I selected 15 Star Wars items to add to my cart from the many, many items that were available.

If I did not use any codes or receive any cashback, the total would’ve been $666.80.

Using the 2 codes that were revealed on the TopCashback site, the total dropped down to $528.38.

But, it doesn’t stop there as I also would have 5% cashback coming into my TopCashback account. This would work out to about $24.69, meaning the total would essentially be $503.69. That’s a savings of $163.11!

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Should schools need to allow more play – including recess?

Absolutely!

Last Spring, we moved to Orlando from South Florida. I joined a local Facebook group to get familiar with the community. It was through this group, I discovered that our kids were only getting about one day of recess a week and the rest of the days were physical fitness classes. This was never discussed with us by the school when we registered the kids. When my son had told me this initially, I thought he must surely be wrong. I could not fathom only having one day of recess, and that recess only being about 20 minutes long. The post in the group turned into a whole discussion on the importance of free play, and how the physical fitness classes were structured play and therefore should be a separate time. They had talked about parent group that was formed already, and making petitions, but that everything was falling on deaf ears. It was so frustrating to hear that this was happening in our schools. I had coordinated after school and prevention programs in South Florida, and knew that most of our grants required a certain amount of free play time in the schedule. It just didn’t make sense to me how a public school did not have daily free play built into their schedule. Fortunately, within two months of that discussion, the Florida State Senate unanimously passed a bill requiring the schools to offer at least 20 minutes of recess daily. There was no party affiliations that mattered here, because they all agreed that recess should be a requirement, not just an option.

Last year, I watched “Where to Invade Next,” a documentary by Michael Moore. In this movie, he “invaded” Finland. Finland used to have one of the worst educational systems, alongside the US. However, they have since moved into the position of having one of the best educational systems in the world. Moore wanted to know what they changed in their system in order to achieve this. The answers: No Homework, More Free Play, and Less Time in School. They spoke with the principals and teachers who all agreed that children needed free time to explore and learn, so they did not have homework and only needed to attend school for about 20 hours a week. Learning of this actually inspired me to enroll my daughter in Florida Virtual School, which has no homework and requires my daughter to have 20 lesson hours a week.  My son, however, wished to remain in the regular public school. It was an interesting contrast to compare. My daughter went from needing a reading tutor in second grade, to scoring almost in the top percentile on her third grade testing which requires they pass in order to move up to fourth grade. We also saw my daughter going from being below grade level, to being on the Honor Roll the entire school year. My son was in first grade, when we first moved.

Here’s Some More Parents Discussing this Very Important Topic

You can find other videos with discussions around play by clicking HERE!

About the Genius of Play

The Genius of Play has a goal is to increase awareness of the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play among parents- plus encourage parents to tell their kids to go play. It has a mission is to provide families with the information and inspiration they need to make play an important part of their child’s day. Through their website and social media channels, parents can find facts, useful tips and expert advice on how toys and play can help kids build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and other skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Plus, you can get ideas on how to keep playtime fun and fresh!

Disclosure: Bloggin’ Mamas received compensation as part of this partnership. All opinions expressed are our own. 

The post The Importance of Play at School appeared first on Bloggin' Mamas.

The beginning of a new school year can be an especially challenging time for families with children who struggle with reading and writing, math, organization and focus. Did you know that one in five children in the U.S. have learning and attention issues, like ADHD and dyslexia? Children with these types of challenges – many of whom have never been formally diagnosed – can feel especially stressed during the back-to-school season as they face new subjects, teachers and schools.

The Ad Council and Understood.org have partnered to promote ways children and their families can be First-Day Ready. Understood.org is offering a free First-Day Ready Guide to help parents with students at every age successfully manage back-to-school transitions. Understood.org is a free, easy-to-use online resource and community designed to support parents and caregivers of children with learning and attention issues.

As the new school year approaches, we were excited to get personalized tips from the First-Day Ready Guide to help our kids make a great start.  

Check out these back-to-school tips from the Understood.org website.  They helped my family; hopefully they can help yours too.

• Planning early is important to help relieve stress.  Creating structure and routine around the start of the new school year—with checklists, calendars and other organization systems— helps prepare kids for class expectations. (Mention which tool you found especially helpful and why, e.g.: Back-to-School Countdown Planner, Backpack Checklist, and sample Homework Contract.)

You can also take your child on a school tour to help ease fears by showing them how to find their classroom, nearby bathrooms, the cafeteria and other important places the first week of school.  This can be a huge stress relief whether the child is new to the school or not. Just knowing where to go can help them feel more comfortable.  

• Connecting with your child’s teacher early on benefits everyone and creates a great starting point for the new year.  This will give you an opportunity to share your child’s needs or learning style while expressing your support for the teacher and the challenges he/she may be facing with a new classroom full of students.  You will help create an atmosphere of cooperation while speaking up for your child and his or her challenges.
• Finally, get support!  Many parents and students are going through the same experience. Understood.org and Understood’s Facebook page connect parents across the country to share information and learn from each other. You can also ask around your community and school to find other parents you can connect with.

So, no matter your child’s age or needs, make this Back-to-School season a seamless transition and positive experience!  If you could use some help getting started on the right foot this school year, Understood.org is a great place to start.  

All kids learn in different ways and at different paces. With the right support, all kids can thrive in school and in life.

The post The New School Year is Upon Us appeared first on Bloggin' Mamas.

The new school year is on the horizon, or maybe your kids have already started, either way it can be a fun but trying time for parents and kids alike. That can be especially true if you have a child who struggles with school, attention, and focus, amongst other behavioral challenges. It’s never easy getting kids transitioned into a new school setting. Been there, done that! Understanding and advocating for our children is so important.

We are assisting Element Associates by spreading the word about the resources offered by Understood.org. Understood provides a multitude of tools for parents to help prep their kids for back to school. If you would like to donate a post for the cause, please let us know and we will provide you with copy and paste info you can utilize and customize for your blog.

We have a goal of 25 blogposts, and we already have 8!

To Receive Post Info: Email Teresa at tfoskey98@gmail.com with Understood Social Good in the subject.

Disclosure: This is part of a Bloggin’ Mamas Social Good Campaign conducted in conjunction with Element Associates. Bloggin’ Mamas was not compensated for this post. 

The post Social Good Campaign: Understood- Back to School appeared first on Bloggin' Mamas.

The Ad Council and the U.S. Department of the Treasury is having a Twitter Chat on June 9 at 1pm EST  for Homeownership Preservation Month. Foreclosures can have a devastating effect on families and communities. While there are signs that the country and the housing market are recovering from this most recent financial crisis, there are still too many homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments or facing the prospect of losing their homes. About one in 13 homeowners nationwide has fallen behind on his or her mortgage payments, putting them at a higher risk of foreclosure. Homeowners should not feel alone, but many do.

That is why the Making Home Affordable (MHA) program provides free resources and assistance for distressed homeowners who are working hard at juggling expenses to makes ends meet. There are more options available for struggling homeowners today than ever before, and MHA works to provide them with the mortgage solution that is right for them.

Across the country, more than 1.5 million families have already been helped through MHA programs. Through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) alone, many homeowners are able to reduce their monthly mortgage payments by approximately $500 each month. That’s real payment relief.

June marks Homeownership Preservation Month. There is help for those who may be having a tough time making their mortgage payments and don’t know where to turn. Here’s how you can get help and find out more:

• Please join the #MHAchat to learn more about preserving homeownership in our communities. Experts from the U.S. Department of Treasury Homeownership Preservation Office, HUD, and NeighborWorks America will be available to answer questions.
  • Hashtag: #MHAchat
  • Date: June 9 from 1-2pm ET
  • Hosts: @MHA4You, @HUDgov, @Loanscamalert

Through the Federal Making Home Affordable program, many homeowners have received much-needed help to reduce their monthly payments, get mortgage relief, and avoid foreclosure. Homeowners who are struggling to make mortgage payments can call 888-995-HOPE or visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov for free resources and information to help them with their mortgage problems and avoid foreclosure. By calling the hotline, homeowners can speak with a housing expert at a HUD-approved counseling agency at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and identify potential solutions based on their individual circumstances.

(We donated this post as part of a social good campaign and did not receive compensation for doing so.)

The post Making Homes Affordable Chat at 1p EST Today! appeared first on Bloggin' Mamas.

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Look no further, we’ve got you covered ;)

Head on over see what The Fully Caffeinated Mama has got “cookin'”!

The Best Apple Pie

Sandi’s French Silk (The Easiest “Fancy” Pie Ever!)

Also, don’t miss your chance to win a gorgeous three piece necklace from Joseph Nogucci!

Enter our Instagram 2014 Recap Photo Challenge simply by using the hashtags #BlogginMamas and #2014Recap on photos you are already posting! Each photo counts as an entry to win! Today’s theme is “Recipes”! YUM I can’t wait to see what you have to share with us!

Good Luck!

Happy Holiday’s from the Bloggin’ Mamas family to yours!

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Here’s the invite to Bloggin’ Mamas NYC Pink&White Night

 

Join #BlogginMamas, HP and Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine, Sunday, November 23rd for the Pink and White NYC Night Media Mixer for Bloggers, Brands and Media Professionals. Slide in for a sophisti-cool New York City evening in a fun, sports-themed atmosphere owned by former Knicks All Star Walt “Clyde” Frazier @ Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine 485 10th Ave NY, NY 10018

First it was Hialeah Park, and now New York City- Bloggin’ Mamas is going BIG!!  We’re going big and we’re getting noticed. For this event we have these great sponsors:

HP/ MyPrintly

ME Management
Fox Home Entertainment
Penguins of Madagascar
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
SwimSpray
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester 
Premama
BioGaia Probiotics
MomTV
Monster Coats
Amazing Zhus

A great line up for a great party!!

Hope to see you there.

  RSVP at http://bit.ly/PinkandWhiteNYC

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Bloggin’ Mamas Pink & White Havana Nights- and what a night it was!!

First of all, it was held at the “World’s most beautiful racetrack” Hialeah Park. Considering this was for us a historic event, how perfect was it to have it here among so much history- and their colors are also pink and white!  We knew this was the place to have our South Florida Chapter Official “Coming Out” party and were beyond pleased with the evening.

The decor, food and open bar–  Superb.

There was Press & PR-

Top Row: Bloggin’ Mamas Pres. @HeloEnterprises w/ @NatalieAsorey of @BodenPR

2nd Row: Frank Fiore & Vivian @CasalsMunoz of @HialeahPark

Bloggers Evelyn @MommyMafia & Erica @MamasMission w/@JoseBoza of @BozaAgency

3rd Row: Sandi Abbott of @Xpressocc representing @Carnaval_Miami 

The eloquent & energetic @GigiDiaz of WRMA @957Miami

We even had two of the winners of our #HialeahParkParties present to give them their prizes!

@ciDhialeah & @FatimaDLora

Who we fell in love with!

But mostly we had our @BlogginMamas , Friends & Family

First Row: VP @BBabushka, Pres.@HeloEnterprises , @alexdc , @Knowaging ,@AlligatorSnap , @DLeVineThinks

2nd Row: @LivingMoneyWise , @FatimaDLora , @PapaHypeBlog , @Kikitiando , @BrandonsPuppy , Mandy

3rd Row: @AbuelaDeMiami , Babushka’s TiaB, @BabushkasSweeti , @Camarrero , @JossyStamm

It was an important,intimate inauguration,

and we’d like to thank all our sponsors,well wishers and attendees for helping make it a success.

A video presentation by fashion illustrator @CaMarrero sharing highlights of the evening-

Bloggin’ Mama’s Pink and White Havana Night

Professional Pics by Ili Simhi @AlligatorSnap

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