Bargain Shopping: Back To School Essentials at Dollar Tree

This post contains affiliate links. 

If you’re getting ready for Back To School but need to stay within your budget, shop $1 Back to School Items at Dollar Tree! You can also stock up on office supplies while you’re there, I buy the majority of my office supplies from Dollar Tree which helps me stay within my yearly supply budget.

Mom Life: Back to School Deals at Macy’s

This post contains affiliate links. 

Tax-Free Weekend is coming up and it’s time to stock up on essentials. When it comes to clothes for back to school, Macy’s is definitely a good place to start. I usually find all sorts of really good deals during sales and even better deals with discounts/coupons when I shop at Macy’s. Currently, save up to 50% off Back-To-School Gear + get an Extra 20% off with code BTS (Valid 8/2-8/8). The best part about shopping at Macy’s for back to school is, unlike shopping at specialty stores…you can shop for the entire family in one place and getter done!

Mom Life: Glasses for Back to School at GlassesShop.com

This post contains affiliate links. 

Hey Butterfly Mommies. We're all busy getting our little humans ready for schools and if your kiddo is supposed to wear glasses, it's important that they actually wear them so that they are focused and ready to learn. 

GlassesShop.com is having a Back to School sale; BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE with code GSBOGO. (Offer expires 08/12) or…

Mom Life: Back To School 2021

Butterflies Mommies, I have a serious question…do you look forward to back to school time or do you dread it? For the first five years or so it was exciting (it’s cute seeing little humans excited about going to school) but now that my kid is older I don’t really look forward to it; either way, we have to do what we have to do right? Anyway, I wanted to share a few useful resources to help with getting your kiddos back in school mode:

Wellness: Shop For Prescription Eyewear at GlassesShop.com

This post contains an affiliate link.

Butterflies, as your self-proclaimed self-care advocate I feel it’s my duty to remind you to get your eyes checked annually. I started using GlassesShop.com almost six years ago and they have been my go-to online eyewear shop ever since. Check out the current GlassesShop.com deals below:

Support Your HBCU Through The Home Depot Retool Program

This is a sponsored post.

Hey Butterflies. I have an opportunity to do good to share with you. The Home Depot is on a mission to improve Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through their Home Depot Retool Program and your votes will help them select this year’s grant recipient. I attended Texas Southern University here in Houston, Texas which is a HBCU so I know which school I’m voting for, which school are you voting for? Help improve your HBCU by voting now for your school to win up to $50k in campus improvement grants from The Home Depot’s “Home Depot Retool Program”! If you don’t have a HBCU that you rep that’s ok, you can still vote. If you’re not an alumni of a HBCU or don’t already have a HBCU that you support feel free to vote for your local HBCU or mine, Texas Southern University. Please visit http://bit.ly/RetoolVote to cast your vote, voting ends April 15th.

Back to School With BIC Velocity Max Mechanical Pencil

This is a sponsored post.

Hi Butterfly Mommies. What’s on your back to school to-do list? We’re all busy getting our little humans settled into their back to school daily routine and stocking up on school supplies is an important part of getting ready for back to school. The new BIC® Velocity® Max Mechanical Pencil has a large 75% wider eraser for more erasing power. It’s soft gel grip molds to your hand for a comfortable writing experience. It has the smoothest, darkest writing vs. other BIC® mechanical pencils. The barrel colors may vary but the strong lead erases cleanly every time. I’ve been testing them out this week, I love writing with them and I know your kid will love writing with them too so be sure to pick up a pack while you’re out shopping for supplies. 

OOTD: Back to School Edition ft. JanSport Backpacks

OOTD: Back to School Edition ft. JanSport Backpacks by belleprincesstx featuring a daypack bag

Since students are heading back to school, I thought this month's "OOTD" should have a "Back to School" theme and nothing is more back to school than a new backpack. JanSport is one of the leading backpack brands, offering functional, stylish and durable backpack designs. #LifeUnZipped

Bargain Shopping: Sale at Reebok.com

This post contains affiliate links

Hey Butterflies! If you're looking for shoes for school, work, the gym or if you're just in need of a new pair of everyday sneakers, check out Reebok.com. Being that I was born in the 80's and raised in the 90's, Reebok is one of my favorite sneaker brands. I've been rocking Reeboks for years, I actually used my first paycheck when I was sixteen to purchase a pair of all black Reebok Classics for work and they got me through many long days on my feet.

Label Daddy - Custom Peel & Stick Labels

This is a sponsored post.

Butterfly Mommies, are you ready for Back to School? If you're one of those moms who labels everything your little human leaves home with, you're going to appreciate this. Currently you can save 25% on Label Daddy peel and stick custom name labels! Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! No ironing or sewing, just peel and stick. Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for school!

Mom Life: Crazy 8's 2017 Denim Collection

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post.

Butterfly Mommies! If you love to see your little human in denim then you're going to want to check out the new Crazy 8 Denim Collection, the collection was designed by Crazy 8, adding 7 new washes to some of your favorite fits. Crazy 8 offers on-trend, age-appropriate looks that kids love to wear at prices that parents feel great about. This is a great opportunity to stock up on back to school clothes. Shop Crazy8's New Denim Collection!

Bargain Shopping: 70% off at GYMBOREE + Shop Gymboree's Back to School Collection!

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. I was compensated for this post.

Butterfly Mommies! It's that time of year again, back to school is here and now is a good time to get your little humans ready for school with Gymboree and their 2017 Back to School collection. Shop Gymboree's Back to School Collection! Also, now through Sunday, 7/30 save Up to 70% Off at Gymboree on everything in stock. This would also be a great time to stock up on clothes for your non-school age kiddos in need of new clothes as well because for some reason they just refuse to stay one size for any amount of time and without a doubt have grown over night lol.

Back to School: Free Kids Astros Ticket

 

Kids Free | August 17 - 20

Kids tickets are free for the Rays vs. Astros games August 17-20. Bring your family out to Minute Maid Park before the kids go back to school and get up to two free kids tickets (14 and under) with the purchase of one adult ticket* for View Deck I + II and Outfield Deck I + II seats.

Use code "KIDSFREE" when purchasing tickets.

Kids Academy Apps...Educational Apps for Kids

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. All opinions are my own.

Hey Butterflies, there's nothing I love more than knowledge, because it truly is power. If you're looking for something fun and educational to keep your little human's mind growing, here are a few educational Apps from Kids Academy available on iTunes & Google Play for FREE for a limited time!

Preschool & Kindergarten Baby Books, Songs, and Early Reading Toddler Games - This app is AWESOME! Kids are entertained and mentally stimulated at the same time. This app has it all...games, songs the kids can sing along to, story telling and a ton of things kids can learn! I did notice that it takes a REALLY long time to download which I'm guessing is because there is so much to do on this app. Download this game for FREE on iTunes

123 Tracing Numbers: Montessori Math Game for Kids - The Montessori Math game is like learning numbers and how to write them but in a game format which is more likely to catch a kids attention. This Kid Academy app has really great graphics and is very interactive (as are all of kid Academy apps). Download this game for FREE on iTunes for FREE for a limited time! Normally $3.99!

ABC Preschool Games for Kids

ABC Preschool Games for kids in the google play store is an ok app. To me the games are a little basic and could be a little more challenging but understanding that it's for preschoolers its enough to teach and entertain at the same time. I wish this app was available in the Apple app store though.

Download this game for FREE on Google Play

Free for a limited time! Normally $2.99

About Kids Academy

Kids Academy develops mobile apps for preschool education. Covering all major platforms their apps are designed to help kids of 5 and under to master all of the preschool educational skills from letters to numbers and vocabulary. Having passed the ten million installs mark, Kids Academy continues to deliver quality apps for iOS, Android and Amazon devices.

Finance: Got the Textbooks Blues? Checkout CampusBookRentals.com & RentBack.com

 

We're about two weeks into the fall semester and I know a few college student that still have not purchased their textbooks :( and trust me I know what it's like. It's like do I use this money for food/gas or do I buy my textbooks?! LOL! Anyway just wanted to remind you guys about CampusBookRentals.com and introduce to you RentBack.com.

RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options! (selling their books back at the end of the semester) Awesome right?!

How does it work?:  

Renting Perks:
 

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices

-free shipping both ways

-you can highlight in the textbooks (my favorite)

-flexible renting periods

-they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented

-etc...(you can find more perks at on their website :) 

 

 Campus Book Rentals donates to Operation Smile with each textbook rented.

Movie: TEACH Documentary | on CBS September 6th

This is a sponsored post.

How many inspiring teachers have you had in your life time? Like myself you probably can count them on one hand. Personally, I believe you have to have a true passion for something or at least a pre-planned mission to be successful at anything you do and this is very true for teachers. I grew up in one of the largest public school systems in America so I know first hand how important the job and impact of teachers is. The educational lessons taught by a good teacher may or may not seem as important or useful to you once you're an adult living in the "real world" (besides the basic skills: math, reading, writing) but a great teacher's impact on life is forever whether you realize it or not. Today I can only remember about three teachers when I was in school that left their mark on me and truly inspired me to do better and be better everyday (and still do), which is kind of sad when I think about it because inspiration for success should come from every teacher.

Wellness: UGLee Pen | An Ergonomic Pen

I'm a writer by nature so I write A LOT; sometimes that can be a good and a bad thing if you know what I mean. Anyway, Out of the ten million pens in my home (that I have no idea where they came from or where to find one when I need one) the UGLee Pen is by far my new favorite. In case you're wondering (I know you are) the UGLee Pen gets it's name from it's design; it's a Ultimate Grip, ergonomic pen designed by Dr. James Lee to aid in comfort and hand pain relief when writing.  

To me it's just a pen, ink comes out of it like it's suppose to when I write so I give it a thumbs up for that and the glittery gel grip feels really great when writing so that's a +. This super comfort pen comes in seven different colors and retails for about $20.00 for a pack of three. This product can be found on Amazon.com. Like UGLee Pen on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more information and product updates!

Check out my UGLee Pen YouTube video below!

Bargain Shopping: Shop the Children’s Place $4.99 Sale + FREE Shipping on ALL ORDERS (TODAY ONLY)!

Shop the Children’s Place $4.99 Sale!

The Children’s Place's back to school sale is in full swing! You can snag graphic tees, shorts, leggings, active wear and more all discounted to just $4.99 and when you stack with code H6G531 you get an additional 20% off. That drops the prices down to just $3.99! Plus today only (8/12 you get FREE shipping no minimum! Also there are also some great savings in their clearance section and you can earn $20 in “place cash” for every $40 spent. SHOP NOW to score these savings!

Tech Tip: PowerMyLearning.org | FREE Learning Site for Kids

PowerMyLearning is a FREE, online educational site for students grades K-12. The PowerMyLearning website is intended to preventing "summer slide", keep kids learning throughout the year and possibly get ahead for the upcoming school year all while making learning fun! The site provides educational online games that incorporate things your kid probably already loves such as animals, music and sports. The site covers an array of educational topics; from math to music. 

There are eight main topics on PowerMyLearning which include: Math, Language Arts & Music, Technology, World Languages and Your Life. Most of the main educational topics are broken down into about 3-7 different sub-topics which makes learning each subject a little easier. The 2nd grade math topic for example is broken down into Geometry, Measurement & Data, Number & Operations In Base Ten, and Operations & Algebraic Thinking; each of these sub-topics feature about 20 different learning actives.

When I was in school math was my least favorite subject but for some reason my daughter is the complete opposite of me when it comes to math so she was instantly drawn into all of the math activities on PowerMyLearning. After spending hours on the site with my 2nd grader I can honestly say I'm in love with PowerMyLearning (so is my kiddo) and it will be added to my kid's at home learning activities; especially the math, language, and your life games. What I like most about this site other than it makes learning fun for kids is that unlike most educational sties for young kids; PowerMyLearning actually gives kids of all grade levels a chance to get ahead and it's free!

Also, I really like the "Your Life" section and all of its sub-sections. All of the topics covered under the your life tab are about everyday life; things which you are never too young to start learning about. These subjects include Careers, College, Finances and Goal-Setting. I personally think this site is a great alternative to video-games because it's both fun and educational. 

Getting your little one(s) started on PowerMyLearning is very easy, once you're on PowerMyLearning.org simply click on the SignUp link at the top of the page, enter your email address, then create a username and password. After that your kid is all set to start exploring PowerMyLearning.org and because the website is organized by subjects and grade levels navigating the site is super easy (always a plus).

Disclosure: This is a sponsored review, I was invited to try this product in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts, opinions and expressions above are my own.

 

Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Center

On Wednesday, August 10, 2011 the Houston Area Event Vendors & Professionals had the honor of hosting a donation drive benefiting Houston’s own Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Center. This drive was to help the Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Center collect school supply items needed for their "Back-to-School" community school supply give away that will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2011. Thank you to those who came out to show your support!

Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. was founded in 1990 by Sylvia Bolling. During the first 5 years of operation, Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. had very few resources to work with…there was no facility, no paid staff, and very limited funds. By establishing valuable community partnerships, the agency’s founder, Sylvia Bolling, took the then fledgling community-based organization from her home to its current facility.