Everyone Can Have a Mom’s Home Print Shop with the Epson Workforce ET-4750 EcoTank

Mom can do anything, so why shouldn’t she be her own print shop too? The new Epson Workforce ET-4750 EcoTank is the perfect all-in-one printing solution for any work-from-home mom, offering revolutionary cartridge-free printing with easy-to-fill, supersized ink tanks with up to two years of ink in the box.

Key features include:

• Up to 14,000 black/11,200 color pages of documents and images without running out of ink, equivalent to about 30 ink cartridge sets
• High-capacity 250-sheet paper tray, to load paper less often
• Easy setup and navigation with a 2.4" color touchscreen and auto-stop ink bottles
• Borderless printing and auto 2-sided printing

Any business lady can benefit from savings of up to 80 percent on ink with low-cost replacement bottles for an affordable, time-saving and quality office solution. I’ve included a press release below for your reference.

My Thoughts 

I can not tell you the last time I bought a printer. Especially one like the Epson Workforce ET-4750 EcoTank. Prior to this printer, I have been using a very old black and white laser printer. This printer has opened up a whole new world to me. Just being able to print in color has been awesome. I'm a crafty person and I have all kinds of tings on Pinterest pinned for crafts to do, that I needed to be able to print in color. As well, I've wanted to be able to print our own photos of the kids to put up around the house. This printer has made a big difference for us already.

As far as setting up, it wasn't too complicated. My husband plugged the printer in, put in the ink that came with the box. Please note, it came with extra cartridges as well, so when these ones run out, there is an extra set ready. One of the best features of this model is that you can print thousands of sheets. This is great for moms who love to take photos! 

Once the ink was in,  we followed the instructions on the screen and connected it to our wi-fi. I then downloaded the software on my computer, and within about fifteen minutes, we were up and running. Some of that time was that the machine needed a few minutes to warm up for the first use. The screen itself can be navigated using the back and fourth buttons.

 I have been wirelessly printing from my laptop to the printer without any issues. I also connected my iPhone up to be able to print with it. That was a little harder, but once I had it set-up, I was good.  The print quality is really great. So far I have printed out documents, photos, and sticker sheets. Each one was bright and vibrant. The color didn't smear and was crisp.A few other great pluses in this product include a SD card reader right in the front of the printer. You can scan and make copies as well. The size of the printer overall is not too large, so it won't take up too much space. It is also pretty light weight! For those that love Facebook, there is an option to scan photos to there or to cloud. Quality features such as red eye removal and photo restoration are available as well. This quality product is easy to use, user friendly, fast, and affordable. I loved how easy it was to set up and use. I was very impressed with this printer and would recommend it to someone else.

#STOMPOutBullying! on Blue Shirt Day #GoBlue2EndBullying2016 #BlueShirtDay2016

October is National Bullying Prevention Month! People everywhere are standing up and making a difference by raising awareness to bullying prevention!   Today, people everywhere will be wearing a blue shirt in solidarity to raise awareness of anti-bullying programs & #STOMPOutBullying around the world, including my daughter Gabby!

I'm so proud of my daughter and the stand she's taken against bullying. One of her good friends is transgender. When other friends made fun of him and gave him a hard time, my daughter stood by him and supported him every step of the way, from cutting his hair short to buying his first set of clothes that he felt confident in. 

In addition to offering her friend the support that he needed, she also took it a step further. Together, the two of them started a branch of the Gay-Straight Alliance in their high school, which encouraged many other kids to stand up for themselves or the people they love.  Today, the GLBT community in her school doesn't have to worry about getting bullied when they walk down the halls. My daughter helped STOMP Out Bullying in her school. She makes me so proud to be her mom.

You can make a different too! It only takes one person making a stand to make a real difference.We are all different, but if we all stand together, no one stands alone!  Here are a few tips to help you get started, courtesy of StompOutBullying.org:

Report Bullying

Don't be afraid to tell an adult. Telling isn't tattling! You are helping someone.

Who should you tell? You could tell your parents, teacher, school counselor, school nurse, coach or any adult you trust.

Be sure to tell exactly what happened ... who was bullied, who the bully was, where and when it happened. Even if you suspect a kid is being bullied, it's a good idea to report that, too. Most adults really do care about bullying and will be glad that you told them about it.

If you tell an adult and you don't think they are doing anything about the bullying or if the situation isn't improving, tell another adult. Keep telling adults until someone does something to help.

Be A Friend To Someone Who Is Being Bullied

When someone is down they need a friend. Be there for the person who is being bullied. Be a buddy on school grounds, get together after school, include them in activities, Walk home with them, sit with them on the bus. Being an understanding and supportive friend means so much. Show a kid who is being bullied that you care about them.

Stand Up To The Bully

If you feel safe and comfortable, tell the bully that what they are doing is mean and wrong. It's not cool and they should stop. Keep it simple.

For example, if someone verbally or emotionally bullies you, look them in the eye and say STOP IT NOW.” And then walk away. Even if they are bulling you as you walk away – keep walking.

Do not bully them back. If you are not comfortable standing up to the bully, tell an adult.

If You are Left Out Of A Group And Being Bullied

Very often someone you thought was your friend, has joined the bully’s side. While this does hurt you, ask yourself … how much of a friend could they have really been if they’re doing this to you.

Find other friends, join groups and clubs at school. The best revenge is for you to be happy!

REMEMBER

• It's NOT your fault. No one deserves to be bullied!
• Don’t fight back or bully a person back. It won't make things any better and it will probably get you into trouble. The ONLY time to   fight back is if someone is physically hurting you. At the same time others who see this should seek help from a trusted adult.
• Never keep the pain of being bullied to yourself. Tell someone. Tell a friend. Tell a trusted adult. Report it!!! Telling is NOT tattling.
• Don’t skip school or avoid friends, sports or clubs because you’re afraid of the bully. You have a right to be there just as much as   the bully does.
• No matter how bad you feel, hurting yourself or thinking about suicide is NOT the answer. Nothing is that bad. Talk with an adult   and get help.

Does your school have a peer mentoring group?

If so, talk to them. Ask for help.

Kids who are not bullying victims can help too. Ask your principal if you can start a peer mentoring group. You and your group can start a bully-free community in school. Before you know it the only lonely ones will be the bullies who will surely want to change their behavior when they're left out.

Join STOMP Out Bullying™ TODAY for Blue Shirt Day® World Day Of Bullying Prevention! GO BLUE and make it the day bullying prevention is heard around the world.

Stylish Backpacks for Spring

This time of year, it seems like all my kids backpacks start to fall apart. With only a few months left in the school year, I don't want to spend a ton of money, but I can't put it off to the fall. Luckily, you always find affordable back packs on Amazon.  Here are two of my favorites.

• SymbolLife Casual Lightweight School Backpack with Cross-body Bag and Purse/Pen Bag, enough for carrying all your necessaries around you. With embroidery design in front side, but the embroidery design may have slight difference with each bag.
• Material: High Quality and Durable Canvas + Smooth Metal Zipper + Polyester Lining Size: Large Backpack: 12.4*18.9*6.1in (L*H*W); Shoulder Bag: 8.27*9.84*3.15 in (L*H*W); Purse/ Pen Bag: 7* 4.5 in (L*W)
• High volume backpack can accommodate a 14 inch laptop computer, wallets, books, magazines, iPad, iPhone, ect. The side pockets can put a water bottle and umbrella.
• Style & Design: Fashionable and simple design with fresh colors makes every day different and lively. This sturdy canvas backpack has padded straps for comfort, padded cushion protection for laptop or tablet and padded cushion to protect your back when you carry something heavy.
• Function: It is a great backpack for casual life. You can take it to school, college, shopping, cycling, traveling, dating, etc..

• 1. Color: Army Green/ Coffee/ Khaki; Notes: Pls allow little color difference bettwen product and pictures due to different camera or light environment.
• 2. Material: Cotton Washed Canvas backpack, genuine leather deco, Eco-friendly casual life style;
• 3. Size: 13.7"(L)*5.7"(W)*19.6"(H); Weight: 1.7pounds;
• 4. One-shoulder strap design, the bag can wear as a single-shoulder bag/sling backpack, or a cross-body pack; Fits for men & women;
• 5. Side pockets and Padded and adjustable shoulder straps;

Lunch Bundles Makes Lunch-on-the-Run a Breeze - #Giveaway

Having ‘lunch on the run’ is something that busy moms are all too familiar with, but there aren’t many on-the-go meals that moms can feel good about serving their kids or eating themselves. To save moms the time and energy required to prepare lunch every day, Revolution Foods offers Lunch Bundles – perfect for grown-ups and kids alike.

Lunch Bundles are delicious, nutrient-dense meals that are packed with protein and fiber, and are lower in saturated fat, sodium and sugar than comparable brands. Like all Revolution Foods offerings, they include only high quality ingredients, including meats raised with no antibiotics or added sodium nitrate/nitrites and rSBT-free cheese, and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

My Thoughts

I am a spur of the moment kind of girl. When I step outside in the morning, and its a nice day, I'll just decide to go somewhere--whether its the park, the beach, or a nature trail. But when you make last minute decisions, you might not have time to pack lunches for everyone. That's where the Lunch Bundle from Revolution Foods comes in.  They make meals on-the-go easy with their convenient prepackaged meals. Not only are they perfect for a fast-paced lifestyle, they're also a convenient way to get school lunches taken care of.

My family received a few of the different meals to try out. Each of my older kids picked one  to take with them to school. I was pleasantly surprised to find they contained pretty healthy options for processed food, but they were also tasty treats my kids were excited to eat.  My daughter picked the SuperFood Meal. She's a vegetarian so this was perfect for her. It included trail mix, corn & flax chips, chickpeas & almonds, dark chocolate raisins, and veggie chips. She just loved the variety and found it a satisfying meal. 

My son is meat eater, but even he was impressed with the Sundipper Meal. This one includes trail mix, no-nut butter, gluten free pretzels, dried bananas, and soy nuts.  This one is a great option for anyone whose on a gluten free diet, but anyone who likes to eat a healthy meal will love it as well.  My kids ate every bite of their meals and thought they were an exciting and fun alternative to regular sandwiches. Revolution Foods Lunch Bundles give you everything you need in one box. 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive two FREE vouchers for Lunch Bundles. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  4/25/16. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Revolution Foods for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Table-Time Look and Learn Mostly Math Tablecloth Review

The Table-Time Look & Learn™ Mostly Math Tablecloth features a wide variety of math-related lessons that cover the educational State Standards children must learn to progress from pre-K/K level to first grade. Quirky animal characters and imagery from Rob Oliver, a Simpsons® illustrator and Emmy-nominated artist, make it extra unique.

Made from PEVA, which has the feel of vinyl but contains zero harmful PVCs, the Mostly Math Tablecloth is a trustworthy alternative to traditional materials. PEVA cleans up easily with a damp cloth, and children can even write on/wipe off with Crayola® Ultra-Clean Washable Markers for more interactive fun.

Our Thoughts

This tablecloth has everything on it! I love this, it is an absolute must-have for all families, especially homeschooling mothers like myself!

Shapes, numbers, seasons, time, counting, money, animals, it has everything on here that is basic for every child to learn and it is done in such a fun manner! The name of this tablecloth is almost deceiving because it's not just math, it's so much more. The eye is constantly being dragged from one fun (and educational) activity on this table cloth straight to the next.

The package is small and light weight. Very easy to open and it's large so it'll fit any kind of table. I also had the thought that it would be pretty cool pegged up on a wall, but you would have to move it around so they weren't looking at some of the stuff upside down. It could still work though. It's such a creative table cloth that you can do many things with it.

I really really love how this cloth covers so much more than just basic math and it is done in such a simple manner that it is easy for kids to understand. My six year old is going nuts over this cloth.

I haven't even mentioned yet how much fun she has with coloring on it. You can draw on this and wipe it off and do it all over again! My toddler doesn't understand what is going on, but he sure does get a kick out of coloring on something he's not generally allowed to color on. It involves all the kids together. They sit at the table while I'm making their plates and just browse around the cloth, it seems like they are constantly learning or finding something new on it.

As for wiping off the marker, it really is a simple as getting a wet cloth and wiping it off. Easy peasy! 

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Reviewed by Jackie

Drazil Kids Tea

Drazil Kids Tea: This new, all-natural, organic blend of tea and fruit juices is a healthful alternative to your child’s lunch box. With 35% less sugar than regular juice, it’s packed with wholesome antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found naturally in herbal tea. 

Connect with Drazil

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My Thoughts 
During the school year I am always looking for unique drinks for school lunches. Tea is one of their favorites. I always look for variety in my teas. I like to switch between flavors so things won't get boring. My children also enjoy tea, but I don't like to give them caffeine, which means I needed to find a caffeine free variety. Drazil Kids Teas are designed just for kids.  They come in a wide range of tasty flavors using only wholesome and  natural ingredients. They are a combination of juice and tea, so they have the flavor kids crave without a lot of sugar since they are sweetened using fruit and vegetables.  These teas will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds all year long.

I was lucky enough to receive a variety of Drazil Kids Teas to try out and my whole family really enjoyed them.  They come in juice boxes that my kids love. They are just the right size to pack in their lunchboxes when they head back to school. We tried one of each including: Tropical Burst, Grape Bliss, Yummy Berry, and Punch Passion.  The different flavors were a big hit with the little kids and tweens alike.  Their flavors are brisk and refreshing. Drazil Kids Tea is an original choice and a fun way to switch up your child's lunchbox. They are the perfect healthy choice for your family. If you want to give these tasty teas a try, you can find them in  food retailers nationwide or online on Amazon.

Back to School Must Have - Fun & Funky Kids Accessories by ATM Packs

Incorporating fun designs and Spanish culture, language and inspiration into a variety of products made for every age, ATM Packs offers a one-of-a-kind collection. Including handbags, beanies, caps, luggage sets, lunchboxes, umbrellas and more, ATM Packs has a product for every personality that is unique, colorful and embraces the inner creativity and expressivity of individuals all over the map. The brand aims to provide the best school supplies with different licenses all with stylish designs.
 Founded in 1997, ATM Packs has developed and branded a company that merchandises backpacks, cases, rainwear and luggage with their close connections in Mexico and now recently, the United States. Their newest collection, Hablando Sola, provides a unique form of expression with exciting products featuring a variety of patterns, color palettes and designs. ATM Packs offers 30-day returns, shipping to the U.S., and more.

The brand offers a mobile application for easy shopping on-the-go, and always stays on top of the latest news and trends within the industry. With a price point ranging from $13 to $149, every personality can find a piece they love.

 For additional information on the brand, follow them on face book or visit http://atmpacks.com/ .

My Thoughts

My daughter got to try out the Hablando Sola Lunchbox and she loves it. The bag is an adorable design in bright shades of purple and teal blue with swirls of other pastel colors on the bottom and a cute little girl figure in the center. I also love the Spanish sayings which help children to embrace the diversity of our country.

 The bag is extremely well made. There are multiple zippered compartments to store food, drinks, and even silverware.  There is an impressive amount of space on the interior, which is also insulated to ensure food stays fresh and cool throughout the day. It comes complete with a water bottle so kids can bring their favorite juice to school. The fun & funky collection ranges from $13-$149 and is available in US & Mexico.  Be sure to check out all the fun designs as you prepare for the Back To School Season.  

Review: School Zone Workbooks for Kids

School Zone

The World's Best Workbooks, Flash Cards, & Software for Kids

Workbooks Make it a Great School Year!
Give your kids fun ways to enhance classroom lessons with School Zone’s award-winning workbooks. We pack them with challenging lessons that reinforce reading and math skills and give your kids an edge in the classroom. Shop and save on colorful, fun and engaging school workbooks that help improve math and reading skills, starting at $2.99!

The Workbook Advantage™

• Simple – Easy instructions help children understand and complete the exercises. A straightforward guide for parents suggests a natural sequence.
• Fun – Colorful, smiling, and funny characters feel like friends and motivate children to learn.
• Effective – Preparation and reinforcement of classroom skills can be used for working independently at school or at home.

New Workbooks from SchoolZone:

Little Thinkers, Preschool
Help sharpen your preschooler’s problem-solving skills. Dozens of quick, fun, and creative learning activities encourage looking--and thinking--carefully. Little Thinkers have to compare, evaluate, and imagine. This 32-page workbook combines skills and stretches abilities and makes it fun! A few examples: Check the animal that does not belong in the group. Color all the squares red. Check the traffic light that tells you to stop. Color to finish the pattern. Circle the rabbit that is going to the right. Draw a line to where the cow lives. X 5 things wrong in the picture. Match the cookie cutter to its cookie. Circle the picture that rhymes with frog. Whew! Thinking gets a world-class workout. Slip this workbook into backpack or tote as a super take-along for travel and appointments.
Features & Benefits
• 32 workbook pages
• Dozens of activities
• Easy directions
• Lively illustrations
• Affordable learning!
Skills: focus; following directions; shapes; problem-solving; counting; comparing; same and different; compare and contrast; matching; rhyming; sequencing; patterns; critical thinking; hand-eye coordination; perception; imagination

Little Thinkers, Kindergarten
Help your kindergartner be an A #1 problem-solver! Dozens of quick, fun, and creative learning activities encourage looking--and thinking--carefully. Little Thinkers have to compare, evaluate, and imagine. This 32-page workbook takes the basics, and with a whimsical twist, turns them into challenging adventures! A few examples: Circle the picture that shows why this happened. Circle the clock that shows 4:00. Write the missing number. Draw a line to match each letter pair (uppercase and lowercase). Circle the word that matches the picture. X the snake that is the longest; check the snake that is the shortest. Write the number that is between two other numbers. These strategic activities sharpen multiple skills fast! Slip this workbook into backpack or tote as a super take-along for travel and appointments.
Features & Benefits
• 32 workbook pages
• Dozens of activities
• Easy directions
• Lively illustrations
• Affordable learning!
Skills: alphabet; letters; uppercase letters; lowercase letters; coins; more and less; focus; following directions; problem-solving; counting; skip counting; comparing; matching; sequencing; patterns; opposites; compare and contrast; rhyming; counting; spelling; telling time; critical thinking; perception; imagination

Try-n-Spy, Places & Spaces
Help your child learn to read, and sharpen observation skills at the same time! Kids love finding picture clues, and this Try-n-Spy Places & Spaces workbook gives them plenty of practice, as they discover city life. Each colorful page is filled with cute characters and fun objects to find. By spying each one, your child will also develop attention to detail, perception, and problem-solving skills. Silly rhymes add to the fun and learning. “Read the rhyme and put a checkmark next to each picture you find. “Try-n-spy a gecko, a turtle named Hank, a tent, an egg, and a pink piggy bank.” Or “Try-n-Spy an otter, a long, crooked cane, a lightbulb, a cookie, and a tiny, toy plane.” The majority of the English language is phonetic, and familiar rhymes and patterns help build reading and language skills. Picture clues reinforce the meaning of the words. Choose from 32 whimsical adventure scenes that include a pet shop, a porcupine’s art studio, and library full of chickens. Take this book along anywhere, and turn restless wiggles into attention-grabbing giggles. What a great, learn-to-read adventure!
Features & Benefits
• 32 themed try-n-spy scenes
• Easy directions featuring clever rhymes
• Lively illustrations
• Affordable learning!
Skills: reading readiness; focus; observation; hand-eye coordination; perception; fine motor skills; following directions; rhyming; spelling; vocabulary; creativity



School Zone's Children's Tablet: Little Scholar

Little Scholar
More than 35 years in education have produced the world’s best in parent-trusted, teacher-approved learning materials. That legacy and expertise now deliver the best in mobile learning: Little Scholar. Bursting with great content, this tablet is uniquely designed for children in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade! Playful, powerful, and packed with learning, it will build readiness skills to last a lifetime. Kids will have a blast mastering math, reading, spelling, and more, with over 150 preloaded apps, videos, e-books, and songs. Progressive challenge combines with playful creativity. For example, both parents and kids will enjoy learning and singing 87 original, toe-tapping songs.
The learning—and the fun—continue with one-of-a-kind video programming. Enjoy family time with Charlie & Company, a new, interactive, educational video series with live action and animation. It stars Charlie the Golden Retriever and his best friend, Miss Ellie, who embark on educational adventures. The show also features performances and original music by Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe. 
With Little Scholar, you avoid the risks and inconveniences of so many other e-products. The positive "no's" include: no registration or credit card required at start-up; no apps to download; no upsells for buying more apps; no expensive cartridges to lose; no lite or partial-version apps; no advertisements, and no worries about kids accessing objectionable content.
Turn on Little Scholar, and let the learning adventure begin! It’s ready right out of the box and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Shipping insurance is included automatically with your order.
Features
• Over 150 preloaded apps, videos, books, songs, and games.
• Exclusive, interactive, educational video series: Charlie & Company.
• Original content, in a kid-safe environment, with no additional costs.
• A+ Report Card app for viewing dynamic graphs and reports of children’s activity with each Little Scholar program.
• Audio praise and feedback.
• Rear- and front-facing camera.
• Durable construction designed for little hands and rigorous use.
• 100% money-back guarantee!
Skills: colors, shapes; patterns; counting; numbers; addition; subtraction; letters; ABCs; uppercase letters; lowercase letters; multiplication; telling time; counting coins; phonics; rhyming; beginning letters; letter sounds; short and long vowel sounds; letter blends; spelling; matching; same and different; vocabulary; critical thinking; memorization; problem-solving; fine motor skills; observation; eye-hand coordination; focus
(U.S. English language & math conventions)
Ages 3-7

Visit School Zone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Our Thoughts
We love School Zone!  We already own at least eight sets of their flashcards.  And there's lots more sets on their website that isn't offered in local stores that I'd like to get for my son.

Although flashcards are still his favorite, we're starting to get into workbooks. School Zone sent us the Little Thinkers - Preschool, Little Thinkers - Kindergarten, and Try-n-Spy - Places & Spaces.   I'm planning to send my 5 yr old son to public school for, at the very least, the social aspect, however I will be implementing some homeschooling studies.  He deals with speech and motor apraxia, which means he is non-verbal and unable to sign.  I hate it when people assume he isn't smart because he has no functional means of communication - you just have to learn his language.  His attention span may be an issue in school, too, so I'll do whatever I can at home to expand his knowledge base.

I thought my son would be more interested in the Little Thinkers series, but he loves to look at the Try-n-Spy workbook the most!  He studies things in minute detail and there's a lot to look at in the Try-n-Spy series. I would LOVE to get my hands on their new children's tablet, the Little Scholar, but it's a bit (okay, a lot) out of my price range.

School Zone offers SO many different workbooks, flashcards, books, apps, software, & activities! If you haven't tried School Zone with your kids, give them a try - we are big fans here!! 

One Month of School Lunch Hacks your Kids Will Love

With two kids in school and two more heading there next year, making lunch is getting more and more complicated.  Sometimes I think it would be easier to buy lunches, but I  like to know what my kids are eating. Healthy snacks and whole grain breads are an important part of their diet. I want them to have the energy to get through the school day. But after the first few weeks, peanut butter and jelly gets boring and I'm on the look out for some original ideas.

 Coupons.com is there to help. They've created a shopping list of tasty lunch options that will keep both you and your kids happy and save you time in the process  For tons of great ideas for school lunches that you can purchase in just two shopping trips a month, check out the Infographic below. You can also download the printer-optimized PDF version: Free Printable Menus for School Lunch Ideas (5MB).