Work It: a blog for Working Moms

Coffee Break: Back to school one link at a time

Today's (recycled) Link: Work It previous Back To School links

Why: Because I may be in denial about the back-to-school phenomenon. I've been going through the motions, but I think my subconscious can't believe it's the end of summer already, nor that my youngest is starting Kindergarten in 8 days.

The timely opportunity to share new products and the best deals has paseed me by. But read through last year's posts, they are still worthy! Obviously the contests and specific sales mentioned are over, but I'm sure there are 2009 versions!

Coffee Break: Back to school one link at a time

Today's Link: PVC-Free School Supplies

Why: The CHEJ compiled this list to empower you to make smarter, healthier shopping choices for a toxic-free future. The guide lists common back-to-school supplies made of or with PVC and suggests safer PVC-free alternatives.

As an aside, one of my favorite places to find healthier lunch-related items are reusablebags.com and Laptop Lunches.

Coffee Break: Back to school one link at a time

Today's Link: Brain Building Boot Camp
(on Nick's ParentsConnect site)

Why: Each weekday in August, an educational expert suggests learning, but FUN, activities for you to play with your kiddos to get them ready for school. Week 1 just started and it's all about letters and Alphabet. Each activity includes tips for upping the challenge for older kids. Also there is a message board to share your stories and ask Dr. Ricci questions.

Product Review: CRAM

By Joy

This is an overview of CRAM, a new software that enables users to study their notes as easily as they can make a text message or place a call. I did not actually try the software, however navigating the site, I got a pretty good idea of what the software can do for you or someone you love. 

Cram is a powerful tool which enables users to create custom test material on their device that can be tailored to their personal classes. The user also has the ability to import tests that they have uploaded or created on their desktop (with a plain text editor) or on the free online web portal at www.simpleleap.com , to their device. Cram users have the ability to import personally created tests and any publicly shared tests from the Cram test library, created by other Cram users.

For our young ones studying for SATs and other tests, their gift of a phone would be put to great use with this tool. The program also allows for study groups to work together virtually. So your child could actually be doing homework while staying electronically tethered to friends.  Last but not least, it is very inexpensive, recently lowered to $15.99 (one-time purchase, no recurring fees.)  I believe that's cheaper than the books I purchased to study for my own exams. 

As for extra charges to your bill, the iPhone includes unlimited data access and the iPod Touch only requires wifi access, there should be no affect to your typical phone bill. Most wireless carriers that support the BlackBerrry also provide unlimited data access, however this could vary based on the provider and based on the selected plan.

The good thing is, Cram only requires a data connection when importing testing material and upon the quick, initial registration process on the BlackBerry. All other usage of Cram is offline, and does not require a data plan.

The iPhone and iPod Touch version now available in the Apple iTunes AppStore for immediate download.  Visit the Cram homepage for more details on the most recent updates, releases, a video demo and complete features.

Coffee Break: Back to School one link at a time

Today's Link: Home Free snacks

Why: Do you have a kid with food allergies? Do you spend a lot of time trying to find foods she can eat? This is a new line of organic, ready-to-eat baked whole grain treats including chocolate chip cookies, brownie chip cookies, apple coffee cake, and cranberry coffee cake and more that are free of peanuts, tree-nuts, eggs and dairy.

 

First Day

By Laura

I cried in the shower this morning. It was a quick, quiet cry. I got it out of my system and tried to move on. I have a day, afterall. Meanwhile, downstairs my youngest daughter was hitting the 30-minute mark of  bawling. Loudly. She is heartbroken and sad and a bit lost right now.

All this emotion because my oldest boarded a school bus at 7:17 am.

She did not cry this morning. She impatiently waited at the bus stop and bounced around with excitement. When the bus arrived she ran for it, I had to hold her back. When the door opened she gave me a hug, turned toward the bus and walked away. There was a moment of hesitation. A brief second when she turned back to face me. (I think my heart skipped a beat, or my breath was caught in my throat.) She waved, turned again and hopped up the bus steps. The door closed. And my firstborn was swallowed up by a big yellow bus.

I picked up the little one, who had started her crying, and we looked for big sis as the bus drove past. Her smiling face and energetic wave greeted us from the third row window. And then she was gone. Off to start her new adventure.

After a summer of counting down the days, moments when I thought it couldn't get here quickly enough. I can't believe how hard this is.

Coffee Break: Back to School one link at a time

Today's link:  Kids Lunchbox Cards

Why: So that you can be the big hit at your child's lunch table! Does your little one think its un-cool to have notes from mom in his/her lunch box?  Not anymore! Available in riddles, looney laws, gross facts, fairies and wacky world facts, there's sure to be something for everyone. And there's even room on the back for you to still include that same cute little message you've been writing for years.

Coffee Break: Back to School many links at a time

Today's Links: The Eat section at Lunchopolis
The recipes at the Sprout Diner (caution: there is sound on this one!)
and Lunch Lessons

Why: Packing lunch saves money and should be healthier than what is in the cafeteria. These are just a few options to help you achieve that.

Coffee Break: Procrastination one link at a time

Today's Link: RealSimple's Back-to-School 101

Why: I am a newbie to the process, but as far as I can tell this is some of the best advice compiled into one article.

Coffee Break: Back to school one link at a time

Today's Link: Pilot Pen: BeGreen

Why: They - the environmentally conscious - are everywhere with suggestions. Heck, we've highlighted many a product in this space. It's all a bit overwhelming and can certainly make one feel guilty for not installing solar panels immediately.

However, if you listen closely, the common advice in the caucophony is to start slow. Make small, simple changes along the way. Each one can make a difference. This newly launched line of eco-friendly pens and mechanical pencils called BeGreeN (their capitalization) is just such a change.

You need writing instruments. Your kids need them too. These are made from recycled content and packaged in recycled materials, yet they cost the same as regular pens and are available in office supply stores including Staples and Office Depot.

Inexpensive and easy access to a green product? This is your first (or tenth) small step.