My Weekend Driving the New Chevrolet Volt

Last weekend Klout, Chevrolet and DrivingtheMidwest.com invited me to be one of the first consumers to get behind the wheel of the all-electric Chevrolet Volt.  Who am I to refuse the chance to leave the minivan in the garage for the weekend?  Instead, I went about my weekend Chicago-land plans in a shiny red Chevy without even burning an ounce of gas the entire time.

A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song (On DVD Sept 6th)

Over-worked, harried and terrified of being put back in foster care, 17 year old Katie (Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liar Fame) does her stepmother and step-siblings' bidding without complaining. Vocally gifted, Katie feels particularly upset when forced to lay down singing tracks so that her untalented stepsister, Bev Van Ravensway, can hopefully win a recording contract from Massive Records - who's company President, Harvey Morgan, is scouting for new spectacular talent at a talent showcase for the Performing Arts Department at a prestigious private school.

See more fun & info on this title including:

Adjusting our Eating Habits to the School Routine

The twins are absolutely starving when they leave school every day.  They practically bolt past me to get to the nearest bench.  Once reaching it, they layout the reminder of items in their lunch boxes and have a picnic as they await their older siblings dismissals.

Disney's Prom on Blu-ray & DVD (Giveaway)

Prom, it's right up there with weddings and red carpet events in terms of being dreamt about by little girls long before they reach their high school years.  High School Prom is all about fancy dresses, high heel shoes, elegant hair styles, twinkling lights, and that perfect date to escort you.  It really does have hit Disney movie written all over ...

Rally for Recess: Dannon Danimals

Recess, it seems like it is the answer most kids give when asked their favorite thing they have at school.  Unfortunately, schools nationwide are cutting recess time due to limited resources. In the past twenty years, children have lost an average of 8 hours of recess a week and some schools no longer provide play time for students at all.  According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, the lack of playtime is a national crisis leading to a growing epidemic; childhood obesity.

Back to School Tears

How's back to school going for everyone?  We've done really well minus a few tears and perhaps a hint of maverick ...

Bike Safety: A Nightlight for Bikes

There is no debating it.  I am a total worrier when it comes to my kids being any where near the road.  I find myself constantly biting my tongue as other people's kids show up here without a bike helmet on or cross the street without even really looking.  

and the latest winner is ...

The winner of the Help Movie Gear giveaway is # 43!

Back to School: RoseArt Make It Mine School Supplies

My kids are all about finding school gear that is unique.  Over the years, I've learned not to question this small desire.  Instead, I do my best to aid them in their quest to find items that will get them excited about the learning process and hopefully allow them to express themselves in some small way.  While the efficient and practical part of me sort of wishes they wouldn't cringe at the mere mention of ordering the convenient school supplies kit offered as an option via their school, the creative side of me totally gets it.  So with that in mind, I keep my eyes out each year for potential items that might fill their distinct item quest.

Clearly this mission is one my kids share with other students, because RoseArt unveiled a "Make It Mine!" collection this year that is perfect for kids looking for uncommon gear.  The kits cleverly combine washable markers with necessities such as pencil cases, folders, and notebooks that kids can color.  Each item cleverly becomes your child's own one of a kind school supply masterpiece.

* Much thanks to RoseArt for providing a sample of this line for our review.

Games by Educational Insights: KaBam & Kanoodle (Giveaway)

Education, school, learning, it is certainly the buzz of most parenting forums this month with the whole "back to school" process in full swing.  For some, it's a start of another year of home schooling curriculum and for others it is a return to the traditional classroom.  Regardless, I think we all agree that kids are sponges that need to soak up knowledge where ever and when ever they can.  The true learning process is an unending one that doesn't yield to a bell.

Back to School: Nap Mats

I was feeling very organized in regards to the bulk of my back to school shopping until I found out very last second that each of the boys needed nap mats for school.  It pained me a touch to know I could have been searching for just the right mats all summer, if I'd just gotten that memo sooner.  

1st Day of School

All the kids are in school now, all 5 kids including our little duo now in preschool.  The 1st day of preschool for the twins is going down as an overall success in everyone's book.

Both boys were a touch nervous but clearly excited leading up to their arrival at school.  Once at the school door waiting their turn to go inside the boys appeared apprehensive to hubby and I, but off they both went with teacher down the winding hall to their classroom.  Declan looked like he might bolt for a moment but turned and walked straight ahead holding teacher's hand very bravely.  Cormac held teacher's other hand and walked with them but kept looking back at both hubby and I for reassurance.

Back to School: Company Kids Promo begins tomorrow! (8/19 - 9/15)

There is a terrific BACK TO SCHOOL promotion from Company Kids starting tomorrow Friday, August 19th and running through Thursday, September 15th!

Company Kids sturdy Backpacks, Messenger Bags, and Totes will be priced at only $19, so get that credit card ready to stock up for this year and next.





*Please note a sample was provided to us as a thank you for posting this notice.

Educational Kids Apps for iPad & iPhone (#BackToSchool) 2011

The countdown is on!  Friday is the start of school for my oldest and the other four begin on Monday.  Last chance to oil those rusty brains with a crop of education apps as we run errands in the loaded down minivan.  Here's a list of scholastic minded apps we've recently been utilizing.  You'll note the list starts with apps for the littlest of iDevice users and works it way up to apps for the older student.

And Twins Make 5 is a CBS Chicago Most Valuable Blogger Finalist! Please Vote?

Maybe it was our recent article on Chicago's Food Truck devoted to cupcakes that put us over the edge or perhaps it was our original recipe for a Chicago Style Chicken Sandwich?  Whatever we wrote to clinch the spot is an unknown, but now it's up to you our readers.

Voting is only two quicks, no registration required, and can be done daily through Sept. 9th.

And Twins Make 5! « Most Valuable Blogger « CBS Chicago

Thanks in advance for your votes!

Back to School: Del Monte Fresh Teacher Monday Giveaway

Del Monte Fresh is holding its second annual online contest, “Teacher Monday: Cash for Classrooms.” The program awards cash and fresh fruit to kindergarten thru 12th grade school teachers across North America to encourage them to incorporate healthy eating and living messages into classroom activities. 60 teachers will win a total of $1,000 in cash to purchase school supplies and fresh fruit for their students. Top winners will also get a Del Monte Fresh® Field Day event for their school in which the entire student body will enjoy a day of Del Monte fresh fruit, games and fun activities. Salad bars for schools will also be given away through promotions at supermarkets.

Back to School: French Toast Uniforms

It's back to school time!  If you still need school uniforms, you should check out the affordable pricing at FrenchToast.com.  After the twins, I became a big fan of ordering uniform items online instead of dragging all five kids store to store.

Back to School with Avery Products

When it comes to back to school supplies for my older kids, products marked heavy duty, durable, and easy to use are what I seek.  Buying the economy item never pays off when I'm forced to replace it mid year.  I prefer to stick with how the item is represented from brands I trust such as Avery.

Gardein Meatless Meals

Many of you may have read some recent studies showing that just one day a week without meat can reduce your consumption of saturated fat by 15% and reduce your chances of heart disease.  Sounds like a great idea in theory but try telling a house of 5 children that includes 2 teenage boys you are going vegetarian once a week.  Did I mention that one of the boys is a Varsity High School Football player?  No meat for a day?  Never Happen, or at least so I thought.

Chicago: Flirty Cupcakes Food Truck

There's a trend that has been wheeling around the nation and it's a yummy one.  Some call it street food and others call it food truck fare, call it what you might this trend is a tasty one.  Food trucks are most popular at carnivals, sporting events, music venues, college campuses and larger metro areas such as New York, L.A. and Chicago.

Our Week in Review

Last week the blog received a mini design makeover and we brought you several back to school related posts.  This coming week, you'll find more back to school info mingled in with other items.  Here's a list of the topics we discuss last week in case you missed them:

• Back to School: Let's get Organized!
• More Winners
• Back to School: Packing a School Lunch Tips
• Back to School with Elmer's #giveaway
• Back to School: Coco Penny Hair Clips
• Let your kids soar like a Superhero in Power Capes
• Season 42 of SESAME STREET premieres SEPT 26th
• Mars Needs Moms Movie DVD in stores today!
• Giveaway Winners Announced
• Tom & Drew Boys Clothing
• Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread (Giveaway)
• Best of Back to School Apps 2011

Back to School: Let's get Organized!

Over the years I have found that "Back to School" is the equivalent of New Year's day in the world of education, parents, and students.  It is your once a year chance at a "do over" so use it wisely.  This is your chance to roll out the red carpet for your child's school year and let them have a chance to perform like a true star.

What are you waiting for?  Go toss out the old crayons, organize the mudroom, help your kids let go of the bad study habits, and help everyone embrace the new school year.  The final countdown is on so be sure you've scheduled all those last minute dental appointments, school physicals, and haircuts!  My best advice is to start things off as organized as possible.

Here are some of my tips to help you prepare:

More Winners

Congrats!  The winner of the WhoNu Giveaway is # 254 and the winner of the Coca-Cola Giveaway is #27.

Back to School: Packing a School Lunch Tips

My 4 youngest kids all attend a smaller private school where bringing lunches are the only option and my oldest son has food allergies making it easier to bring a lunch then navigate his H.S. cafeteria's limited daily offerings.  Over the years, I've picked up a few routines that make packing 5 school lunches per day a bit easier to manage.  Here they are:

Back to School with Elmer's #giveaway

How many glue sticks and bottles did you have on your school supply lists this year?

Between my 5 kids, I had over a dozen sticks and a couple bottle requests too.  The brand specifically requested by the teacher of each classroom was Elmer's Glue.  It's really no surprise to me that the teachers at both schools specifically request brands they trust like Elmer's.  It's a brand most of them probably used back when they were students themselves.

Back to School: Coco Penny Hair Clips

Back to School accessories are seen as essentials for virtually any child, but extra important for the kids going back to school in mandated uniforms such as my own.  Suddenly looking unique and showing a bit of personality requires more creativity than donning a t-shirt that says "I love cheese".

Character and style is instead infused by the little things such as shoes, lunch boxes, pencil cases, earrings, and hair accessories.  And if your little ones style is a flowery one, you might have a peak at the darling hair items offered by Coco Penny.

We received sample clips for our review and quickly found they could be worn in one's hair alone, worn along with a couple more clips, attached to a headband, worn on a belt, or even clipped to an apparel item such as shirts and sweaters.

Colors, styles, sizes, and materials vary; visit cocopenny.com for more details.

Let your kids soar like a Superhero in Power Capes

Bird?  Plane?  No just one of my twin boys feeling superhero cool as they swoop and soar around in their very own power cape.  Perhaps I have an inner Lois Lane thing going on because I am totally in love with these capes!

Season 42 of SESAME STREET premieres SEPT 26th on PBS KIDS

Sesame Street is back for a 42nd season and in an effort to encourage school readiness, especially in the disciplines of science and math, the new season focuses on a STEM curriculum, an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math. Other season highlights include original songs and street stories; a brand new segment “Murray’s Science Experiments;” new “Super Grover 2.0” stories and new “Abby’s Flying Fairy School” animations. Also in season 42 are many humorous celebrity moments featuring Elmo, Oscar, Abby and their friends making keen observations and showing their interest in hands-on investigation...all of which reinforce and encourage preschoolers to say: “Let’s find out!”

Mars Needs Moms Movie DVD in stores today!

Take out the trash, eat your broccoli — who needs moms anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she's nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. In a race against time and oxygen, his quest to save her knows no bounds. And with some unexpected help, Milo just might find his way back to her — in more ways than one.

MARS NEEDS MOMS is now available for purchase in Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray 2D, DVD, and Digital Copy along or in various Disney combo packs.  

Giveaway Winners Announced

The winner of the Kraft Parmesan Seasoning Gift Pack is #125, AnnMarie D. W.  Also picked was the winner of the Manhattan Toy Busy Bug Count & Match Game, it is # 59, SugarDipes!  and finally the Walmart and P&G Family Movie Night Gift Tin goes to #156,  R Trexel!

Don't miss these 2 Giveaways Ending Tonight:

• Coca-Cola Beach Kit
• WhoNu Cookie Giveaway

Tom & Drew Boys Clothing

Whether you are looking for something to make a special impression on the first day of school, an apparel gift for the special boy in your life, or just love to shop for the little men in your life; you'll want to remember the names Tom & Drew.

Provided samples from their spring line proved to be made with exceptional quality and attention to detail.  Further, the items proved to play and wash well.

Find Tom & Drew items at a store near you by visiting tomanddrewboys.com and clicking on their store locator.

Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread (Giveaway)

Just in time for those rushed back to school breakfasts comes a sweet breakfast time saver! 

Land O Lakes has just released a new Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread that makes plain toast into cinnamon toast with a simple spreading of your knife. Yum!

You don't have to stop at pairing it with toast either. You can top pancakes, smear it on waffles, cook with it, bake with it ...

We've been our provided sample with English Muffins and it's gone over HUGE.  The kids love the taste and I love the fact it has stopped the mess I normally associated with cinnamon toast.  No more flakes of sugar and cinnamon all over the place, this spread keeps it all neatly on the toast.

Best of Back to School Apps 2011

Since so many households have an iPhone or iPad that will be utilized this year in some part of their back to school routine, I thought I'd share a list of some of my current favorite back to school apps.

Have any favorites I missed?  Let me know and maybe I'll follow up with a second part, but for now here's my list:

Hub TV network's “Dog Days of Summer”

With summer in full swing, The Hub television network, a destination for kids and their families, will present a special “Dog Days of Summer” programming event August 8-14 featuring a week of dog-themed movies, culminating in the return of all-new episodes of one of the network’s most popular series, the animated “Pound Puppies.”

Starting Monday, August 8, families can enjoy canine family-favorites “102 Dalmatians,” “Air Bud,” “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and “Cats & Dogs.” The season premiere of “Pound Puppies” will feature two back-to-back half-hour episodes kicking off at 9 a.m. EST on Saturday, August 13.

Little Tikes Zanymals

The beloved brand Little Tikes is at it again with a new toy for the preschool and beyond crowd to enjoy. This latest entry is a fun mix n’ match animal assembly entry.

We received two sets of the Little Tikes Zanymals toys to try out and the twins were very excited to realize that these animal creatures have parts that can be mixed up to make their very own one of a kind creature creations.

Tails, legs, arms, wings, heads, and jaw pieces can be easily swapped to make dozens of different silly Zanymals.  I found this toy had my twin 3 year olds laughing pretty hard as they showed off various combinations.

The more sets you have, the more options.

Something Borrowed on DVD August 16th (Giveaway)

The movie Something Borrowed (coming to DVD August 16th) revolves around longtime friends Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Darcy (Kate Hudson), whose relationship gets complicated when Rachel has an affair with Darcy’s fiancée. As the wedding date nears, Rachel explores the meanings of Friendship, True Love and Ethics.

Yikes!  I didn't make it to theaters to see this one (nor did read the book it was based on), but that premise of "borrowing" has me placing it on my list of "must sees" soon.

Chicago Area Readers: See The Adventures of Pinocchio for FREE this Thursday at 2:00pm

See The Adventures of Pinocchio for FREE this Thursday at 2:00 through this special offer! Call the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Box Office at 312.595.5600 and mention promo code “FRIENDS” to book your FREE tickets to the 2:00pm performance this Thursday, August 4. The Chicago Tribune declares “Pinocchio reels in kids and keeps them on the edge of their seats.” Follow Pinocchio as he tumbles from one slippery situation to another in search of adventure—and enjoy CST’s hit new musical that illuminates the bond between parents and children. Learn more online at http://www.chicagoshakes.com/pinocchio

Giveaway Winners!

And the winner of the "The Adventures of Pinocchio" @ Chicago Shakespeare’s Theater ticket giveaway is # 18 Jackie!

The winner of the Learning Resources Ice Cream Shop Giveaway is # 126 Sugardipes1!

 CURRENT GIVEAWAYS:

• WhoNu Cookie Giveaway
• Sprite Spark Parks
• Sneaky, Snack Squirrel Game
• The Help Movie Items
• LockerLookz Locker Decor
• Family Movie Night Gift Tin
• Coca-Cola Beach Kit
• Manhattan Toys Game Giveaway
• Kraft Parmesan Seasoning Packets & Wolfgang Puck Pan

This Week's NoN- Giveaway POPULAR POSTS:

• Best iPad / iPhone Apps for Kids (August 2011 Edition)
• Anamalz Wooden Toys
• SnackWell's Fudge Caramel Popcorn
• A Visit to Beaver Creek Stables
• Sylvan Lake in Eagle, CO

Best iPad / iPhone Apps for Kids (August 2011 Edition)

Our Kids Top iPad/ iPhone App List for August has Arrived!

This past month our family of 7 spent a good deal of time in the car driving to Colorado and back from our Chicago area home.  It was our last hurrah before school begins later this month.  Adding to the distance and time further were some planned stops along the way to visit various colleges for our oldest child.

Keeping our twin three year old boys calm and entertained the entire route wasn't as difficult as I envisioned it might be thanks in large part to some apps we downloaded for play on our iPads and iPhones.  When the twins snoozed, the older kids took turns playing the apps as well.

Among our many favorites this month:

WhoNu? Nutrition Rich Cookies (Giveaway)

When I received an email telling me about a new brand of cookies loaded with 20 essential vitamins and minerals, plus 3 grams of dietary fiber, I was convinced the catch would be that they would taste horrible.  Surely if it was possible to make a cookie more redeeming in the nutrition department without also making it taste horrible, it would have been done long long ago.  I was wrong.  It is now actually possible to purchase a couple varieties of cookies that are loaded with nutritional value, WhoNu?