#TBT: KOOL-AID!!

It's a wonder my veins don't bleed this stuff as much as my brothers and I drank Kool-Aid growing up. Who needs Mommy?! We could make it ourselves. It was the go-to drink from morning till night. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oh and snack time too!! It was 24/7.

#MOMMYMIDDAY: I ASKED MY KIDS HOW I CAN BE A BETTER MOMMY ...

I don't like to be made a fuss over. And Mother's Day is no different. Being a Mom is the best role I've ever played but most Moms know or just Parents in general know that it is the single most "thankless" job ever. My approach is not being (I won't ever be), so presumptuous as to say I know all there is to know. I'm far from being a perfect Parent however what I do know and what I stand on is that I try my absolute best. Being a single Parent is a constant challenge and even days when I feel as though I've failed miserably ...Maybe I couldn't lend as much as assistance as one of my children needed with their homework cause I didn't have a clue either. Perhaps I yelled too much or screamed too loudly (don't act like you don't have those moments). Maybe I should've just allowed them to indulge and have more candy or just went ahead and bought the toy. Or I should've cooked something from scratch instead of reaching for that frozen dinner. The same as with anything, I tell myself "tomorrow is a new day" and "there is always room for improvement." There is no handbook to being a Parent. A lot of it, you learn as you go. For me, most of it is prayer and then acting in accordance with great examples set for me when I was growing up by my Parents and examples that continue to be set for me by other Parents in my life. I pay attention to my kids. I pay attention to what they say and how they respond and I talk to them. And I don't seek validation from anyone or anybody as it relates to being a Parent. Of course compliments are nice but I'm very much aware that I'm gonna get it wrong sometimes most of the time but God is my only gauge. 

As hard as it is though, I WOULD NOT change a thing. Being a Mommy is the best blessing that God has ever bestowed upon me and my children are the best people I know.

So this Mother's Day I switched it up. I have twins who are 8 and my oldest is 9. All I asked of them was to please clean the basement which is totally their domain. With the exception of washing clothes, I rarely even go down there. They rolled their eyes a bit but they agreed. And secondly, I asked them to please make a list of three things that they think I do well or that they like and three things they think I can do better or improve upon. I likened it to a conversation they might've had with their teachers before about what they excel in and what they can do better. It was just a spur of the moment thought. I just found myself genuinely wanting to know what they thought. They agreed and here's what they had to say ...

My 8 year old twin daughter was the first one to serve me her list yesterday morning upon waking me with her twin brother. It was barely 7a. I was sooooo groggy LOL! They are never up this early on a non-school day. They were excited about Mother's Day like it was Christmas morning. I think they were so proud of themselves because they prepared me breakfast in bed (total surprise) which consisted of O.J. and a bowl of cereal. Mind you, their older sister was still snoring away. She had the right idea. But my youngest daughter is the absolute most affectionate and sweetest child you will ever meet. She washed a few lone dishes in the sink left over from the night before and swept the floor before serving me breakfast. She handed me her list with a handmade card and her list follows:

Things My Mother Does Well

Feeding Me
Putting Me to Sleep
Keeping me entertained

Things You Can Do Better

Eating Dinner with us

Watching tv with us

Coming downstairs 

My twin son also 8 is coming into his own these days. When I show up at school or if he is in the company of friends, he doesn't like me to show too much affection but behind closed doors, he is a true Mama's boy and not afraid to extend hugs and kisses. His list follows:

Good

Cleaning up our room

Taking care of us

Feeding us

Work On

Taking us more places

Let me take baths instead of showers

Vacuuming

And my 9 year old who is really feeling her age these days. She will be a fifth grader next school year so she's really exacting her authority over her younger bro and sis. What she says goes (if you let her tell it). She's very independent. Her list follows:

Good

Being nice

Giving us what we want

Loving us

Work On

Taking us more places (sound familiar; I think she was peeking over her brother's shoulder)

Buy more school clothes

Don't yell at us

I found myself smiling moreso because they obliged my request. I thought the perspective of each of them was interesting. I expected much worse LOL!! I thought perhaps they would list we don't like that you make us eat vegetables or something LOL! Although my son referencing vacuuming I think had everything to do with him actually working on his list as they were cleaning up the basement. And does he know baths take way too long on a school night? I don't even remember the last time I took a nice long bath. Hit the showers! The three of them are road runners so they always like to "go" aka, take them more places. My 9 year old being a fashionista explained the reference to buying clothes and as she seems to be the one most punished these days, I guess she would prefer my not yelling LOL! I though my youngest daughter's response was most telling and I did tell her I would work on sitting down with them and eating more and watching tv with them more. As a single Parent, they are always first. I typically prepare dinner for them and either I eat later or as they are eating, I'm already washing dishes or checking homework or prepping for the next day and although I do sit down with them sometimes, according to my daughter, I don't do it enough so I told her I will work on that. After dinner if there is chill time, I am normally working honestly so I'm in my office during that small window before they have to hit the sack. But I told her I will work on that also. All in all, I'm glad I asked. I find wondering how good a Parent one is, is a consistent theme amongst most of my Mommy friends but instead of talking amongst ourselves, perhaps we should just go to the source and I'm glad I did.

I hope you had a Happy Mother's Day! Would you consider asking your kids the same? What do you think they would say?

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

WAFFLES ANYONE? WIN 10,000 BUCKS WITH #EGGOYOURWAY!!

How many of you Mommies with school-aged little ones opt for a quick and easy breakfast in an effort to lessen the frenzy? As a Mommy of three myself, sticking to a routine is key but I always love to switch it up and give my kids something to look forward to at breakfast. They are much less grumpy if I can offer a tasty treat. One such treat are Eggo frozen waffles. Eggo waffles are quick, easy and offer a perfect portion. And right now, Eggo is running a contest with a wining of not two, not five but 10,000 dollars!! You can also win a year of Eggo waffles. I previously won a year of pancakes. Trust, it was great!

All you need do is get creative and submit your recipe for a chance to win. Click bit.ly/eggoyourway. Not only can you enter but you can also view the gallery of other entries and get some fun recipe ideas too. Did you know Eggo waffles aren't just for breakfast? How about using to make a sandwich for a midday snack? The sky is the limit so grab the kids, get creative and submit your recipe for a chance at that 10,000 bucks (if I don't beat you to it :-). #EggoYourWay

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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

WEEKEND UPDATE: Featuring "A Child's Love"

Picture ripping and running from this place to that place. As a Mommy, do you know the routine? From this activity to that activity including my son's first basketball game (I'm hoarse from cheering), shopping, church and that's not all. As a Mommy, do you know the routine? I literally had to drag myself up the steps upon returning home Sunday evening, to change my clothes before preparing dinner. 

I stepped foot in my bedroom and immediately noticed two small envelopes laying on my

bed. I was surprised first and intrigued second. I noticed both envelopes were addressed to me. A smile drew across my face as I read the words from my oldest who is 9. Unsolicited. Un-asked. Un-requested. And most importantly Unconditional. The love of a child is unlike any other. The exhaustion I felt just a few moments before was fleeting and that which felt burdensome was instead a privilege. 

How does your child/children show their affection? What does it do for you?

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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram

"FOODIE FRIDAY": NOT JUST APPLESAUCE BUT AWESOME-SAUCE!

Winning whatever it may be, is always awesome. Imagine my surprise upon finding out last month via an Instagram shout-out, that I was a GoGo squeeZ #12DaysOfGoGo winner. What is GoGo squeeZ? It's awesome-sauce! So awesome that I was even more hyped to resume my "Foodie Friday" theme for the new year.

Launched in 2008, GoGo squeeZ makes healthy snacks more accessible. You can take your pick from applesauce to fast fruit. All of which are offered in the cutest resealable packages which contain 100% fruit in a variety of flavors (pictured at right). My "winnings" consisted of 12 packs of GoGo squeeZ each containing four pouches each in apple banana which is supper yummy! Not too sweet. Great texture and an ample serving per pouch. What I love most, you can grab a pouch and go and be healthy. I am horrible when it comes to eating breakfast particularly. Trying to get my lil' ones dressed and off to school is no small feat. And while I always ensure they eat, I don't pay just due attention to myself. Being able to grab a pouch of GoGo squeeZ is a quick and tasty remedy. If I know I'm gonna be out and about, I drop a couple pouches in my bag and keep it moving. And if my kids have a long day, I toss a pouch in their book bag. The packaging ensures no mess, no spillage, no accidents and you don't need a spoon which as a Mommy of three, is fantastic!! My kids (son pictured left), don't require my help to open the pouches. I don't have to cover them in a million napkins. And it's a good and guilt-free snack for me and for them.

All I need do or they need do is twist off the newly designed helicopter cap, squeeze and go. Thus, GoGo squeeZ. Follow my GoGo chronicles on IG @ bagladies.

P.S. - I've spied GoGo squeeZ in all my area grocery stores but visit gogosqueez.com to search specific locations.
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Click to Subscribe to #BagLadiesLIVE newsletter and don't miss all that's happening in 2014!

All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

NO, IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FOR YOU TO GET YOUR FLU VACCINE!!

Well, it's that time of year which means not only giving gifts and eating good but also tis' the season for cold and flu. I had the pleasure of dishing with Dr. Yabo both a Mom and Pediatrician regarding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's), efforts to raise awareness about the importance of you, yes you (me too), getting your flu vaccine. The effort is an annual one for the CDC however this year they are lending increased awareness during National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). Additionally, the CDC is embracing social media and partnering with Bloggers to get the word out. I was all aboard when invited to participate. Oh, and did you know the risk of getting the flu is that much higher for pregnant women and children under 5?

I was particularly touched by Dr. Yabo's efforts to lend a voice as I am a Mommy myself of 7 year old twins and a 9 year old. To put it simply, I don't play with the flu. I literally just reminded my children's Father a couple of weeks ago regarding the fact that they needed to get their flu shots. He promptly scheduled an appointment and they were in and out having been administered a standard dose of the vaccine in the form of a nasal spray which per the CDC is approved for healthy, non-pregnant people ages 2-49. And for all you Mommy's, the nasal spray is ideal because it's quick and it's painless so no crying or runny noses. It's so customary now; my kids actually look forward to it. Dr. Yabo sees first-hand the consequences of not getting vaccinated. A big misconception is that it's too late to get the flu vaccine. Unbeknownst to me, flu season does not typically peak until January or later and lasts up until May. The vaccine takes about two weeks to get into your system which means getting vaccinated now will still afford you protection. Other common misconceptions can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/misconceptions.htm.

• The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. The vaccine is actually meant to trick your body into thinking it has the flu thus providing full protection. Side effects such as a fever or sore arm are common. Your Physician should instruct you as to what to look for. You can find more here.

• It is absolutely necessary to get vaccinated every year. The flu virus changes from year to year and the vaccine matches the virus thus providing the best protection.

• Even if you've already had a bout of the flu this season, you can still benefit from getting vaccinated. If you've had it once, you surely don't want to risk getting it again and potentially spreading to other members of your family.

• You have many more options as far as where you can get the vaccine which includes not just your Physician's office but Health Departments, local clinics, retail stores and pharmacies. And most don't even require an appointment. No wait time. You can get in and get out.

Now is as good a time as any. As we all gather together with family for the Holidays and travel to and fro, you nor I want to miss out on the festivities surely nor put ourselves at risk for either getting sick or getting someone else sick by spreading the flu virus. Your best defense, get vaccinated now.

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) runs from December 8-14, 2013. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw. And you can follow on twitter @CDCFlu. 

Have you and/or your children been vaccinated? If not and if I may, what are you waiting for?

Happy Holidays!!
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New season lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram 

MY DAPPER LIL' MAN: A BLAZER IS A MUST-HAVE EVEN IN KIDS FASHION

What was previously my fave look may now have some competition. I love my dapper lil' man sporting this pinstripe blazer. I enjoyed pulling this look together and jazzing up his uniform. And I must say, this was part of this year's Easter suit. And if like most, often as Mommies we go all out for Easter yet the kids get minimal use out of the outfit. But the same as my daughter's have gotten more wear out of their blazers which accompanied their Easter ensemble, so has my son. This look didn't require much. The blazer was such a statement and further accessorized by the MadPax backpack (one of my son's faves), which added a bright pop of color. I just love this look on him and his facial expression although not the best, makes me smile. Get the full scoop on this pin at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school. Please be sure to like, follow and repin. #StyleMeBackToSchool continues ...

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram for #StyleMeBackToSchool looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

CATCH UP ON #STYLEMEBACKTOSCHOOL

We've added a twist of preppy, "layered" it on thick and tapped into tho hottest fall trends in kids fashion so far this week. #StyleMeBackToSchool continues. Here are the latest pins:

These looks are too cute and no, it's not just because my lil' ones are the guinea pigs for this challenge. It's been a lot of fun exploring ways in which a uniform can be transformed to an on-trend look. Do you have any style tips of your own? Share them please and I will work them into looks not yet showcased.

Please follow the #StyleMeBackToSchool board at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school/ and like and repin to score a chance for your child to be featured.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

THE "ACCESSORIES" HAVE IT. TOP FALL FASHION TRENDS FOR BOYS

Accessories are the best way for your child to flex his her creative muscle. The top fall trends for boys are hot and that much more adorable to me cause I have a son to sport the trends. This #StyleMeBackToSchool look features some of my faves from thick rimmed glasses to plaid. For details on this look, follow #StyleMeBackToSchool on Pinterest. Be sure to like and re-pin so your child can rock the trends. #StyleMeBackToSchool runs all month long.

What are your fave fall trends in kids fashion?

Check out the full scoop on the #StyleMeBackToSchool kick off and be sure to follow my "Style Me Back To School" board on Pinterest so that you can repin and share. Fantastic give-a-ways soon to be announced and a way for your child to be featured!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

IT'S WEEK 2 OF #STYLEMEBACKTOSCHOOL AND WE'RE "LAYERING" IT ON THICK ...

And displaying some of the hottest fall trends in kids fashion from moto jackets, hoodies and vests to floral hair clips, leggings and ankle boots. The same styles and trends that we swoon over can be easily translated to adorable age appropriate looks for your child. I love these featured FabKids.com pieces: Pyramid Stud Capri Leggings, Rocker Girl Vest (wish it came in my size), Mixed Stripe Hoodie, Stripe Play Legging

Be sure to follow #StyleMeBackToSchool at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio and get your pin on! Like and repin #StyleMeBackToSchool looks and recreate for your child adding his/her own touch. We aren't through yet. The challenge runs month long and our wheels are spinning with creative ideas to turn an otherwise stale school uniform into an on-trend look. Your child can be featured too!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

#StyleMeBackToSchool: Look 3!

Let's keep this going shall we! You don't always have to stick with traditional Back-To-School wear. Check the DIY tip.

Check out the full scoop on the #StyleMeBackToSchool kick off and be sure to follow my "Style Me Back To School" board on Pinterest so that you can repin and share. A new pin will be added each day. Fantastic give-a-ways soon to be announced and a way for your child to be featured!

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

#StyleMeBackToSchool: Pin 1

http://pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school/

#StyleMeBackToSchool runs all month long. The first pin is up! The focus this week is how a uniform can be accessorized to not only kick the look up a notch but your child's enthusiasm too. Check out the full scoop on today's kick off and be sure to follow my "Style Me Back To School" board on Pinterest so that you can repin and share. A new pin will be added each day. Fantastic give-a-ways soon to be announced and a way for your child to be featured.

Follow @bagladies on Twitter and Instagram and #StyleMeBackToSchool for looks and the styling behind-the-scenes.

Bag Ladies Radio is the "official media partner" to this year's #Blogalicious5. For an exclusive Blogalicious 2013 ticket offer for Bag Ladies Radio followers, fans and listeners, click here and enter BLRfriend (case sensitive), for a 20% discount.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

#StyleMeBackToSchool Kicks Off September 3rd!

Is your child required to wear a uniform to school? Do you ever wonder if his/her creative expression is being stifled at all? Do you ever look for kids fashion tips or easy to duplicate looks that are on trend? Look no further! "Style Me Back-To-School" is just for you.

Per a special edition "Mommy Midday" segment which aired last week on Bag Ladies Radio, (click here to listen OnDemand), the series continues with "Style Me Back-To-School." A month long showcase which kicks off September 3rd. Sourced from Nat'l Center for Education Statistics, 33% of all public and private schools in the United States now have a uniform requirement. Do you live in New Orleans, Cleveland, Chicago, Boston, Miami or Cincinnati? These locations top the list of U.S. cities requiring uniforms in public schools. Growing up, I never wore a uniform. I had complete freedom mind you my Mom didn't allow me to wear whatever but ...Being a Mommy of three children all of whom wear uniforms, I sometimes wish they had a bit more flexibility but at the same time, there are TONS of options. But often, I hear the same sentiment echoed amongst Mommy friends in that they don't really know what those options are. I had alot of fun using my own three as guinea pigs. They had just as much fun as I with this project. And keep in mind, not everything required purchase. Some of the looks were all about getting our DIY on.

"Style Me Back-To-School" is all about showcasing how in spite of a uniform requirement, your child can still define his/her style and be creative. "Style Me Back-To-School" is all about how you can take the most popular trends in kids fashion and create the hottest looks. Admittedly, uniforms can get stale and the process of wearing essentially the same thing every day can be very monotonous. But the most minimal accessory can change your child's look and kick your child's motivation up a notch too! The same as when you look good, you feel good, your child does too and will start the day with that much more energy and excitement for learning!

"Style Me Back-To-School" kicks off Tuesday, September 3rd at http://pinterest.com/bagladiesradio/style-me-back-to-school/. You can follow across all platforms via the hashtag #StyleMeBackToSchool. A new look will be pinned each day for a month. Stay tuned for details regarding featured brands, on-air dish and fantastic give-a-ways! And I may even be soliciting you to submit pics of your own child in uniform and how he/she expresses style.

5 WAYS TO CALM BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY

Today's the day and you would think my kids are starting school for the first time ...Ever. They are fine. My angst comes from a summer that has zoomed by so I don't feel as prepared this year. It seems like the school year just ended. I am thankful that my kids have had a summer filled with activity but I'd be lying if I said, I couldn't use another week or two even to ready myself for the routine mostly. You call it "Back-To-School." I call it "Back-To-Scramble." I'm not quite ready to resume the early morning routine of tearing the house up all to find matching socks, clean undies and homework. So here are 5 quick tips that help me and hopefully you too:

1. LAY OUT THE NITE BEFORE - I know it's hard. I have three. Most often, once they're in bed, I want to do the same but I know I will pay for it in the morning. Laying out clean undies for all three as well as socks eliminates the, "Mommy do you have?!" or "Mommy have you seen?!" the next morning
2. PACK BOOK-BAGS THE NITE BEFORE - Before my kids go to bed, I make sure they have put their homework in their folders and their folders in their book-bags. I've learned not to assume and I may even have to ask the, "are you sure?" Even if my kids are dog tired and their homework is all the way in the basement, I require them to go down there and get it. Not doing so just adds to the morning scramble.
3. PACK LUNCHES THE NITE BEFORE - My kids prefer packed lunches and although I don't do it everyday (sometimes school lunch appeals to their palette), when I do, I pack as much as I can the nite before particularly anything in their lunch that doesn't require refrigeration. Anything that does like yogurt or jello, I throw that in before closing up their lunch bag/box the next morning. NOTE: My kids adore lunch box love notes so I do these the nite before as well. So upon opening their lunch, they have a cute note from Mommy
4. DO AS MUCH AS YOU CAN COMFORTABLY - It's easy to stress particularly over school supplies but at the end of the day, if you can't get everything on that infamous and constantly growing list (Click here for a previously published post), because of either lack of time or lack of money, no worries. I've resolved myself to say whatever I don't have by tomorrow, my kids just won't have. They have the necessities. And I guarantee if you show up a week or a month after the school year has begun with additional supplies, your child's teacher is not gonna turn you away or refuse you.
5. KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE - Being stressed is a resonating theme amongst all my Mommy friends. One of the best ways to ease the stress and lighten the mood is to talk about it. I LOL with my friends all the time about what we are all going through in preparation. We dish on everything from lurking sock monsters that seemingly devour matching sock sets to our children who we sometimes have to threaten just to get them to brush their teeth or wash their faces to oversleeping from time to time.
6. BONUS TIP: This one really helps but it just requires a bit of extra effort. Noone wants to hear that alarm sound but I find if I set my clock in advance of when I need to wake my kids to allow myself time to relax, get in the shower and get myself together first, it makes a world of difference. Admittedly, the process of getting them together and out the door is that much more challenging when I'm trying to get myself ready too.

The consistent theme, "prepare in advance." And I say that knowing full well it's easy to digress. Some nite's the only thought in your mind or on your mind is getting the kids in bed because they faster they are in bed, the faster you can do the same. If you have any tips of your own, please share. I can use them. 

And don't forget to tune in to tonite's Bag Ladies Radio at 7:30p EST. My Co-Host, Trina Small of the +Baby Shopaholic, and I are dishing live on how we prep for back-to-school, hot trends in kids fall fashion and more! Joining in the dish is Head Designer of FabKids.com, Denise Kalinowski and more. Tune in live online at www.bagladiesradio.com/listen or eavesdrop at 347.327.9510 opt. 2. You can submit your questions or share you commentary for a live on-air shout-out by tweeting @bagladies and attaching hashtag #BagLadiesLIVE.

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For #BagLadiesLIVE segments, showtimes and more, visit www.bagladiesradio.com. Click to follow me on IG and Twitter @ bagladies.

Catch up on the dish you missed by going to www.bagladiesradio.com/listen. Scroll down to OnDemand and press play.

MommyMidday: My Kids Back-To-School Supplies Lists Have Me Scared

This List Makes Me Tremble

Back-To-School season is upon us. Is it me or do the supplies lists get longer every year? Is it me or are supplies requested less about the individual needs of your child and moreso about the class as a whole? Is it me or every year do you ask yourself, "how am I gonna pay for all this?" And for me particularly because I have three!

My jaw literally dropped upon placing eyes upon this year's lists of requested supplies. And mind you I have three separate lists. I am well aware of school budget constraints but I'm a single Mother so no expense is taken lightly be it school supplies or otherwise. We are now on a 5 day countdown to the first day of school and the thought of supplies not yet purchased is a bit overwhelming. Do you feel the same? I happened upon this great list of tips Authored by Erin Huffstetler, on how to save and shop for supplies more cost effectively like shopping at home first and shopping during tax-free Holidays.
The tips are practical and the writer knows her stuff if for no other reason than she and I share the same name. "Erin's" know their stuff. Click below for the full article:

How to Save Money on Back to School Supplies

"Does buying back to school supplies leave you feeling broke? It doesn't have to. Here are simple ways to save money on all those back to school essentials. Shop at Home First Before you head to the store, take a walk around your house to see if there are any items on your child's school supply list that you might already have."

How long before your kids return to school? Please share your tips on how you shop and save for supplies. I can use them and I may even contact you to lend a voice on-air. Show details soon to come.

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