Is Your Bathroom Back To School Ready: Tips for Heavy Usage and Health and Wellness

Back to school is a crazy time. With so much to do, there's one section of your home that probably gets neglected: your bathroom. You don't want to let things get messy when you have kids and parents fighting over prime bathroom time. Luckily, Bathroom Butler is here to help! Here some questions I asked Bathroom Butler to help us all get organized for the new school season.

• Q: Tell me more about Bathroom Butler and any health and wellness solutions you provide. 
• A: Bathroom Butler's Heated towel racks provide a healthier and more hygienic self-care experience for you and your family. Our Dry Element Technology allows the heated towel rack to heat up in 10 minutes and uses less electricity than 2 light bulbs. Bathroom Butler's heated towel racks are more hygienic and environmentally friendly - giving your family the best health and wellness bathroom experiences that are designed to optimize your self-care regime. 

• Q: What are the germ and bacteria concerns for bathrooms. 
• A:  There are many areas in the bathroom that should be of concern, but one that is often overlooked is damp towels. Damp towels are a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria. Used damp towels develop an unpleasant, musty odor as the bacteria build up on the surface. To prevent bacteria build-up, towels need to be dried properly after each use. Our heated towel racks do just that  - drying your towels effectively, reducing the bacteria by up to 90%, making them more hygienic and fresher between washes. 

• Q: What are some challenges that families and busy moms face with wear and tear on bathroom accessories from their kids, and even sanitation needs for their children, when it comes to their bathrooms. 

• A: A child's day is filled with outdoor activities that can cause a substantial amount of mess in the bathroom when it comes to bath time. Busy mom's don't have the time or the energy to constantly wash towels to keep up with the high demand. Not to mention the cost implications and negative environmental impact that multiple loads of laundry can create - it's simple unsustainable and inconvenient for the busy modern-day mother. Heated towel racks provide the ultimate solution of reducing towel washes by drying your towels between uses so that you reduce the number of towels you wash and create a more hygienic and enjoyable bath time experience for your child and the whole family too. When your kids get to experience having a dry towel with a comforting touch of warmth after every bath, it will encourage them to hang their own towels up. A common problem we find with chrome plated bathroom accessories is that they often don’t wear well over time and potentially start to show ugly pit marks. For this reason, we make all our bathroom accessories from grade 304 stainless steel which is an extremely durable and hard-wearing material. As there is no coating on the natural polished finish, there is no chance of any pitting or flaking of the surface – essentially it will last you a lifetime. Then also comes the issue of bathroom accessories that frequently come loose on their mounting and need to be constantly retightened. Bathroom Butler recognized this as a product design problem more than 12 years ago and developed what we now call our RIGID Loc mounting system. When correctly installed, once it is tightened on its mounting it will not come loose – no more paper holders falling off the wall at the most inconvenient time.

• Q: What are 3 tips you can give busy moms to help their bathrooms to be more durable and sanitized. 

• A:1. Install stainless steel bathroom accessories for optimal bathroom hygiene - Stainless steel bathroom accessories are more durable and anti-corrosive. This high-grade material is perfect for the humid environment of the bathroom because its natural corrosion resistance properties prevent rusting, staining, peeling, flaking or chipping. Stainless Steel is a non-porous material which means nothing can stick to it and therefore does not collect bacteria or algae, which makes it ideal for any bathroom space. Furthermore, it does not corrode and is easy to keep clean. But be sure to check what grade of stainless steel the product is made from, you should only be buying grade 304 or 316.
• 2. Use high-quality cleaning products - ensure you use high-quality cleaning products that are environmentally friendly (and safer for your family). Simply wipe your stainless steel bathroom accessories down with a warm, damp cloth and then buff dry. You could also use a touch of Chlorine-free stainless-steel cleaner for your stainless steel appliances to maintain the gorgeous shine. It's not advised to include any Tile grout cleaner or Chlorine-based chemicals, do not use them on the finish as these will cause permanent damage. 
• 3. A quick daily cleaning routine - the bathroom is one of the areas in the home whereby daily cleaning needs to be done in order to prevent unwanted dirt, mold and bacteria from spreading and causing health complications. Create a daily habit of wiping down your surfaces to help maintain your bathroom finishings and prevent dirt build-up. This will provide a more healthy environment for your family. 

 

3 Keys For Busy Moms Balancing Work and Career as Kids Get Back to School

I was a stay a home mom for ten years. In November of 2019, I graduated from college with a degree in health administration. I was just getting into the swing of being a working mom again when COVID hit. Then the kids were remote and I was working from home. Now, things are getting back to normal and my children are returning to school, I've been panicking a little. There's a lot to deal with, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, Mom-preneur and Founder of RLM Media has some great kids to help ease you back into a busy schedule. I recently had the chance to ask Farissa a few questions, and this is the amazing advice I received.

Tell us more about you and your company? I have two companies. RLM is a full service, integrated marketing, communications and advertising agency that is about to celebrate 13 years in business. We are strategic, creative, understand all forms of media and how to get our clients’ messages on them and take really good care of our clients. We work in the Healthcare, Higher Ed, Recruitment, Financial Services and Political spaces. And at WhatRUWearing Productions, we focus on the full process of producing scripted original television shows. We are in the process of developing our first scripted show and it’s very exciting.

 

What challenges have you faced with being a business owner while also raising your children? I think the hardest part of it all is balance. How much of my day is spent actively being a mom versus actively being a business owner and working on, or in, my businesses. Every day is different and the best days are the ones that I approach with flexibility and gracing myself the right to pivot, stop and care/think about something new.

 

What are you most proud of about being a working mom? I LOVE that my girls (8 + 6) get to see me being many things at the same time. I am their mother. I’m daddy’s wife. I’m some people’s boss. I am a CEO. I am a Creative. I am proud knowing it is training them to think of themselves (and all women) as being able to do and be anything they want to do- any number of things- and at the same time without waiting.

 

How do you balance your career with motherhood? I do my best to only be one of the many things I am, at a time. When I am at the office, solving problems, strategically thinking and charting the course for the future of my businesses, I am just doing that. And when I am with my kids and family, I am mommy and I care about what they care about and I am present. I try to remind myself that it is not about the amount of time you spend with anything or one, it’s about the quality of time.

 

What were some of your concerns with your kids going back to school this year? Honestly, none. Obviously we are all still dealing with Covid, folks who still aren’t vaccinated and everyone under the age of 12 not yet being able to get the vaccine but we are doing all the right things in my house to make sure we stay safe AND my children get a quality education this year that involves going back to school, learning in person from a professional and continuing to grow as social humans.

 

What 3 tips would you give busy moms as their kids prepare to go back to school? Haha. Moms, relax. Don’t shoot for perfection. We are not perfect and we don’t have to be. Do your best and the rest will fall in place. The second is keep a calendar for the house. It helps keep track of where everyone needs to be and with what things. Last is stop apologizing for being whatever type of working mom you are. If you are the ‘I only go on one filed trip a year’ mom like me, own it and kill that one field trip!

Source Farissa Knox, Mom-preneur and Founder of RLM Media

Back to School with Scribble Stuff and USA Gold - #Giveaway

Back-to-school is coming even if we are ready or not! Some families will be home schooling, some will have online school, some a mix of on-site and online, but everyone, no matter where or how, school happens, will need pencils and supplies. Experts are predicting that some kids may need two sets of supplies, one at home and one at school, so value is more important than ever.

USA Gold and USA Titanium offers high-quality wood pencils sourced with American wood and finished in Tennessee.  With almost 60 years of pencil making, USA Titanium continues a family-run legacy in Lewisburg, Tennessee and a vital part of an American community.   

·      USA Titanium pencils are high quality, high value.  Compare them to your favorite pencil and see what a difference American quality can make!  With their satin smooth black finish for enhanced writing comfort,  USA Titanium pencils are available exclusively at Walmart in packs of 12, 24, and 36 pencils. Last year, these were the No. 1 selling pencil at Walmart for 2019 BTS time frame.

A favorite with moms, teachers and kids, Scribble Stuff Felt Tip Pens and Gel Pens are bold and bright. Kids find it easier to take notes and study with colorful pens and add some pizzazz to drawing and art projects!  And teachers will find they make paper grading fun.

These long lasting, vivid pens have a fine point tip for easy of writing and won’t bleed through the paper.  Available in 24 bright colors and an awesome price make it easy to add some fabulous fun to your child’s school day. Scribble Stuff also makes popular gel pens and scented gel pens. Available in assorted packs at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com

My Thoughts

Yes, it's still summer -- but not for long! Are you getting your kids ready for back to school yet? This year, ScribbleStuff has everything you need to inspire kids to write and draw! These are just a few of the fun products available.

Scribble Stuff Gel Pens are so much fun. They write smooth and are perfect for art projects or leaving behind notes in lunch boxes to remind the kids how much you love them. Choose from neons, sparkly colors, and metallics in packages ranging  8 packs to 24 packs.  The ink is long lasting and doesn't smear. My older daughter can't wait to take them to school and my youngest is already creating works of art with them.

The felt pins pens also come in fun colors, and give you a great  writing performance. I love the smooth finish of the ultra-glide ink. There are tons of fun colors to choose from, and they last for months at a time.

USA Gold Pencils are a must have for kids of all ages. These #2 pencils are made in the classic design and come in set of 10, 24, and 48. They come pre-sharpened which makes them convenient for kids of all ages.

Find these and other fun products from Scribble Stuff and USA Gold at your local Target and other stores nationwide!




The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a selection of back to school supplies. To enter, simply fill out the giveaway form below. This giveaway will end on 7/20/20. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Back to School with Old Spice

Old Spice has been passed down from generation to generation and the dermatologist-tested Ultra Smooth line delivers everything Dad loves about the brand with three all-new subtle scents (Clean Slate, Fresh Start, Smooth Finish) and superior performance. Available at https://oldspice.com/buriedscentiments/

• Ultra Smooth Body Washes: 
• Two dye-free options lock in moisture with 40% more moisturizers than leading competition 
• Check out the first-ever Ultra Smooth Gentle Body & Beard Wash combo for soft & smooth beards without that greasy feeling 

• Ulta Smooth Deodorants: 
• 48-hour sweat protection 
• Old Spice’s smoothest and lowest residue invisible solid formulas to-date

In addition, the all-new Old Spice Sea Spray features an impressive cologne-quality nautical-inspired scent that will have you wondering why you ever bought those high-priced bottles of cologne in the first place. Available at Walmart (purchase here: body wash, deodorant, body spray).

My Thoughts

Old Spice has been a top brand in my family for three generations. The newest fan is my teenage son who will be heading to college this year.  He was thrilled to try our some of the newest additions to the Old Spice family.  First, he tried the Sea Spray Body Wash. This body wash can be used on all your body parts from face to toes. It  leaves skin feeling soft and smelling fresh.  The formula is gentle and won't irritate your skin. It goes on smooth and has no greasy residue. It comes in a pump bottle for easy access and the bottle is  large enough to last for months at a time. The scent is light enough that it leaves your skin smelling fresh, but isn't overpowering.

We also tried out several deodorants including the Ultra Smooth and the Sea Spray. I love my son, but when he gets up in the morning or goes out for a jog or works out at the gym, I  have to hold my breath when he comes back.  We really needed a way to cut back on the body odor, and Old Spice is the perfect way to do that.  It's specifically designed for men with a proven non-irritating formula that has an amazing scent both men and their women will enjoy. With Old Spice antiperspirant deodorant, men can get fresh and stay fresh before or after their morning exercises. The powerful formula leaves body odor at the door, which is exactly where I want it to stay.

My son loved these new Old Spice products, and he's looking forward to trying  out the other varieties in the near future. Whether you're sending  a son off to college or have a new high school student, a gift set of Old Spice products is the perfect way to start the school year off right. You can find Old Spice Products in stores nationwide or online at Walmart.

TV Store Online Back to School #Giveaway!

TV Store Online, your source for classic TV and movie shirts and memorabilia. TV Store Online has a gigantic selection of popular movie and TV paraphernalia for all ages and generations. Browse our huge inventory to see cool Movie T-Shirts from the cult classics, 80s T Shirts sporting the logo or catchphrase of your favorite childhood TV show, and fun 80s costumes that will make you the life of the party.

My Thoughts:

TV Store Online has it all! When I went onto the site to browse I was in content heaven. I was hit with nostalgia at some classic movie products that brought back fun memories while being excited to see new products for some of my favorite television shows and games. What the site can guarantee is that their huge product lines will have people talking when they see your cool new additions. Whether you are looking for a costume, T-shirt, sweatshirt, or accessory, you will find it all right there. I reviewed two items from the site. Both are from one of my favorite shows, the Big Bang Theory.

The Soft Kitty song was iconic on the show, and now that it has ended, it’s the perfect item to have to remember it by. The T-shirt has a surprise though. It sings the song! On the side is a little pocket which has the battery-operated device that you can turn on and off. To play the Soft Kitty song, you can press the button and it’ll play. I got the shirt in XL and it was a nice comfy fit. I loved how long the sleeves were and how thick the fabric was.

The sweatshirt is perfect for Spring and Autumn. Inside is a soft fluffy fabric. It holds you enough to feel like a hug and still have room. There is a hood with drawstring and nicely sized pockets at the bottom. The logo was so cute! It goes perfectly with the shirt above. It was made to be thick yet comfortable for both cool and cold weather. I felt like the ultimate TBBT fan!

If you're looking for the perfect place to get your back to school clothing and goodies, you must check out TV Store Online! Not only are the prices fair, but they also have great sales. You will find an array of products from all different franchises of all different size ranges. You will not be disappointed.

The Giveaway:

TV Store Online was kind enough to provide a back to school treat for you! Thank you so much for offering and for allowing me to try these amazing products! Good luck to everyone!

Entry-Form

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Product Review: MadeGood Snacks

Looking for good snacks that fit my diet is a hard task sometimes. So many snacks are filled with GMOs, Soy, or dairy. That's why I am always on the hunt for something that will fit my diet and let me have something on the go.

MadeGood snacks are vegan, organic, and also free of many common allergens, including Soy. The brand has several different varities available, perfect for different tastes. They have Vanilla Crispy Squares, Chocolate Chip Crispy Squares, Mixed Berry Granola Bars, and Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.

My personal favorites of the bunch were the Chocolate Chip Crispy Squares. The chocolate flavor is obvious, yet subtle enough to not be overpowering. It's a real comfort food type of snack, as it reminds me of an old favorite treat. They're (along with the Vanilla Squares) are the bulkier of the bunch, which makes for a satisfying snack.

The Granola Bars were quite a bit smaller than the squares, yet still good for a pick-me-up when one needs a mid-afternoon jumpstart. They're also chewier than the squares, so they're a good choice for people who prefer something that is softer and melts in your mouth. The mixed berry also includes great mix of vegetable extracts alongside the berries.

I'd recommend them, for sure, and not just for kids' lunch boxes. Check the MadeGood website to learn more about them, their mission, and the other varieties available. If one buys all four of these varieties, they can also enjoy $10 off a Mabel's Labels personalized school label pack.

Back to School Best-Sellers: Scribble Stuff and USA Gold

New for 2019, there is a new 25-piece Writing Kit for $13.97, a great value for families. It contains some of the top selling gel and felt pens, offering super-stylish, on trend palettes that make homework more fun and encourage self-expression and doodling through drawing and coloring.

New in the pencil line, the USA Titanium pencil provides a smooth and elevated writing style to compliment the already popular USA Gold pencil packs.

The USA Gold pencil line is made right here in America! They are manufactured in a factory that has operated in Lewisburg, Tennessee for 57 years. Families can support American jobs when they buy USA Gold pencils for back-to-school this season. Plus, the pencils are teacher-recommended. In an April 2017 third party survey of teachers, over 89% of teachers familiar with USA Gold Pencils would recommend them for use in their classroom.

My Thoughts

Yes, it's still summer -- but not for long! Are you getting your kids ready for back to school yet? This year, ScribbleStuff has everything you need to inspire kids to write and draw! These are just a few of the fun products available.

Scribble Stuff Gel Pens are so much fun. They write smooth and are perfect for art projects or leaving behind notes in lunch boxes to remind the kids how much you love them. Choose from neons, sparkly colors, and metallics in packages ranging  8 packs to  24 packs.  The ink is long lasting and doesn't smear. My older daughter can't wait to take them to school and my youngest is already creating works of art with them.

Scribble Stuff also has some awesome combo packs that give you all the essentials in one package. You'll get four highlighters, a push-up eraser, gel pens, and mechanical pencils.

USA Gold Pencils are a must have for kids of all ages. These #2 pencils are made in the classic design and come in set of 10, 24, and 48.

Find these and other fun products from Scribble Stuff and USA Gold at your local Target and other stores nationwide!

From The Ground Up- Lunch Box Essentials.

From The Ground Up is an award-winning line of delicious cauliflower-based crackers and pretzels that have a serving of veggies in each 1oz. snack serving!  The snacks are Non-GMO Project Verified, Gluten Free Certified and made with vegan ingredients.  From The Ground Up snacks are a fun and tasty way to sneak in some nutrition at snack time.  From The Ground Up made its retail launch a few months ago – just in-time for back-to-school – and has been a big hit.

Consumers were asking for a veggie-based snack that actually had increased nutritional value, so the brand team began looking at the vitamin and fiber rich Cauliflower since it’s so versatile and seemed to really be resonating with people.  The products taste as delicious as the mainstream versions and have all the characteristics that a better-for-you customer is looking for.  The snacks are also in-line with the biggest food trends to-date i.e. gluten-free, vegan ingredients and…cauliflower of course!

From The Ground Up Crackers come in three flavors, including Sea Salt, Cheddar and Nacho; and the Pretzels come in Original flavor in Sticks and Twists shapes.

My Thoughts:

Even as a little girl, one of my favorite vegetables was cauliflower. It was a wonderful, filling treat that was packed with nutrients. Knowing that From The Ground Up had cauliflower snacks, I could not wait to try them! The packing was adorable, and included Marigolds to plant. 

I tried the Original Pretzel Sticks, as well as the Cheddar Cheese Crackers. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect taste wise, but I was pleasantly surprised. The pretzels had a traditional texture with a crunch and yummy taste. It was a nice mixture of both cauliflower flavor and pretzel. The crackers were my favorite by far though! I mean, who doesn't love cheese? They had flakey crisp, and a cheesy flavor with a hint of salt. It was fantastic! Plus, both snacks are gluten free, non-gmo and made with vegan ingredients. Safe for all!

If you are looking for a healthy substitute to your snacks consider, From The Ground Up! I'd highly recommend them.

Connect with From The Ground Up:

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Back to School Gift Guide - ACEIken Golf Umbrella

Be prepared for the inclement weather to hit at any moment when you use the ACEIken 62”Umbrella. The double canopy design holds up against strong winds and the 100% water repellent 210T fabric keeps the rain from dripping through. The simple all-over black  with the ACEIken branding adds a classic look to your golfing years.


The ACEIken Golf Umbrella is not only for golfers! It makes an ideal choice if you are looking for maximum coverage in any storm.

This giant Golf Umbrella is truly one of a kind. It's perfect for walking with the kids to the bus stop because it provides lots of coverage! Check out our video review below.

If you want to grab one of these awesome umbrellas for yourself, they are available exclusive on Amazon.  Grab one for only $19.99!

Kawaii Box Unboxing Review + Giveaway!

OUR STORY
Our passion at Kawaii Box is to spread kawaii culture and the love for cute things all over the world! We are totally in love with everything kawaii, and believe that even a tiny dose of cuteness can provide a huge boost of positivity to our life. To bring that happiness to you, we carefully handpick the cutest kawaii things, and curate them into an exciting monthly box you’ll surely love! Kawaii-fy your life with exclusive items like kawaii squishies, kawaii stationery and super cute plushies. Directly from Tokyo to your door!

CUTEST KAWAII ITEMS
We carefully handpick kawaii things you'll surely love!

FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
The shipping is absolutely FREE to every country worldwide!

HAPPINESS GUARANTEED
These kawaii things are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

My Thoughts:

I'll admit that I have a weakness for all things cute and Kawaii! Nothing makes my day like an adorable plushie or a fun character item. Something about it allows me to reminisce to my childhood days and enjoy the positive energy of simpler times. Whether you're an adult, a teenager, or child, Kawaii Box is fun for all ages. Everyone can use a dose of Kawaii goodness in their life!

I was surprised how quickly my first Kawaii Box arrived upon shipping. After discovering the brand it was so exciting to see the fun pink box at my doorstep! Squeals of joy could be heard as I went through my items. I will attach a picture of each goodie from this month's box and a description.

Namakemono No Mikke Plushie-
Naturally, my eyes went right to this adorable Sloth plush! I'm a huge fan of sloths and this little baby was a perfect addition to my plushie collection. Plus, pink is one of my favorite colors. The Namakemono No Mikkie plush is soft, cuddly, detailed, and oh so Kawaii!

Kawaii Octopus Ink Pen-
This fun Octopus pen will keep you company and prepare you for anything during your daily activities. Who needs a basic pen when you can have one with a smiley, squishy buddy instead? This fine point pen is lightweight and perfect for Kawaii lovers everywhere!

Magical Unicorn Pencil Pouch- 
I'll admit, I lose my pens and pencils like no tomorrow, especially during the school and work year. This pencil pouch is perfect to store your Kawaii Octopus Ink Pen from your Kawaii Box, as well as other essentials. Plus, who doesn't love Unicorns? Looking at this pouch transports me to a peaceful relaxing wonderland of magic!

Koinobori Plush Charm-
Fun fact! Koinobori means "carp streamer" in Japanese. You can see these types of windsocks flown throughout Japan. They are viewed as a celebration of Children's Day. This holiday was created in the hopes that children will live happy and healthy lives. This is the perfect little good luck charm to hang off of your pencil pouch, purse, book bag, or any other fun places.

Never Stop Dreaming Notebook-
As a writer, I love having lined notebooks of this size around. They fit perfectly in my purse or handbag. Whenever I need to write down an appointment, deadline, inspiration, note, or list, it's easy to grab and use at a moment's notice. Plus, I can avoid lugging around heavier ones that are bulky and take up a ton of room. These are simple to store and carry. I love the Unicorn design and phrase "Never Stop Dreaming". The pages on the side have a matching design as well. It's a great addition with the Unicorn pouch and Octopus pen!

Rainbow Pon-de-Ring Squishy-
Another fun fact to share! Pon-de-Rings are a speciality item at the Japanese chain, Mister Donut. They are made by attaching dough balls together in a circle. This squishy is a fun way to feel like you're experiencing Mister Donut yourself. I enjoy sensory items such as these because they're soft and bounce back into place when you press down. The colors of this item are exquisite as well.

Fruity Eraser-
This eraser treat was so sweet! Mine was in the shape of a Dragonfruit and I was thrilled! It reminded me of a couple summers ago when I tried a Dragonfruit for the very first time. My coworker had brought it into work and split a piece with me and our students. It's certainly one of the coolest looking fruits. Unique just like we are as human beings!

Sumikko Gurashi Stickers-
It is said that Sumikko Gurashi are shy and represent the nature of others who may be shy as well. This sticker set is colorful, whimsical, and represents the very essence of Kawaii! I was impressed with how many were included. It's perfect for decorating. I'm going to put mine on greeting cards and thank you notes.

Yori Cook Mini Whiteboard-
Last but certainly not least we have the great, Yori Cook Mini Whiteboard. This is a wonderful addition to this months box which supplied items for organization, time management, and back to school essentials. On one side of the whiteboard is a larger area for drawing and writing. The other has days of the week for all your planning needs. Included is an erasable marker.

Above is the brochure included in the box. It goes over each item included which I find to be extremely handy in learning about the history and uses of each. There's also information about how you can win a free Kawaii Box and invite your friends!

The Giveaway:

Kawaii Box was kind enough to provide a giveaway for our lovely readers! I want to give a special thank you to them allowing me to review and share these fantastic items with my readers here at, New Age Mama! I know our lucky winner will love their box as much as I loved mine!

New age Mama Kawaii Box Giveaway

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