PRINCETON NJ special

Back to School Shopping Tips at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to take inventory of what your kids need to start the year (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff though; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff was staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see eactly what the girls got, below is our Facebook Live broadcast, which we did as soon as we got home.

I also mentioned that we partnered with two Princeton bloggers on this assignment. Check out their experience below: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jamie aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Hilary Morris is the community manager for Princeton Online. Get a peek into her life as a marketer, NJ influencer, girls fashion blogger and mom of 3 girls at @itshilarymorris. 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Hilary Morris is the community manager for Princeton Online. Get a peek into her life as a marketer, NJ influencer, girls fashion blogger and mom of 3 girls at @itshilarymorris. 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Back to School Shopping at Marketfair Mall
August 23, 2017

S P O N S O R E D 

There’s no denying the back to school shopping can be a stressful process. Between school supply lists, shoes that your kids have grown out of, and the clothes that they need vs what they want, your wallet is taking a hit before the school year even starts (not to mention that it's probably been quite active with all.the.food the kids eat during the day)! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be! We have some tips to help reduce the stress and the spending involved with the back to school shopping season. Princeton Online partnered with Marketfair Mall on Route 1 in Princeton to show how much you can accomplish for your first day needs at stores like Gap, Athleta, Barnes and Noble, and more. Keep reading below to see what I was able to pick up for my 3 girls and to learn some tips that have helped me through the years to make this process so much easier, especially on the wallet. On top of my experience, we also share what two other local Princeton bloggers accomplished on their sponsored shopping trip at Marketfair (Scroll to the end for links to their hauls). 

The first step before you even hit the stores is to have you and your kids take a look at what they absolutely need to start the year with (new backpack? new shoes? school supplies?) and then set a budget for yourself. Make it very clear to the kids what you will and won't spend money on. Allow some wants as well- and let the kids tell you what they like. Don't waste your money on clothes that they won't wear. There are bigger battles you will encounter as they get older. Having boundaries always helps set expectations, but let them be part of the process so you can get to know more about their personal style. They will appreciate having some choice (and honor your rules) in the long run. Browse the directory of stores at the mall and pick out the top stores you want to hit. If the stores have a website, let your kids browse and pick out the products and styles they like. The stores at Marketfair that were on our list were (in the exact order): Pottery Barn Kids, Athleta, GapKids, Barnes & Noble and Francesca's. It took us about 3 hours to tackle our list and the budget, but we were very pleased with our results! Keep reading to learn how I applied my shopping tips to our visit.

1. The first item on our list was a new backpack from Pottery Barn Kids. One of the mistakes I made this school year was to get my middle daughter a bag without a side pocket. Most schools require the kids to bring a water bottle to school every day. And where do they carry it? On their backpack!. There was nothing wrong with her current bag, but no pocket is a deal breaker. We stopped at Pottery Barn Kids, whose bags have been recommended many times in the past for their durability and staying power. With so many prints, colors and, themes to chose from, it was easy for my daughter to find her favorite (future vet in the house ????). In addition, they also have a small selection of supplies, plus bags and books for your little learners. 

2. Next on our list was clothing! Now here is where it's easy to lose track of Operation Back to School. We stopped at Athleta, which carries Athleta Girl,  and then my favorite GapKids for everyday essentials. The girls had a gift card for Athleta, which we used to grab some stretchy headbands - great for keeping hair out of their face for dance and sports. After that, it was off to Gap. I love all.the.things for my girls at Gap Kids, and so I have to stay laser focused on my goal. As I mentioned earlier, it's important to set boundaries with your kids. My girls know that they always get one outfit to start the new year, on top of the other must-haves that we need. In the past, we have always gotten a First Day outfit, but then it would sit in their closet and gather dust the rest of the year. This year, their new outfit would be something for when the weather turned. It's important not to over do it on the cold stuff yet; it is still warm out and new trends will pop up among their friends after school starts anyway. Get what you need now and then wait to pick up other things like coats, sweaters.  At Gap, we picked up a Minnie Mouse dress for my youngest, jeans + a plaid button-up shirt + cold-shoulder tee for my middle, and a "cocoon" cardigan + graphic T for my eldest. We tried on a few jeans for her, but the styles she liked didn't fit right. But that's OK. Brands will fit your kids differently, and that's another important part of the shopping process. If you know what fits your kids well, stick with that store/brand. 

3. The last two stops on our list were more like WANTS on the girls’ lists. We hit Francesca's for accessories and Barnes & Noble for fun school/desk supplies and Legos (with their gift cards). Francesca’s is geared more for high school through millennial women, but they have a great accessories and gifts section. It’s one of the first places I think of if I need a fun gift for a friend. And if you feel like your head spins when you go into unnamed accessories stores in other malls, the nice thing about Francesca’s is that it’s a small selection, but still the stuff they love. I also appreciate all of the motivational and empowerment motifs on the notebooks, mugs and more. At Barnes & Noble, it’s like the candy shop of books and gifts. My girls get so excited to go there and I never mind spending some money on something I know they want. B&N also has a section of fun desk supplies by kate spade NY, bando. and more, plus art supplies and lap desks. We did pick up a few desk stuff, but the girls were there to use gift cards on Lego toys. You can bet I used my membership for our purchases AND the snacks we got at Starbuck towards the end of our shopping endeavor. 

At the end of our adventure, I felt like we accomplished a lot! The biggest payoff is staying on budget, resisting temptation, and getting the girls ready for school with things they love! 

If you want to see what other local moms shopped for at Marketfair, click the links below of two Princeton bloggers who partnered with us on this assignment: 

The Boy Mom Perspective: Jaime aka Not a Rose Girl  <<-- Her video teaser will make your day! 

The One of Each Perspective: Sarah aka Smart Simple Savvy   <--- she snuck something for Mom too (we need a reward for all this hard work!) 

What are your tips for getting back to school shopping done? 

Back to School Feature
September 08, 2016

Back to School Toolkit for Working Parents
August 12, 2016

It’s the time of year when parents who have school-age children are in back-to-school mode. But not only should we be thinking about preparing our children for a new school year, we should also think how we can best plan our own schedule.

As a fervent supporter of parent engagement in education, it’s very easy for me to say that all parents should be actively involved in their children’s schools, become active members of PTA, and attend board of education meetings regularly. We know that doesn’t happen. In fact, I have attended meetings where fewer than 10 parents were present – out of a potential 20,000!

Today’s parents are stressed and scheduled to the limit. Parents who work long hours are not available during the day, and may not be inclined to leave home in the evening. So what’s a concerned parent to do?

Cindy Krischer Goodman, a columnist for the Miami Herald, recently interviewed teachers to get advice about how working parents can remain engaged in their children’s education.

Here are some of their suggestions for the overburdened parent:

• Communicating with your child’s teacher via email or phone.
• Making every effort to attend parent/teacher conferences.
• Setting aside one day or evening to be present, such as chaperoning a field trip or attending an evening program.
• Checking your child’s work folder on a regular basis.
• Reading with your child.
• Reviewing your child’s homework every night.
• Monitoring middle school students’ agendas and teachers’ websites.
• Checking high school students’ electronic grade books regularly, and communicating with teachers if there’s a problem.

Additionally, Goodman offers tips that have worked for her on her Work/Life Balancing Act blog. Here are some of them:

• Merge the school calendar into your work calendar so you can plan ahead for days off and half-days.
• Take your vacations during school holidays and use personal days for special events at school.
• Stock up on extra school supplies at the start of the school year so you won’t have to make emergency shopping visits after a hard day on the job.
• Get rid of the clutter as soon as it comes into the house.
• Establish a simple system by the door to assist you in remembering what is needed for each day, e.g., musical instrument for lessons, sneakers for gym. Have a receptacle there so you can leave the items you need in plain sight.

To be engaged, working parents also need to know what’s going on in the school and in the district. Here is my list:

• Become intimately familiar with your school, school district and PTA Websites.
• PTA Websites should give you the names of the PTA officers, meeting and event information, and issues for which the PTA is advocating.
• PTA presidents are a great source of information, so keep in touch with them if you can’t attend meetings.
• School and district websites should give you the names and contact information of all the important players from teachers to board members. You should be able to find important dates, time schedules, meeting information and minutes, policies, procedures and news.
• If you want to find out about the burning issues and controversies in your district with all sides represented, learn whether there are local weekly newspapers or online media outlets that cover your schools. They generally send a reporter to every board meeting and write about it.

Back to School Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics
August 09, 2015 By American Academy of Pediatrics

The following health and safety tips are from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Feel free to excerpt these tips or use them in their entirety in any print or broadcast story, with acknowledgment of source.
 
MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
    •    Remind your child that there are probably a lot of students who are uneasy about the first day of school. This may be at any age. Teachers know that students are nervous and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
    •    Point out the positive aspects of starting school. She'll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.
    •    Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your student can walk to school or ride on the bus.
    •    If it is a new school for your child, attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school before the first day.
    •    If you feel it is needed, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

BACKPACK SAFETY
    •    Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
    •    Pack light. Organize the backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child's body weight.
    •    Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
    •    If your school allows, consider a rolling backpack. This type of backpack may be a good choice for students who must tote a heavy load. Remember that rolling backpacks still must be carried up stairs, they may be difficult to roll in snow, and they may not fit in some lockers.

TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Review the basic rules with your student:

School Bus
    •    Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.
    •    Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
    •    Make sure your child walks where she can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see her, too).
    •    Remind your student to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street, just in case traffic does not stop as required.
    •    Your child should not move around on the bus.
    •    If your child's school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. (If your child's school bus does not have lap/shoulder belts, encourage the school system to buy or lease buses with lap/shoulder belts.}
Car
    •    All passengers should wear a seat belt or use an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.
    •    Your child should ride in a car safety seat with a harness as long as possible and then ride in a belt-positioning booster seat. Your child is ready for a booster seat when she has reached the top weight or height allowed for her seat, her shoulders are above the top harness slots, or her ears have reached the top of the seat.
    •    Your child should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle's seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4' 9" in height and is between 8 to 12 years of age). This means that the child is tall enough to sit against the vehicle seat back with her legs bent at the knees and feet hanging down and the shoulder belt lies across the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck or throat; the lap belt is low and snug across the thighs, not the stomach.
    •    All children younger than 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles. If you must drive more children than can fit in the rear seat (when carpooling, for example), move the front-seat passenger's seat as far back as possible and have the child ride in a booster seat if the seat belts do not fit properly without it.
    •    Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You should require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, and do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations,  texting or other mobile device use to prevent driver distraction. Limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather. Familiarize yourself with your state's graduated driver's license law and consider the use of a parent-teen driver agreement to facilitate the early driving learning process. For a sample parent-teen driver agreement, see www.healthychildren.org/teendriver
Bike
    •    Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
    •    Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
    •    Use appropriate hand signals.
    •    Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
    •    Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.
    •    Know the "rules of the road."
Walking to School
    •    Make sure your child's walk to school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
    •    Identify other children in the neighborhood with whom your child can walk to school.  In neighborhoods with higher levels of traffic, consider organizing a "walking school bus," in which an adult accompanies a group of neighborhood children walking to school.
    •    Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
    •    If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
    •    Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

EATING DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
    •    Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school, and have better concentration and more energy.
    •    Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home and/or have them posted on the school's website. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.
    •    Look into what is offered in school vending machines. Vending machines should stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice.  Learn about your child's school wellness policy and get involved in school groups to put it into effect.
    •    Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child's risk of obesity by 60%. Choose healthier options to send in your child's lunch.

BULLYING

Bullying or cyberbullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, over the Internet, or through mobile devices like cell phones.

When Your Child Is Bullied
    •    Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to: 1. Look the bully in the eye. 2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation. 3. Walk away.
    •    Teach your child how to say in a firm voice. 1. "I don't like what you are doing." 2. "Please do NOT talk to me like that." 3. "Why would you say that?"
    •    Teach your child when and how to ask a trusted adult for help.
    •    Encourage your child to make friends with other children.
    •    Support activities that interest your child.
    •    Alert school officials to the problems and work with them on solutions.
    •    Make sure an adult who knows about the bullying can watch out for your child's safety and well-being when you cannot be there.
    •    Monitor your child's social media or texting interactions so you can identify problems before they get out of hand.
When Your Child Is the Bully
    •    Be sure your child knows that bullying is never OK.
    •    Set firm and consistent limits on your child's aggressive behavior.
    •    Be a positive role mode. Show children they can get what they want without teasing, threatening or hurting someone.
    •    Use effective, non-physical discipline, such as loss of privileges.
    •    Develop practical solutions with the school principal, teachers, counselors, and parents of the children your child has bullied.
When Your Child Is a Bystander
    •    Encourage your child to join with others in telling bullies to stop.
    •    Encourage your child to tell a trusted adult about the bullying.
    •    Help your child support other children who may be bullied. Encourage your child to include these children in activities.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE
    •    During early and middle childhood, youngsters need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and supervise them after school until you return home from work.
    •    If a family member will care for your child, communicate the need to follow consistent rules set by the parent regarding discipline and homework.
    •    Children approaching adolescence (11- and 12-year-olds) should not come home to an empty house in the afternoon unless they show unusual maturity for their age.
    •    If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.
    •    If you choose a commercial after-school program, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.

DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS
    •    Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
    •    Schedule ample time for homework.
    •    Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.
    •    Supervise computer and Internet use.
    •    Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.
    •    Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
    •    If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.
    •    Some children need help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.
    •    If your child is having difficulty focusing on or completing homework, discuss this with your child's teacher, school counselor, or health care provider.
    •    Establish a good sleep routine. Insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for most adolescents is in the range of 8.5 to 9.5 hours per night.

 © 2015 - American Academy of Pediatrics

Back to School Feature 2015
August 09, 2015

Back to School Feature
August 09, 2012

Back to School often means head lice! Try a Natural Solution for the problem.
October 05, 2010
Hit with head lice? try a natural soltion to solve the pesky problem.

 A year ago my daughter came home from a wilderness hiking camp in Maine with a head full of lice. She happens to have an enormously thick head of hair and she was really infested. However, before I figured out she had lice, she had passed them on to her cousin. Now both girls had lice. Great! I did the traditional Nix treatment on both girls for two days running. Summer ended and we all went home. My daughter remained lice-free, but my niece kept getting lice over and over. My sister-in-law finally gave up battling the lice herself and called in the professionals. She found an organization called Licenders, Inc.  A professional “nit-picker” from Licenders, Inc. arrived at my sister-in-law’s house at 7:00 pm and worked on my niece’s hair until 10:30 at night. Best of all, Licenders used natural, pesticide-free products to eradicate the lice. Time consuming and a bit pricey, my sister-in-law thought it was well worth every penny. Everyone’s hair was inspected, the house was checked, the lice were gone and all-natural products had been used in the process. My niece even had a purse-size spray of “lice repellent” that she could keep in her backpack to spray on the seat in a movie theater or any other suspicious location.

Most lice treatments like Nix, Rid, Clear, and Eliminate use permethrin, a synthetic pesticide, as an active ingredient. The side effects can be skin irritation, nose, throat, and eye irritation, as well as burning, rashes, tingling and numbness. Usually these products have several inert ingredients that add to these symptoms. To put it in perspective, Nix lice shampoo has 4 times more permethrin than Raid Yard Guard; and Rid lice shampoo has 8 times more permethrin than Hartz 2 in 1 flea shampoo. Scariest of all, the lice are becoming resistant to these pesticides.

Licenders, Inc. offers natural products to solve the problem. You can buy their products online and do it yourself, or call them for an emergency home visit in NY, NJ and CT. Definitely worthy consideration if you have to tackle head lice this year. www.Licenders.com.

Back to School Supplies
August 26, 2010

Back to School Supplies

Save yourself a ton of time and simply go to Staples, grab a sales clerk and ask him which aisle you can find the 40 things on your Back to School supply list. Last year we went to several ports of call to shop and it took forever. This year? 25 minutes flat and we were out the door. Staples, God Bless. Plus they have a ton of recyled notebooks that are great and will make you feel slightly better about the $150 you may have to spend. 

Looking for a USB 2GB memory card and can't find it? They are at the register.

Aren't you glad I passed it on?

Back to School Feature
September 21, 2009
A complete listing of local schools, educational programs and services, recreational activities, informative articles, business listings, open houses, kids party ideas, helpful links, and more!