What's New at Lands End for Back to School 2015

The Lands' End Back to School catalog arrived in my mailbox this year in June when my daughter had 3 days left on the school year.  Kids in Virginia get out of school later than kids in most other states, but the back to school shopping season also seems to start earlier each year. 

When I browsed the catalog and found a few new or updated items that are definitely worth passing along. Below are a few of my favorites:

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Boy's Perfect Shirt

Boy's Perfect Shirt

Mom's of little boys will be happy to hear about the new Boys' Perfect shirt.  It sounds so awesome, my husband will want to try one.

Features:

• The armholes have been redesigned to give him more room to move.
• The easy care fabric resists wrinkles so he can wear it straight from the dryer.
• It has a comfort collar with an elastic tab button so it is never too tight.
• They added stain release to the cuffs and the collar to keep them looking great.
• The shirt wicks moisture, dries quickly and helps balance body temperature. 

Girls Performance
Zip-front Cardigan

School Uniform Girls' Performance Zip-front Cardigan

Last year, we reviewed the Girls' Zip-front Drifter Cardigan. It became her favorite go-to sweater all year long. New this year, Lands' End is offering a similar zip-front sweater. The collar on this one is smaller, more like a traditional cardigan and the fabric is a cotton blend. We're definitely going to have to try it out this year.

Features

• Resists fading and pilling for long-lasting color and comfort
• Easy-care blend feels soft as cotton
• Fully-fashioned construction for a great fit
• Full-zip front
• Easy-moving raglan sleeves
• 60% cotton/40% rayon-modal
• Machine wash/Imported

Girls' Button Front
Solid A-line Jumper

Girls' Button Front Solid A-line Jumper

We reviewed and loved the School Uniform Girls' Button-front Ponté Skort last season. The quality held up so well, my daughter will be able to wear it again for another season.  This year, Lands' End took the button look and put it on the classic jumper. 

Features:

• Easy-care convenience
• Functional front placket
• Top-of-knee length
• 65% polyester/35% rayon blend
• Polyester lining
• Machine wash/Imported

Boy's Performance Button
Front Cardigan Sweater

Boys' Performance Button Front Cardigan Sweater

This classic button front sweater is still available in the 100% cotton version, but now it is also available in a easy care cotton/rayon-modal blend.

Features:

• Easy-care fabric resists pilling, fading & shrinkage
• Rib-knit placket, cuff & pocket trim
• 60% cotton/40% rayon-modal
• Machine wash/Imported

(Photos used with permission from Lands' End)

Fun Find: Fringe Slip On Sneakers at Crazy 8

 

While browsing the uniform items, I came across these fun Fringe Slip-On Sneakers at Crazy 8's. They feature fringe across the toe with a bow.   They are navy blue and are canvas/man made mate They are available in toddler sizes 9 through girls size 5.  Regularly they retail for $19.88, today you can snag them for $9.94.

I think these shoes would be a super cute alternative to basic Mary Jane's with school uniform. Through Wednesday 7/22/15, you can get 50% off all regular price items at Crazy 8.

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Little Passports Caribbean Sail Away Sweepstakes (ends June 30th)

**The links in this post are affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

Little Passports is partnering with Princess Cruises to give away over $4500 in prizes, including a family cruise to the Caribbean!

ENTER THE CARIBBEAN SAIL AWAY SWEEPSTAKES today!

One Grand Prize winner will enjoy:

• A 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise for a family of four on Princess Cruises, embarking and disembarking from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
• $750 airline voucher 
• $500 worth of merchandise from DiscoveryStore.com and
• A 12-Month Little Passports subscription

Additionally, Five Runners up will each receive:

• A $50 gift certificate to DiscoveryStore.com.

The Sweepstakes ends on June 30th, so be sure to enter soon!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Caribbean Sail Away Sweepstakes begins 06/01/15 at 8:00 AM (PT), and ends 06/30/15 at 11:00 PM (PT). To enter, you must be a legal resident of the 50 United States, or the District of Columbia and be at least 21 years of age at time of entry. Void outside the 50 United States and D.C. and where prohibited. See official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure at www.littlepassports.com/sweepstakes. Sponsored by: Little Passports, 222 Sutter Street, Suite 750, San Francisco, CA 94108.

Gazelle's Stop the Spread of Unprotected Text Facebook Campaign #Ad

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




Be honest. Have you ever used a phone with a cracked screen?

If so, you've engaged in unprotected text, a very risky activity.

But all is not lost. Help Stop the Spread of Unprotected Text

As a part of their Stop the Spread of #unprotectedtext campaign,Gazelle is giving you the opportunity to bare your soul on their Facebook page!

In 50 words or less, share your story about how you broke your phone and why you continued to use it. Be sure to use hashtag #unprotectedtext and @Gazelle in your social post.

When you post, you'll be automatically entered to win a Gazelle Certified pre-owned iPhone or iPad.

Now is your opportunity to help stop this epidemic from spreading!
Gazelle's Stop the Spread of Unprotected Text Facebook Campaign

Madison Reed Hair Products #Ad

This is a sponsored post which contains affiliate links.

 If you click on a link and make a purchase,

I may receive a small commission.

All opinions are my own.

Madison Reed offers hair car products such as at home color kits including Permanent Color, Semi-permanent gloss and Root Touch up.  They also offer
shampoo and conditioners, styling products and accessories. What I like about their products is that they have found a way to eliminate the harsh chemicals and added nourishing ingredients that strengthen and repair your hair.

The Style and Tame set includes 2 products.  STYLE is a lightweight styling cream that provides frizz-fighting hold, while conditioning and protecting hair. TAME is a lightweight smoothing emulsion that makes hair more manageable and adds shine before and after styling.

1. Lightweight, frizz-free hold with STYLE
2. Smooth and shine with TAME
3. Nourishes hair with natural hydrating oils
4. Create both smooth waves and sleek straight styles
5. Make a one-time purchase or schedule convenient deliveries (cancel anytime) 

Have you tried these products or this brand yet?
Please share your thoughts below.

Even though I've never colored my hair before, I'm planning on trying their semi-permanent gloss product this summer.  I'll be sure to let you know what I think.

Featured Basics: Bermuda Shorts from French Toast

Update - This post was updated in May 2019 for links and sizing options.

It seems like we had a few days of spring then we fast forwarded right into summer.  We had temperatures in the 80's this week, and I had to go digging through my daughter's off-season clothes to find her shorts.

If you find you need new shorts for your daughter, check out these uniform basics from French Toast. The shorts are 97% cotton and 3% spandex.  They have an adjustable waist, button closure, and a modern fit, low rise.   They retail for a very affordable $12.98.

These Bermuda shorts are a best seller for French Toast.  They have them in all sizes: Toddlers (in a pull-on style 2T-4T),  girls (4-20), plus (10-20), and adult.  They also carry the Lee brand bermuda short in Junior's sizing (0-13).

If you need boys shorts instead, check out French Toast's Flat Front Adjustable Waist Shorts. The boys have a hook and eye closure instead of a button.   They are also available in all sizes:  Toddlers (in a pull-on style 2T-4T),  boys (4-14),  husky (10-20) and young men (31-38).

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast. 
If you use these links and decide to make a purchase,
I receive a small commission. 

Frugal Finds: School Uniforms on Clearance at Children's Place

This girl's Uniform Jumper is on sale at the Children's Place.  It retails for 24.95 but is on sale for $8. Hello, that is more than 65% off!  If you have a little girl that likes the jumper option for school wear, scoop this up now.  Order in multiples, getting her current size and then one size up too.  It is available in khaki and navy in almost all sizes. It is 98% cotton ad 2% spandex.  We haven't tried this jumper, but our other navy items from Children's Place have held their color very well.

In fact, just about all uniform items are on clearance at Children's place right now. You can pick up some girls Uniform Shorts for $6. The boy's Chino Shorts also a couple of bucks off at $15.00.

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Fun Find: George Girls' Skegging

I'm a fan of how Walmart bundles their George brand uniform items. I am an even bigger fan of how they allow you to mix and match colors and sizes in the bundle. The George Girls' Skeggingis a new twist on the bundle.  It pairs the George skirt with the George leggings which is a popular outfit pairing for older girls. The skirt is a cotton/poly blend with an elastic waistband which has a cute bow detail.  The leggings are 95% cotton and 5% spandex with an elastic waist.  The set is offered in girls size 4-16 in navy only. It retails for 11.88.

Do you, or your daughter, have this product? Please share your opinion about it in the comments below.

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zulily Private Event - Up to 70% off Kids Spring/Summer Shoes

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

Stock up on spring and summer footwear for your kids with the zulily 'Fun in the Sun Kids Shoes' event! Starting today, zulily is featuring a huge selection of footwear for both boys and girls, up to 70% off! This is a private zulily event that can ONLY be accessed through the shopping links below:

Girls Private Event - Up to 70% off Girls Spring/Summer Shoes - Shop Now!
Boys Private Event - Up to 70% off Boys Spring/Summer Shoes - Shop Now!

Make sure to head on over to zulily right away and take advantage of the amazing savings... because this sale ends on 4/30 at 6AM PST. Take a look at some of the featured items on sale:

Pink Metallic Flower Sandal $33.00 $14.99

Light Pink & Green Polka Dot Boat Shoe $20.00 $6.99

Purple Mesh Water Shoe $12.00 $6.99

Blue & Black Water Shoe $12.00 $5.99

Camo Green Marble Clog $10.00 $5.99

Black & Gray Double-Strap Sandal $20.00 $11.99

Fun Find: Boys Rock Paper Scissors Graphic T-shirt

I saw this Boys' Graphic T-shirt  while walking through the Lands' End department in my local Sears store.  The Rock, Paper Scissors graphics are so adorable.  The base t-shirt is a bright and cheery "Reef Blue".  It is available in toddler, little boy and big boy sizes.

It is 100% cotton, the same durable fabric as Lands' End amazing Super-T™.  It is regularly priced at $14.50.

American Girl Sale at zulily - Save up to 30%!

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.Attention American Girl fans! 

zulily.com has American Girl dolls, clothes and accessories on sale today, up to 30% off! American Girl items always go fast at zulily, check out the sale now >> American Girl Sale - Up to 30% Off

American Girl School Stripe Dress - Girls
$44.00
$39.99

 

 


American Girl Starry Doll Holder
$24.00
$20.99





 

American Girl Light Skin, Layered Caramel Hair, Blue Eye 18'' Doll & Outfit Set
$153.00
$104.99





About American Girl - Centered on celebrating girls and all that they can be, American Girl® is all about products that spark the imagination and teach the importance of friends and family. Made to educate, entertain and inspire, this indispensable book collection features fun crafts, brain-building exercises and problem-solving strategies that will stick with a girl every step of the way.

FeaturedBasic: Girls Uniform High-Low Hoodie

The Featured Basic Series shares basic uniform pieces for boys and girls that comply with uniform dress codes at many public, private, charter and parochial schools.

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My daughter is obsessed with the current Hi-Low trend in girls clothing. These items are cut to intentionally hang lower in the back than the front. We recently picked up a Hi-Low dress and a hi-low t-shirt for her weekend wardrobe. Children's Place has added a Uniform Hi-Low Hoodie to their girls school uniform collection. The hoodie is offered in basic navy and fuchsia.  Reviewers describe it as a thin extra layer that would be good indoors, but not warm enough to serve as a spring jacket. I think this item will be a hit with many school aged girls.

What do you think of the Hi-Low trend?

Gazelle, a safe place to trade in your old devices #Ad

FTC Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.



Like many of you, I tend to upgrade my phone and tablet every 2 years. When I first learned of Gazelle, I had a few old ones collecting dust sitting in a basket at my house. I heard that they were a credible company where individuals can sell their old devices for a decent rate. After reading reviews from sources I found credible, I decided to give it a try.

I visited their website where they walked me through the process. I told them what type of phone I had and its condition. They made me a fair offer and provided me instructions on how to wipe my device and package it for mailing. They even shipped me a cleverly designed box to use for free. I followed the instructions and mailed it off. A few days letter, I got an email that they had receive my package. Within another day or so, I got another email confirming that they found my device to be in the condition I reported. Since I had opted to receive payment in the form of an Amazon gift card, the email contained instruction on how to redeem the payment. 

It was stupidly simple! After using their service successfully, I then sold them another old phone. Then again last year after my latest upgrade, I sold them two more devices. All were simple and fair transactions. I was able to turn those old devices that were useless to me into real money I could use towards stuff I actually wanted on Amazon. 

One of the other things I like about Gazelle is that they don't send me a bunch of marketing emails all the time. I get an occasional email when a new device hits the market to see if you are planning to upgrade again, but they don't flood your inbox with messages every week. Its refreshing. If you have an old device laying around, I'd recommend you check out their site to see what your device might be worth. 

And if you looking for a previously owned device to replace one that has been lost, stolen or destroyed, check out their resell site. Gazelle has you covered with 'like new' devices at an affordable price that are all put through an industry-leading 30-point inspection to make sure that all features are fully functional and offers you the peace of mind of a 30-day risk-free return period, all with no contracts or strings attached.

Your invite to the Adventures of Ai World Charity Cup Launch Event on 9/9/14

You might remember that back in July, I introduced you to a new children's e-book called Adventures of Ai, written by New York Times bestselling author, Craig Bouchard. The story is a part non-fiction and part fiction fantasy targeted at girls and boys ages 9-12 for the pressures they will encounter as they grow up, and incorporates subjects like art, history, poetry, music and mathematics.

The e-book also has an app.  Player scores from the game are combined to facilitate the World Charity Cup.  It is a video game competition to raise money for 20 children’s charities (see end of email for list of charities) - anyone can play to win for the charity’s country by playing the free Adventures of Ai video game for App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) or the Kindle Fire.

They are having a launch event for the Adventures of Ai World Charity Cup next Tuesday (9/9/14) at the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago - and they will be streaming it live for everyone to watch.

When: Tuesday, September 9 at 4:30PM PT
Where: http://bit.ly/worldcharitycuplivestream
Who Can Attend: Anyone who would like to watch!
Special guests who will be joining us: players from the Chicago Blackhawks, team mascot Tommy Hawk and Ronald McDonald

Participating charities as of 9/5/14:

· Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago (USA)
· Child Cancer Foundation (New Zealand)
· Child Rights and You (CRY) (India)
· Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation (Australia)
· College Women’s Association of Japan (Japan)
· Foundation To Be Named Later (Global)
· James R. Jordan Foundation International (Africa)
· K is for Kids (Global)
· Magic Bus (India)
· Maria Social Welfare Foundation (Taiwan)
· Misericordia Hearts of Mercy (USA)
· Naples Equestrian Challenge (Global)
· Operation Smile China Medical Mission (China)
· Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital (Global)
· Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (USA)
· Taipei Orphan Welfare Foundation (Taiwan)
· The Dempster Family Foundation (Global)
· The Sony Foundation (Australia)
· The Working Youth Society (Japan)

Back to School Advice from WyzAnt

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WyzAnt.com is a website that lists thousands of tutors and private instructors in all academic subjects, musical instruments, foreign languages, computers, etc. Students come to WyzAnt to find local tutors by searching the listings, reviewing tutor profiles and communicating directly with the tutor. Sign up for a free account today!

Join me at the Lands' End Back to School Twitter Party

You're Invited!

What: Land's End Back to School Twitter Party

When: August 5, 2014 12-1 EDT

Hashtag: #FirstDayFaves 

Moderator: @NavyPlaid

Sponsor: @LandsEnd

About the party:
Lands' End has the same classic, high quality items that you know and love as well as many new items offered as the kids get ready to head back to school this year. Come chat about what's new in School Uniforms and learn what features to look for as you shop this season. Bring your questions:  I'll be online live along with several experts from Lands' End to answer your questions about Back to School shopping.

Follow along and join in the conversation by:

• Creating your own custom view with TweetDeck or Hootsuite 
• Following #FirstDayFaves on your Twitter search feed 

RSVP:

While its certainly not required, please RSVP below to let us know you're planning to attend and find others to follow. Click Add Your Link button.  Enter the information as shown below:

1. Title: Enter your Twitter username
   such as @NavyPlaid
2. URL: Enter the URL (including the http://) to your twitter profile
   such as http://www.twitter.com/navyplaid
3. Name: Enter your name here such as Uniform Mom.
   Note - this information will not display on the form.

(Image Source)

Pin These Budget Friendly School Uniforms for Girls

If you have a tight Back to School Budget, check out these school uniform options for girls that were selected for the our Back to School Best Bets:

Follow Uniform Mom's board Best Bets on a Budget for 2014 Back to School Uniforms for Girls on Pinterest.

Pin these Budget Friendly School Uniforms for Boys

If you have a tight Back to School Budget, check out these school uniform options for boys:

Follow Uniform Mom's board Best Bets for 2014 Back to School Uniforms for Boys on Pinterest.

Steps to Throw a Green Summer Party

As summertime begins and families head to the beach, the park, the mountains and other favorite spots in the great outdoors, it’s a good time to remember there are easy ways to celebrate our love of Mother Nature by throwing a green party. This post was submitted by Sandra Ann Harris Founder at ECOlunchbox, our affiliate partner.

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Step 1: Location, Location, Location

Pick a picnic spot you can walk, bike or boat to or arrive by public transit. If that's not possible, carpool with friends.

Step 2: Choose an Eco-friendly Invitations

Whether throwing a baby shower, a beach party, birthday picnic or backyard BBQ, you’ve got to let your guests know about the green fun you're planning in eco-friendly style! If it's a neighborhood party, print invites on recycled paper and personally hand them to guests. Or use electronic invitations, which are convenient and don't waste paper.

Step 3: Green Menu Planning

Great produce makes the chef's job super easy. Think simple. Finger foods like cut fruit, nuts, local honey and peanut butter sandwiches are simple and nourishing for all ages. Also, some cheeses, like brie and camembert, are lovely softened in the sun over fresh-baked bread.

Farmer's markets have the freshest and tastiest fruits and vegetables available from the area. Organic products are hormone and pesticide-free, making them safe to eat.

Make your own beverage and serve it in a plastic-free pitcher. That way you don't have to deal with all the cans and bottles.

Step 4: Waste-Free Dinnerware

Say goodbye to throw-aways and plastics. Ask picnickers to BYO dishes, water bottles, utensils, etc. This can be done tastefully if you explain you're hosting a zero-waste party and need some help to accomplish this.

If that’s not your style, pack a sturdy cardboard box with reusable items to share with your invitees, such as non breakable stainless steel picnic plates, reusable bamboo utensils, reusable straws, washable cotton napkins and sturdy mason jars for use as cups.

Sure you may have to do some washing, but much of this stuff will naturally decompose. Plus, you're saving money by going waste free.

Step 5: Showcase Mother Nature

Nature’s beauty is inspiring when it comes to setting the table in eco-style. Leaves, flowers, pinecones, twigs, seashells and other natural treasures can be showcased on your eco-friendly BBQ or green a beach party blanket.

Step 6: Clean up!

Clearly mark bins for recycling, compost and waste for your guests. Since most public parks don't separate waste and your efforts will end up in the trash, toss your separated bags into the trunk to put out with your recycling/trash pickup at home.

ECOlunchbox is offering several summer specials:

$10 Off Ecolunchbox BBQ Party Kit

$10 Off Ecolunchbox Beach Kit

Buy 1, Get $10 off Solo Cube Lunchbox

Helpful Technology for Parents

There are so many ways I use technology everyday to help with parenting and everyday household tasks.

• Use the reminders on my phone to jot down key to-dos with deadlines.
• I use maps to navigate to play dates and birthday parties.
• The phone camera - I used to carry a separate camera in my purse and take it with me everywhere so you can always capture that cute shot at the park or at the playground.  Then one day I realized that the camera on my phone was better quality then the camera in my purse. No reason to carry the camera anymore.
• Book and Game Apps - to entertain our daughter in waiting rooms.
• Calendar - All activities go on the calendar with invites to Dad so we both have it on our radar and can coordinate schedules.

The folks at Vanaia LLC offered to let me to take a look at their new productivity app, ScanWritr.  It is another tool that fits right in a Mom's toolkit.  The description of the new app is below:

ScanWritr is a fast-growing, easy-to-use professional document scanner and PDF converter. Simply scan that sheet of paper, watch as app’s Real-Time Edge Detection does its trick, fill out the blanks, sign it, convert to PDF and send it to the receiver via e-mail, fax, social media etc. – all within the comfort of your own mobile device!

 They created this video as a Tribute to the Modern Mom:

 

 

There are many useful reasons to get this app, but the first one to come to mind is to use it as a tool to deal with all of the cute stuff that comes home from school in the book bag. My daughter brings home a ton of art projects and homework assignment that are so sweet that you want to save them all. The problem is that if you did, you'd end each school year with a big box full of mementos. Don't know about you, but we don't have enough space to hold on to those items. This app gives you a way to scan and save the precious artwork in electronic format. You can then backup those documents with all of the photos and videos that we take and keep for sentimental reasons. 

You can check out the new ScanWritr app on iTunes, GooglePlay, Windows Phone, or on the Blackberry. There is a free and a pay version of the app. 
The tokens can be redeemed within the app – no purchase of any kind is required, since we also offer the free version of ScanWritr app. Vanaia LLC is giving away free promotional codes for the premium version of the app.  The details are below:
About the giveaway:

For Andorid, Windows Phone & Blackberry users: the code for a free fax token is: “SCANWRITRFREEFAXTOKEN”. There are 1000 codes in the total value of $990, which can be redeemed until 15th of July or until the 1000th was claimed.

For iOS users: there are 100 promo codes for ScanWritr Pro on iOS (premium version of the app, which otherwise costs $3.99)  A list of iOS giveaway codes can be found in this shared file. Each code can be redeemed only once.  Please note which code you redeem by placing a strikethrough that specific code, so others can move on to the next code in the list. Instructions on how to redeem iOS promo codes.