2014 Tax Free Weekend Scedule

Many states offer a tax free weekend for those back to school needs. I have seen a lot of questions about specific dates and which states participate. 

Here is a list of the participating states and what they allow in their tax free items, as well as dates!

Be sure to share any good deals you find!

Keep Momming

I participated in a campaign on behalf of MomCentral Consulting (#MC) for Shire. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

The relationship that exists between mothers and daughters is unlike any other. It has many unique moments, memories, and yes, even challenges along the way. The relationship dynamic can be even trickier when your daughter is in those tween-age years. What can be even more difficult is when some people dismiss certain behaviors as “typical tween girl behavior” when those behaviors can be symptoms of something more serious. Research suggests that girls are more likely than boys to report having mostly inattentive Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Since inattentive symptoms can be less noticeable than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, it is important that moms know what to look for.

I’m proud to be joining forces with Shire, CHADD and Holly Robinson Peete to announce the launch of keep momming, a new public service initiative geared towards the moms of tween girls to raise awareness of ADHD.

The campaign is anchored within a new digital hub, KeepMomming.com, where you’ll find tips, tools and other go-to resources for moms, including a checklist to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – and then encourages moms to talk to their daughter’s doctor. The keep momming initiative can help moms learn about ADHD and provide ideas on how to spark a conversation and stay connected with their tween.

Don’t miss Holly’s message about the keep momming initiative KeepMomming.com, and be sure to check out the website at KeepMomming.com.

My Mom-Bag Must Haves

I am a mom of three rambunctious kids. All of which at some not so convenient time have had some sort of emergency. I have learned over the years to always be prepared. I believe that started with my girl scout years. 

Nowadays, since my kids are older my mom bag/first-aid kit is not the same. It used to contain diapers, teething toys, formula, and other baby related items. Those days are long gone. My youngest is now 9 and always into something that usually ends in bumps and bruises. Some of these items are staples that followed through from the baby stage but others are kind of new. 

I have been stopped many times with a cranky kid so I always have snacks!!! Granola bars are our favorite!!!
 

Sunscreen- and I have found that Coppertone ClearlySheer is freaking awesome.

Band-Aids- I mean the real ones too!!! The ole ugly generic ones just don't stick like they should and you will go through a ton before you make it back home from the scene of the accident.

Neosporin with pain relief- A must have for sure. They come in these handy Neo-to-go packs now which makes them super handy for taking along in a travel bag.

Baby Wipes- One of those long lasting staples that can be used for all kind of things

Hand Sanitizer- Because You never know what those darned kids have picked up and brought home.

Benadryl Itch Stick- This thing is a cheap and quick fix for a bug bite or bee sting. I am so glad I found it.

Those are the basics.... Usually the kids toss in some extras too but those are the staples! What do you keep in your mom bag?


Disclaimer: Some of the items mentioned above were given to me for review purposes from +Influenster . All opinions are my own and true.

Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunscreen Review

Summertime is here again! 

I personally love summer and tanning.

I want to think my Italian genes have served me well and I can tan nicely, but I always always always over do it and end up with a sun burn. 

I know, sun burns are bad for your skin but what are ya gonna do. I can't just stay inside all summer. 

So I have had quite the busy first couple weeks of summer and just now finally made it to the pool. 

I was offered a Bzz Campaign for Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunscreen so I had this awesome idea to test it out. My 16 yr old son said I would probably regret this decision. But, He doesn't listen to me so why should I listen to him?

I thought it would be a good test to apply sunscreen as directed to one arm/ shoulder and not the other to really show a good comparison. I applied about 15minutes before going out, rubbed in and allowed to dry, as directed. This stuff goes on clear and not greasy either. My skin felt smooth and dry right away with no gross slimy feeling in the water either. Then I reapplied after 1 hour in the sun and water. 

This sunscreen is advertised to remain effective up to 80  minutes of sun/ sweat/ swimming if applied as directed so I was careful to apply correctly. 

Of course, if there aren't pictures then it didn't happen. I should have taken a before picture too but I didn't. I only took a left and right shoulder after 2 hours of fun in the sun. You can see the difference.

The protected shoulder is not affected at all!!!! 

I was amazed. I really thought I would still get a little red but NOPE!!!

Of course, I also applied sunscreen to the kids all over their bodies, because I'm not willing to risk it with them. They didn't burn at all either! This Coppertone ClearlySheer is great! I will continue to use this sunscreen for myself and the kids. Maybe I won't even burn once for the rest of the summer!!!!


Disclaimer: I received the products mentioned in this post for free to review from BzzAgent. All of the opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.I would only recommend products I believe would be good for my readers.