MOB Recommended: Back to School Winners

Moms love to share what works! We've asked our MOB NW members to share a few of their favorite products and ideas for making back-to-school as stress free as possible.

Start the day off right!

School mornings can be hectic! We want our kids to eat healthy and get their daily servings for fruits and vegetables, but we also know they need. Vitamins and chewables are a good way to fill in any gaps your kids may have in their nutrition.

Jamie gives her kids Juice+ Plus fruit and vegetable chewables.

“They are a great way to ensure kids are getting whole food nutrition every day.” You can order from Jamie here.

---

Debbie says her kids like Arbonne’s chewable vitamins. “They are yummy, vegan, and pack in all the daily essentials.” You can order vitamins from Debbie here.

Despite morning craziness, your kids will ask to brush their teeth with fluoride-free Young Living Kidscents toothpaste! Shannon says “Both my kids, 1 & 3 years old, love to brush their teeth. I love knowing they are using a safe and effective product.” You can order toothpaste from Shannon here.

Make meals a breeze!

Elizabeth, owner of Healthfully Prepared, suggests adding Snackies, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, to your child’s lunch because they are a are a great grab-and-go snack! You can order from Elizabeth here.

Kathleen with Tupperware can help you pick the best storage and containers to keep your leftovers fresh and delicious!

Pick Your Dish’s logo is “You decide, we provide.”

Owned by Eleissa, Pick Your Dish offers new homemade dinner options each week.

All you need to do is select your dishes and pick up at one of her convenient Southwest Portland locations.

---

Give your kids their own stylish look

Although Tara is mom to boys, she loves the adorable Stella and Dot’s Mariposa Butterfly necklace and earring set. You can order from Tara here.

Rayah, owner of Pocket of Sparrows, creates custom clothes for babies, kids, and adults.

Pick your fabric, send her your measurements, and let her create something unique and beautiful just for you!

Rayah also has a private Facebook group where you can get first picks of fabrics, get behind the scenes information, and more!

---

Bedtime helpers

New schedules, busy days, and over-tired kids (and moms!) can make bedtime a challenge. Plan ahead with these bedtime helpers!

Olivia recommends Perfectly Posh’s Sleepy Sleep Skin Stick! “It is a shea butter filled with lavender essential oil. It will help kiddos go to bed faster than before. Apply under their nose and bottom of their feet. They will go to sleep right away,” she says. You can order from Oliva here.

Nicole of Oils and Dirt suggests essential oil ultra-sonic diffusers. “These are the easiest "gateway" to transition out of some really toxic items in most homes, as well as benefit our bodies in ways we never thought something that smells so good can do,” she says. You can order from Nicole here.

Krissie loves Pure Haven’s Kid's Body Wash & Shampoo. “The bubbles are safe and you can use all over, even for bubble bath. Smells like orange-cicle!” You can order from Krissie here.

Finally do your estate planning

This may seem like an odd addition in a back-to-school roundup, but estate planning is something too many people overlook. Candice Aiston meets with clients to discuss their needs, charges a flat fee, and includes a free plan review every three years to ensure you are getting the most of your investment.

Her process involves three meetings: the initial consult and plan design, a signing meeting, and a final meeting.  It is about a two-month long process; each meeting takes place about 4 weeks after the previous one – which means if you start now, you can have your will and trust in place by January 2017 (consider it getting a jump start on those New Year’s Resolutions!)

Pamper Yourself

You're  a hard working mama! You deserve a little pampering and time to yourself!

Selena of The Love YOU More Project is hosting a Girls Night on September 16th. This is a fun night of  hanging out with other women, gaining new perspective, and focusing on loving you more. 

Craving a massage, but can't get away? Massage therapist Chelsey Craft offers childcare while you get a massage at her SE Portland home. You can also meet her at her SE Portland office.

Or get a group of friends together for a three-hour everything inclusive art party with Eva of Eva Kelley Creative!

Bring More Creativity to School!

The benefits of providing children with opportunities to create art include improved motor skills, creative problem solving, building self-confidence, and many others. The Artful Parent has a good article explaining the benefits of art education, and the Washington Post lists 10 Skills Children Learn from the Arts.

Art a la Carte Mobile works with schools, daycares, home schoolers, teacher trainings, birthdays, and even corporate events. If you are looking to add fun and creativity to your school or upcoming event, large or small, contact Aria at Art al a Carte for a custom quote.

---