Friday’s Fresh Picks: Back to School Favorites

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this post.  The post may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are my own

Hello Friday!!  Well we survived our first week of public school, the first bus ride and we even (after a month of stress and 3 days into school) found out that my 7-year-old finally got into full-time aftercare at his school.  The possibility of him not getting in had never even crossed my mind so when he didn’t, what on earth were we to do?  Two full-time working parents that live in a thriving suburb that is known for excellent schools and we were 5th on the waiting list for aftercare.  My mother-in-law agreed to watch our son 3 days a week but she is moving in 4-6 months.  My parents offered to help but they live over an hour away.  All people who love him but none were permanent solutions.  When I got the call yesterday that a number of kids had dropped out and we were in, I literally yelled because I was so relieved.

Now here we are…a bit calmer, a bit more relaxed and ready to take on the 4 day weekend before the hustle and bustle of fall sports, dance, school activities, birthdays, holidays and more come sneaking up on us.  Although it’s 90 something degrees out I have been gearing up the kids gear for fall.  With the new school year comes new supplies, clothes, jackets, shoes and gear.

Every year we try to go with whatever theme the kids want for their back to school gear and clothes.  This season Derek wanted lots of those high socks.  After paying full price at Dick’s Sporting Goods I found a ton at TJ Maxx for $2.99.  Then I got about five more pairs for what we paid for one! Hayley wanted to go with a My Little Pony and Frozen theme this year. She asked for glitter shoes and clothes pinks and purples (shocker!) Derek, surprise surprise, wanted Star Wars and hoods.  He loves himself a good hoodie.

We were sent some awesomeness from The North Face, Thermos and Chooze so the kids and I planned a little Back to School Photoshoot.  Please note, it was very hot this day so Derek might not have been as excited about “the shoot” as Hayley was.  But hey, we all have our moments!

Hayley’s Mini Crevasse Backpack from The North Face is absolutely perfect for her.  It’s just the right size to fit comfortably on a younger child. It has two zipper compartments that fit her Thermos 12 oz. water bottle perfectly. Inside she can carry her lunch bag, papers and more.

She is quit smitten with herself in this adorable The North Face Thermoball Vest.  The colors are perfect, the fit is roomy and easy to zipper.  Hayley has wanted a vest for so long, it’s finally here!

“Mommy, show everyone my shoes and make sure they see how sparkly they are” Hayley has had Chooze shoes before.  Her last pair had one pink and one purple shoe.  They were absolutely darling and she would get stopped all the time with comments about her shoes.  When she got these amazing Jump in Glimmer Chooze shoes, with one shiny and one glittery we were both so excited!  They are now a staple in her wardrobe and she trekked all over Disney in them because they are so comfy!

Doesn’t she look ready for her first day of Kindergarten?! Even Olaf is excited!! Let me tell you that Thermos Water Bottles are amazing!!  I’m a huge fan because they are so philanthropic and have donated so much to the Philly Promise Walk AND their products are top of the line, leak proof, wear well, wash well and keep things cold or warm.

Oh and look who peeked outside in his The North Face Denali Hoodie with the hood up of course! It was sunny, and hot, so this was the best he would do.  It’s tough being 7 and having a mommy that always wants to take your photo 😉

He perked up when we got back inside in the air conditioning. He doesn’t like being too hot or too cold.  Just like his mother!

Hayley was thrilled to pose for more photos inside.  This time she opted for The North Face Chimboraza Hoodie.  I LOVE this hoodie.  I have the adult version of this Shera-fleece and it is the coziest thing I own. Plus this color is just awesome on Hayley.

Hayley loves her My Little Pony Insulated Lunch Tote by Thermos and has been saving it for her first day of Kindergarten.  She says it’s her special lunch box.

Smile for a nice picture together!!  Or…just sit there and look at me with a blank look!

Derek is a huge Star Wars fan and his new R2D2 Lunch Tote by Thermos lights up and makes sounds!!  He couldn’t wait to use this for school and show all his new friends! He also has a Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle too!

We also labeled everything with my favorite, washable, adorable labels from Mabel’s Labels!

 

Check out all the brands used in this post on their websites

Mabels Labels / The North Face / Thermos / Chooze

 

Thanks for stopping by for this weeks installment of Friday Fresh Picks!! Don’t forget to go check out the rest of the crew!