cookies have less than half the sugar of chocolate, crème-filled cookies. Potato chips, pretzels and cheesy crackers are good options for low-sugar items.

“Check the nutrition labels on the foods you buy to make sure you know what your kids are eating,” Jacobson said. “A healthy and nutritious diet paired with good oral hygiene at home and visits to the dentist can go a long way toward protecting against tooth decay.”

If possible, kids should brush their teeth after lunch at school. Keeping a toothbrush and travel-sized tube of toothpaste in a lunchbox, desk or locker is a convenient way to encourage this healthy habit. If kids can’t brush at school, Jacobson recommends having them rinse their mouths with water or milk after lunch.

Jacobson recommends parents try to avoid packing these high-sugar lunch items:

• Can of pop (40g)
• Fig cookies (23g)
• Chocolate-hazelnut spread (21g)
• Granola bars (19g)
• Pudding (17g)

The star will be on hand signing autographs and taking pictures. Autographs will cost $25 and pictures will cost $40.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which supports childhood cancer research.

This is sure to be a popular event, so be sure to get there early!

The Mall of Monroe

2121 North Monroe Street

Monroe, MI 48162

Being a mom is one of the toughest jobs on the planet!  It’s almost like being a secret service agent for the President, but instead of protecting the President of the United States, you are protecting your offspring, some of the most precious little human beings in your life.

Until you have become a mom, you never understand what moms go through in a day, week or a lifetime.  You gain a new appreciation for your mom and realize how truly magnificent she really was or is.  You look back and remember those “Magnificent Mom Moments” and those are the moments that will remain in your memory and put a smile on your face.

I’m not an expert by any means when it comes to being a mom and all I can hope for is that I do my best for my girls.  I hope that I  love them enough, teach them enough and care for them and protect enough.  And, when I have one of those “I just kicked booty as a mom” moments, I hope that I’m not the only one that notices.

*This post was inspired by Ziploc, check out their ideas and recipes for quick and easy ways to get more out of the things you do for your family every day. They want to hear from YOU so visit them on Facebook and share your own magnificent moments with them.

How would you like to win a backpack full of really cool items for your child to go back to school with this 2010-2011 school year?  Below is a list of everything you will win in this back to school backpack giveaway:

• ClassWish.org $25 Credit
• DreamSakes 20 Free Artwork Scans
• Arizona Kidz drinks
• PopChips a variety pack of PopChips & variety of coupons.
• Leapfrog Tag Reader with book set and US map, OR a LeapFrog
  Explorer with 2 games! (Penguins of Madagascar and Toy Story 3)
• Stoneyfield Yo-Kids
• RoseArt glitter markers, dry erase board, and fun Color Blanks.
• Carolina Pad variety of notebooks, folders, and binders
• Orange Circle Studios a “Do it all” planner & a family calendar.
• BitDefender security software for your PC.
• E is for Ethics Book by Simon & Schuster
• Sun and Earth Cleaning Products Samples
• Dolphin Chips (Human body and Facts to Annoy Your Teacher)
• FamZoo  year long membership
• Fox Entertainments both Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Marmaduke DVDs
• Stoneyfield Farms coupons, awesome recycled plastic storage containers, & a few other surprises!
• Silver Dolphin added the “Human Body” book, and “Facts to Annoy your Teacher” books.

and more to come!  I will add as they arrive:)

Win it!

One lucky winner will win  all of the items listed above ($300 value).  The winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

This event is sponsored by Ziploc Brand and 20th Century Fox as well as other brands that have contributed to filling the backpack!  Enter to win a backpack filled with over $300 worth of back to school merchandise.  Please visit FillTheBackPack.com for more Information, The Dream Classroom Contest, Contest Rules, Our Sponsors and the list of Participating Brands!

Marmalade Hills, the local producer of a natural skin care line, is offering a $25 gift certificate to one lucky Detroit Mommies reader!

I reviewed this product earlier this summer. You can read it here

Marmalade Hills is locally owned and operated by Liana Spiegel, a local artisan and mother of two. Marmalade Hills is founded on the belief that living an eco-friendly lifestyle and using natural, biodegradable products is a rewarding, personal choice. Spiegel truly believes and depends on uncompromised quality of her products and happy customers. She makes each of her products by hand in small batches, which helps her ensure their high quality and unique appeal not found in mass produced products.

Marmalade Hills offers all-natural handcrafted soaps, whipped body polishes, other bath time luxuries, moisturizers, baby care products, facial care products, lip balms, foot care, soy products and more.

To learn more, or to buy your own Marmalade Hills product, visit the Marmalade Hills website.

Win it!

One lucky winner will win  Win $25 gift certificate for Marmalade Hills beauty products.  The winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Radio Disney AM 910 Detroit is hosting a “Back 2 School Celebration” event on SATURDAY, AUGUST 28 from 12:00p.m. – 3:00p.m. at Westland Shopping Center.  The event will  include a special meet and greet session with CHLOE BRIDGES – the newest cast member of the highly anticipated Disney Channel Original Movie “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.”  Fifteen selected* local area winners (16 and under) will get the wonderful opportunity to meet Bridges with three of their friends.

At the event, the Radio Disney AM 910 Road Crew will provide LIVE on-stage entertainment filled with great music, fun games and prizes, including the chance to win four tickets and backstage passes to the Jonas Brothers Live In Concert on September 1 at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Auburn Hills!

In addition, visitors can enjoy activities throughout the mall including a Back 2 School Fashion Show, performances from Wayne Westland Community School groups and several FREE activity stations promoting the upcoming premiere of “Camp Rock 2:The Final Jam” on September 3 and the start of the new school year.

Westland Shopping Center

35000 West Warren

Westland, MI 48185

Unfortunately there is a problem going on in schools across the nation.  Children and teachers don’t have the money to buy the supplies that they need to educate in their classrooms, so  ClassWish.org is here to help.

ClassWish.org unites teachers, parents and communities to provide the classroom resources children need to thrive.  Teachers create Wish Lists.  Visitors see exactly what’s needed and make tax-deductible contributions to help.  The result?  All of us are united in helping children meet their potential.  See how easy it is a http://ClassWish.org

How would you like to win a backpack full of really cool items for your child to go back to school with this 2010-2011 school year?  Below is a list of everything you will win in this back to school backpack giveaway:

• ClassWish.org $25 Credit
• DreamSakes 20 Free Artwork Scans
• Arizona Kidz drinks
• PopChips a variety pack of PopChips & variety of coupons.
• Leapfrog Tag Reader with book set and US map, OR a LeapFrog
  Explorer with 2 games! (Penguins of Madagascar and Toy Story 3)
• Stoneyfield Yo-Kids
• RoseArt glitter markers, dry erase board, and fun Color Blanks.
• Carolina Pad variety of notebooks, folders, and binders
• Orange Circle Studios a “Do it all” planner & a family calendar.
• BitDefender security software for your PC.
• E is for Ethics Book by Simon & Schuster
• Sun and Earth Cleaning Products Samples
• Dolphin Chips (Human body and Facts to Annoy Your Teacher)
• FamZoo  year long membership
• Fox Entertainments both Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Marmaduke DVDs
• Stoneyfield Farms coupons, awesome recycled plastic storage containers, & a few other surprises!
• Silver Dolphin added the “Human Body” book, and “Facts to Annoy your Teacher” books.

and more to come!  I will add as they arrive:)

Win it!

One lucky winner will win  all of the items listed above ($300 value).  The winner will be notified via email and will need to respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

176

YO GABBA GABBA! announces the launch of the Cool Tricks contest which provides an opportunity for fans across North America to show-off their unique talents.  Gabba fans are invited to upload a :30-:60 second video demonstrating their Cool Trick to win the opportunity to receive a VIP Family 4 Pack and have their winning video played during intermission at the KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! show closest to their hometown. All participants are also automatically entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky fan will receive a five night trip for four to the Caribbean or Mexico.

In addition, each winner will also receive $100 worth of organic baby food, toddler, and lunchbox snacks and two “Party In My Lunchbox” Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! concert t-shirts from Revolution Foods and Plum Organics. Grand prize includes roundtrip air, Junior Suite accommodations, and all meals to a choice of Palladium Hotels & Resorts.

To enter the contest, participants must upload their video to Facebook at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.  Winners are determined by public vote in each tour market. So be sure to get all your friends and family to vote for you!

Cool Tricks begins on Wednesday, August 18 at 10AM EST and winners will be notified and announced prior to the show date in each local market.  The entry period for the grand prize sweepstakes will end on Sunday, Dec 12.  See official rules at http://facebook.yogabbagabbalive.com.

Cool Tricks is a popular segment on the television series where children and adults show off their special talent or skill (gymnastics, cup stacking, breakdance move, etc.).  Celebrities such as Tony Hawk performing a skateboard move and Rhys Darby doing the robot have appeared on Cool Tricks.

Heading back on the road, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! will make stops in 60 cities at top theaters, arenas and amphitheaters across North America starting on August 27 in Bethel, NY and ending in Dallas, TX on December 12.  Featuring music, singing, dancing and animation, KIA Motors Presents YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE! THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life.  Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day.”  Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.

For complete tour, ticket, and VIP package information, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com.

The Barnum Award will be presented to three local students.

The Barnum Award honors the spirit of P.T. Barnum by identifying and celebrating children ages six to 14 who give back to their own communities in creative, fun and innovative ways. Nominations for Metro Detroit kids can be submitted online at The Barnum Award website through Oct. 29.

Three local award recipients will be chosen by a panel of distinguished local leaders, and will receive award medals and funds to support future service projects in their area. The Gold Barnum Award recipient will receive a $1,000 grant, the Silver Barnum Award recipient will receive a $750 grant and the Bronze Barnum Award recipient will receive a $500 grant.

Nominees will be judged on the impact of their accomplishments, creativity and innovation, and their inspiration to others relating to their cause. Nominators are required to be at least 21 years of age.

Recipients will be recognized at an award ceremony prior to the opening night performance of “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents ZING, ZANG, ZOOM,” which comes to The Palace of Auburn Hills Nov. 10-14.

The Barnum Award is a national program presented by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey in conjunction with a two-year celebration of the 200^th anniversary of P.T. Barnum’s birth. Nationally, more than $150,000 in grants will be awarded.

I got the perfect item for a road trip to review, My Friendship Bracelet Maker and actually I think I was more keen on the item than my 6 year old.  It is a friendship bracelet maker kit and I seriously spent about two hours of my Sunday making friendship bracelets for my three daughters.

The kit comes with:

• 56 precut threads to 60″ length in 14 different colors
• Storage to keep the strings organized
• a butterfly clip that secures the string while you are knotting the string to make the bracelet
• easy to follow instructions

Memories started flooding my head while making bracelets for my girls.  I remembered making bracelets with my friends as a tween.  We didn’t have the cool friendship bracelet maker I got to review.  We tied our string to a stationary object like a doorknob and winged it.  This product is so much cooler and would make the best gift for a birthday, a great item to have while traveling, perfect for a sick kid to work on while stuck in the bed and great to pass the time during summer break.

This is actually one of the coolest craft makers I’ve seen in a long time and I will purchasing these for gifts for sure!

To find a retailer near you that sells the My Friendship Bracelet Maker, go (here).

Disclosure:  I was sent the My Friendship Bracelet Maker for review.  All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone or anything.