SARAH'S BLOG OF FUN: August 2015

Saturday, August 29, 2015

PBS Kids Helps Teach Storm Preparations In Episodes Of Arthur And Daniel Tigers Neighborhood.

 


In honor of National Preparedness Month this September, PBS KIDS will premiere two new episodes of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and ARTHUR that focus on storm-preparedness.

The storm-themed episodes of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and ARTHUR will premiere on Tuesday, September 8th (check your local listings). Daniel Tiger and his friends learn important strategies to use during emergencies, while Arthur and friends learn how to cope with the aftermath. The new ARTHUR episode features special guest star Idina Menzel as a caring therapist named Dr. Paula.

Digital resources will also be available online as tools to help parents discuss natural disasters and other frightening topics with kids.

In addition to these storm-themed episodes, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD and ARTHUR will premiere new episodes all week long beginning September 7th as part of a special premiere week on PBS KIDS. New episodes of preschool math series PEG + CAT will also premiere that week.

 
Idina Menzel in ARTHUR

New Episodes Premiering September 7-10, 2015 (check local listings):

ARTHUR:
“Whip. Mix. Blend./Staycation”– premieres Monday, September 7
When Rattles’ mom starts dating Archie Vanderloo, Rattles finds himself spending lots of time with Archie’s kids. The problem is, Rattles doesn’t have anything in common with these twins! Can this blended family learn to get along? / Arthur offers to babysit so that his parents can enjoy some peace and quiet in the backyard. What could go wrong? With D.W. on the loose…just about everything! Educational objectives: Rattles learns how to adjust to life in a blended family; Arthur and D.W. learn when to ask for help.

“Shelter From the Storm” (Parts 1 & 2) – premieres Tuesday, September 8
When a powerful hurricane hits Elwood City, everyone's affected. Ladonna’s dad is called up by the Army Corps of Engineers. Muffy relocates to a shelter, while Arthur struggles to reunite lost pets and owners. And Brain seeks the help of a therapist — voiced by special guest Idina Menzel — to help him manage his anxiety. Educational objective: Arthur and friends realize the importance of family, friendship, and the support and compassion of others in times of crisis.

“Arthur Read: Super Saver!/Tibbles to the Rescue!”– premieres Wednesday, September 9
Business is slow for Mr. and Mrs. Read, and Arthur is concerned. Can this “super saver” find ways to keep his family in the green? / When D.W. saves Tommy and Timmy from a nasty fall, they decide to repay the favor…whether D.W. likes it or not. Educational objectives: Arthur learns how his family can work together to save money; the Tibbles learn how to accept and reciprocate kindness.

“The Pageant Pickle/Some Assembly Required”– premieres Thursday, September 10
School is almost out and Arthur can hardly wait for those lazy summer days by Muffy’s pool. Nothing could ruin such a happy time of year… except maybe — D.W.’s Spring Pageant! / D.W. can’t wait to test out her new play set! But while it’s being built, she’ll have to settle for the box. With the help of Bud and Emily, D.W. realizes her imagination is way better than any toy! Educational objectives: Arthur learns that being a good older brother sometimes means making sacrifices; D.W. learns that the best toy is her imagination.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD:
“Nighttime in the Neighborhood” – premieres Monday, September 7
Tonight is a special night in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. In this half-hour episode, Daniel and his friends are going to a pajama party at the library! As Daniel and his family walk through the moonlit neighborhood, Daniel learns about all of the things that look and sound different at night. Strategy: Let’s find out what’s special at night.

“A Storm in the Neighborhood/After the Neighborhood Storm” – premieres Tuesday, September 8
There's a big storm coming to the Neighborhood. Daniel and his friends are a little frightened at first, but the grown-ups have a plan to keep everyone safe. / The big storm that came through the Neighborhood has passed. But now everything looks different, with leaves all over, trees knocked down and window shutters fallen — it's a scary thing for Daniel and his friends to see. But they are comforted to know that everyone is safe and there are helpers everywhere, coming together to fix the Neighborhood. Strategy: Take a grown-up’s hand, follow the plan and you’ll be safe.

“Margaret’s First Chime Time/Tiger Family Fun” – premieres Wednesday, September 9
Today, the Tiger Family is taking Margaret to the Clock Factory for her very first “Chime Time!” As they travel to the Clock Factory, Daniel notices how other families in the Neighborhood spend time together. / Daniel and his family head to the Enchanted Garden, only to find Miss Elaina and her family doing one of their special family traditions: pick-your-own-dinner! The Tiger Family joins in, and even adds a few traditions of their own! Strategy: I like to be with my family.

“Looking for Snowball/Daniel’s Neighbors Help” – premieres Thursday, September 10
Oh no! Snowball, the class pet, has gone missing! As all the neighbors band together to search for Snowball, Daniel realizes how good it feels to be part of a neighborhood. But will they find Snowball? / Achoo! The Tiger Family is under the weather! Daniel is sent home from school because he doesn’t feel well and Mom Tiger is couch-bound! Lucky for them, their neighbors are at the ready to bring them soup, books and encouragement to help them feel better. Strategy: A neighbor is here to help!

PEG + CAT:
“The Wonderland Problem/The Bat Mitzvah Problem” – premieres Monday, September 7
Landing in Wonderland, Peg and Cat eat berries to grow bigger or smaller in their quest to  retrieve Peg’s stick from the Queen of Hearts. / Peg and Cat help Tessa’s Bat Mitzvah run smoothly by keeping an eye on Uncle Phil, who thinks he can do 10 more of everything than he actually can. Primary educational objectives: calculating height and length; seeing a 10 in teen numbers

“The Robin Hood Problem/The Owl and the Pussycat Problem” – premieres, Tuesday September 8
Robin Hood can’t tell how to redistribute the goodies! So Peg and Cat teach him more and less. / The Pig will give Cat the hat he needs to warm his ears only if Peg and Cat will give him “infinity.” So Peg and Cat sail off in search of infinity. Primary educational objectives: strategies for determining “more” and “less,” counting, estimating and weighing; the concept of infinity

“The Ring Problem/The Wedding Problem” – premieres Wednesday, September 9
When the Giant drops the diamond ring he’s about to give Giantess, it bounces into a pipe. He needs his very small friends Peg and Cat to get it back. / When Peg and Cat are chosen to organize the Giants’ wedding, they must get the 12 steps for a giant wedding in just the right order. Primary educational objectives: learning ordinal numbers; ordering events over time

“The Bermuda Triangle Problem/The Breeze in the Branches” – premieres Thursday, September 10
While on their beach vacation, Peg, Cat and the Pig tumble through a portal to a bizarre triangular universe. / The Toad brings Peg and Cat to the forest where he grew up and introduces them to his old friends and his old patterns. Primary educational objectives: learning about triangles; identifying, creating and extending simple patterns.


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Explorer: Warloards Of Ivory Premieres Tomorrow On National Geographic Channel #natgeochannel #natgeoexplorer



Sunday, August 30 at 8/7c on NATIONAL GEOGRAPHC CHANNEL

In the return of National Geographic's critically acclaimed documentary series EXPLORER, follow veteran investigative reporter Bryan Christy on his daring journey to track and expose the illegal global ivory trade. Working with one of the world’s top taxidermists, he conceals a sophisticated GPS tracker inside an incredibly realistic faux ivory tusk and drops it in the heart of ivory poaching country and monitors its movements to track down the kingpins of the ivory trade.





Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Kohls Makes #BackToSchool Shopping Easy And Saves You Money!!

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was given a gift card as a thank you for writing this post.** 


It's that time of year again.  The kids are on their way Back to School.  My boys started yesterday.  As any parent will know, this time of year can get quite expensive.  The school supply lists from the teachers get longer and longer each year.  My boys backpacks were quite heavy yesterday bringing all that stuff in!!

One thing you can save a ton on for Back to School is clothes, by shopping at Kohl's.  I hit my local store a couple days ago, and check out some of the great finds I found.

















I was so excited to find my boys three shirts each, two shorts each, one pair of pants each and a new pair of sneakers each.  Every item was on sale, and I was able to use an additional 20% off coupon.  For all of those items, I spent only $53.47!!! 

I also earned $10 in Kohl's cash that I can use on a future trip, and $5 in Yes2You Rewards!!

Enroll in Yes2You Rewards and you'll earn 1 point for every dollar spent (no matter how you pay!), and get a $5 reward for every 100 points. Plus, you’ll get eight savings offers every year, guaranteed, plus a special birthday gift, opportunities to earn bonus points and so much more. We'll even have some surprises for you along the way.  For the days when there's no sales running, you can find kohls promos and deals at ChameleonJohn.com. They always have awesome deals and coupons for Kohls.com

If you are in need of Back to School clothes, and you like high quality at low costs, make sure you check out Kohl's!!  Don't forget for every $50 you spend, you get $10 back in Kohl's cash.  That can really add up!!

Let me know what you score for great deals!!



Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

blu e-Cigs: Electronic Cigarette Review #bluPLUS #CollectiveBias #Ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. Readers must be 18 years of age or older. All opinions are mine alone. #bluPLUS #CollectiveBias

I know a lot of smokers, and one of the top complaints about smoking is the smell.  My neighbor has been smoking for many years; and his wife hates the smell.  I mean HATES the smell.  It lingers on your clothes, in your car, in your home, and even in your hair and on your skin.

Recently my neighbor (his name is Ben) started using the blu PLUS+ e-Cigs.  I asked him how he liked it so I could learn first-hand how they work, and if his wife is a much happier lady!!




The first thing Ben said was "I love it!!"  He said it is perfect for him.  He likes the fact that he can smoke as much as he wants without any waste.  With regular cigarettes, he had to smoke the whole thing, or waste it.  Now if he needs just one quick drag, or if he only has a minute for a break, he can smoke just a couple drags and go.  No waste.  

The second thing he loves about the blu PLUS+ is that the flavors are terrific.  He has used the Classic Tobacco, Magnificent Menthol, Peach Schnapps and I just got him Vivid Vanilla, and Pina Colada.  Out of all the flavors, his favorite is the Peach Schnapps.  The flavors are just the right amount.  Not too over powering, and not so weak you can't taste them.  With a wider variety then just regular cigarettes, Ben is much happier!!

I went onto blu's site to order Ben some more tanks, and the ordering process is extremely easy.  At the top of the site is the Store tab.  Click on that, and you can purchase complete kits, just tanks, and disposables.  You can also find a store near you as well.  I clicked on the tanks link, added the two flavors I wanted to my cart, checked out and went!! The tanks arrived just a couple days later.  Fast and easy!!

My next question for Ben was "How hard is it to use?"  He explained how and I am amazed at how easy.  When you receive the blu PLUS+ Xpress Kit, you receive two tanks, the e-Cig, and the USB Charger.  




The e-Cig has enough charge to get you started.  All you have to do is screw in the tank to the e-Cig.




To charge the e-Cig, you unscrew the tank, and screw in the USB port.  Then connect to your computer.



Simple and easy to use!!  I am very impressed with this device, and the fact that it has a one year warranty. If for any reason your e-Cig stops working, you can return it through the blu site, and they will ship you a replacement with-in 48 hours.

blu also has a terrific rewards program.  The blu Nation Rewards program offers free stuff just for buying blu!  In the Xpress Kit that I got, I received a $10 off coupon for tanks, and points to put towards free stuff!! 

Now the most important question, I have yet to answer.  How is the smell??  According to Ben, his wife has had no complaints over that smell (lol maybe other ones though!!)  Ben says there is no smell that lingers, and even when he uses the device in the house, the smell that comes out of the e-Cig actually smells nice.  

So to give you the cliffs notes, the e-Cig is easy to use, tastes great, smells good, and is very reasonably priced.  Right now, the blu PLUS+ Xpress Kit is bundled with a free pack of flavor tanks.  This means that the bundle includes $30 worth of products for only $14.99!  That is a really good deal, especially considering you get on average 550+ puffs per tank!!

To learn more about blu, you can visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.  That way you can learn about new flavors and deals as soon as they are released!!  


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Friday Giveaway Link Up 8/28/15

Have a great weekend everyone!!



  Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Monday, August 24, 2015

Tiger-Tastic 3 Pack Of Daniel Tigers DVD's Available September 29th. #PBSKids







NEW “TIGER-TASTIC 3 PACK” INCLUDES THREE DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD DVDS 

Hit PBS KIDS Series DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD Helps Children
Develop Key Social and Emotional Skills for School and Life
 
DVD 3 Pack Available from PBS Distribution September 29 

Arlington, Va. – August XX, 2015 – PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing the “TIGER-TASTIC 3 PACK” on September 29, 2015. This new DVD set includes 24 tales, and two bonus stories, from The Fred Rogers Company’s popular PBS KIDS series DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD. The DVDs included in this three pack are “Life’s Little Lessons,” “Daniel’s Big Feelings,” and “Daniel Tries Something New.” The “TIGER-TASTIC 3 PACK” features stories that will help kids as they’re faced with challenges and experience new emotions, such as jealousy and frustration.

The “TIGER-TASTIC 3 PACK” has a run time of approximately 300 minutes, and its SRP is $19.99. Information about the DVDs included in the set is below.

Life’s Little Lessons – Kids will learn about going to the potty with Daniel in two stories. A fun little song will help young children. “When you have to go potty, stop and go right away. Flush and wash and be on your way.” Other stories featured on this DVD are “Daniel Visits School,” “Daniel Visits the Doctor,” “Daniel Shares his Tigertastic Car,” “Katerina Shares her Tutu,” “Good Morning Daniel,” and “Goodnight Daniel.”

Daniel’s Big Feelings – Daniel helps teach kids about a wide range of emotions in this DVD such as frustration, jealousy, and empathy. In the story “Someone Else’s Feelings,” Daniel is using a hammer as he pretends to fix Trolley, but Daniel’s hammering is too loud for O the Owl and hurts his ears. Mom Tiger sees that O the Owl is uncomfortable and talks to Daniel about thinking about O the Owl’s feelings. Other stories featured on this DVD are “Empathy at School,” “Duckling Goes Home,” Daniel Feels Left Out,” “Daniel Gets Frustrated,” “Frustration at School,” “Daniel is Jealous,” and “Jealousy at the Treehouse.” Two bonus stories are also on this DVD – “Daniel Gets Mad” and “Katerina Gets Mad.”

Daniel Tries Something New – This grr-ific DVD includes important lessons about waiting, playing together, the fact that grownups come back, and working together. In the tale “Teacher Harriet’s Birthday,” Daniel, his classmates, and Mom Tiger decorate the classroom for Teacher Harriet’s birthday. As Daniel and friends work to create a rainbow from streamers, they uncover that, “if you can’t do it alone work together!” Other stories featured on this DVD are “Daniel’s Babysitter,” “Daniel Goes to School,” “Prince Wednesday Finds a Way to Play,” “Finding a Way to Play on Backwards Day,” “Daniel Waits for Show and Tell,” “A Night Out at the Restaurant,” and “The Dragon Dance.”

About The Fred Rogers CompanyThe company was founded by Fred Rogers in 1971 as the non-profit producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood for PBS. In the years that followed, it not only created hundreds of episodes of this much-loved program, but also extended Fred’s values and approach to other efforts in promoting children’s social, emotional and behavioral health and supporting parents, caregivers, teachers and other professionals in their work with children. The Fred Rogers Company continues to build on Fred’s legacy in innovative ways through a wide variety of media, and engaging new generations of children and families with his timeless wisdom. The company’s highly rated, award-winning children’s series include Daniel Tiger’s NeighborhoodPeg + Cat and Odd Squad. For more information, visit www.fredrogers.org.

About Out of the Blue Enterprises:
Out of the Blue Enterprises is a leader in children’s educational media, with a portfolio of breakthrough, interactive, and curriculum-based entertainment concepts that span a variety of viable platforms, including television, video, mobile apps, and consumer products. Out of the Blue creates and produces Super WHY, the hit Emmy-nominated literacy series on PBS KIDS;  Creative Galaxy, a new interactive art series for Amazon Studios; Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the animated series inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood; and Nickelodeon’s Blue’s Room, and handles all licensing and merchandising activity for Super WHY and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. The company also develops top-rated mobile educational game apps, including Super WHY, and Colorforms. Out of the blue recently acquired the nostalgic Colorforms brand, with the intent to develop and expand across all media and toy platforms.   Led by Co-Founders Angela C. Santomero, Creator of the hit preschool entertainment franchise, Blue’s Clues; and Samantha Freeman, a former Nickelodeon and toy industry executive, Out of the Blue aims to engage kids and families with age-appropriate, entertaining, and engaging learning experiences.  www.outoftheblueenterprises.com

About PBS Distribution
PBS Distribution is the leading media distributor for the public television community, both domestically and internationally, extending the reach of these programs beyond broadcast while generating revenue for the public television system, stations, and producers.

PBS Distribution offers a diverse range of programming to our customers, including Ken Burns’s films, documentaries from award-winning series such as NOVA, FRONTLINE, AMERICAN MASTERS, NATURE, and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, dramas from MASTERPIECE, as well as films from independent producers and popular children’s programming. PBS Distribution offers consumers high-quality content in multiple formats including DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and digital streaming, and is also a leading source for factual content for international broadcast, cable, and satellite services.

About PBS KIDS PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs.  Kidscreen- and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD: TIGER-TASTIC 3 PACK
Street Date: September 29, 2015
Genre: Kids
Run Time: Approximately 300 Minutes
SRP: $19.99
Format: DVD



Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Transformers Prime: Ultimate Decepticons On DVD September 8th

Shout Kids logohasbro_studios_logo_1

Decepticons! Attack!

TRANSFORMERS PRIMEULTIMATE DECEPTICONS

DVD DEBUTS ON HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHELVES
ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY KIDS
Spring into action with the Autobots from Hasbro Studios’ Emmy® Award-winning series TRANSFORMERS PRIME!  Beloved by kids and legions of fans worldwide, OPTIMUS PRIME boldly serves as the leader of an elite squad of trusted Autobots. OnSeptember 8, 2015, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release TRANSFORMERS PRIME: ULTIMATE DECEPTICONS on DVD, featuring a collection of five epic Autobots vs. Decepticons adventures from the TRANSFORMERS PRIME lore. Packed with visually stunning CG animation and unforgettable characters, this new DVD delivers fun-filled home entertainment that kids and parents will enjoy!
While the Autobots have vowed to protect Earth, Megatron and his treacherous Decepticons have vowed to strip it of its valuable Energon, no matter the cost. Somehow, Optimus Prime and his Autobots always seem to get in the way. WithUltimate Decepticons, you can now see five of the greatest Decepticon stories, featuring Starscream, Skyquake, Makeshift, Airachnid, Dreadwing, Predaking, Knock Out and more of your all-time favorite transforming villains!

Five action-packed episodes include:
·         Masters And Students
·         Con Job
·         Crossfire
·         Prey
·         Thirst

Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Josh Keaton, Jeffrey Combs, Kevin Michael Richardson, Will Friedle, Sumalee Montano, Ernie Hudson, Markie Post and Steve Blum lend their voices to this hit series produced by Hasbro Studios. TRANSFORMERS PRIME is executive produced by Duane Capizzi, Jeff Kline, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci.

About Hasbro Studios
Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS). The studio is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling for the company across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. It develops, produces and distributes TV shows based on Hasbro's world class brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Many of these shows air on the Hub Network, a U.S. television network for kids and their families, that is a joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Hasbro Studios shows can also be seen on networks in more than 180 territories globally.  Since its formation in 2009, the studio has received seven Daytime Emmy wins and 16 nominations.  On the film side, the studio is developing and producing a number of features based on Hasbro's brands, including TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION (Paramount), G.I. JOE 3 (Paramount) and CANDY LAND (Sony).  The studio team also oversees the production of commercials that feature Hasbro's brands as well production of short-form content that can be seen on all of the major digital and social media platforms globally.

About Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform media company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture.  Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s entertainment offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials in lavish packages crammed with extras.  Shout’s audio division boasts GRAMMY®-nominated box sets, Broadway cast albums, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations.  In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast digital distribution network which delivers video and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America.  Shout! Factory also owns and operates Shout! Factory TV, Scream Factory, Timeless Media Group, Westchester Films, Biograph Records, Majordomo Records, HighTone Records and Video Time Machine. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention.  Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com


Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

Office Depot Celebrates It's 15th Year Of It's National Sackpack Program #BackToSchool



OFFICE DEPOT FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 15TH YEAR OF NATIONAL BACKPACK PROGRAM BY DONATING 200,000 SACKPACKS TO DESERVING CHILDREN

Award-Winning Program Makes a Difference to 3.7 Million Kids since 2001

BOCA RATON, Fla., August 3, 2015 - For the past 15 years, the Office Depot Foundation has been giving children important tools they need to succeed in school – and in life - at the beginning of the new school year. 

This year is no exception.  In 2015, the Foundation - the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot®(NASDAQ:ODP) - is celebrating the 15th year of its award-winning National Backpack Program by donating 200,000 colorful new sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies across the United States and internationally. 

By the end of 2015, Office Depot and the Office Depot Foundation will have given away more than 3.7 million backpacks and sackpacks since the National Backpack Program began in 2001. 

“For most children, the first day of school is an exciting time complete with new clothes and back-to-school gear,” says Office Depot Foundation President Mary Wong.  “But for kids in families where money is tight, the experience can be just the opposite.  We believe that every child should have the opportunity to go to school with dignity and hope.  The sackpacks and school supplies we donate help to level the playing field and give these wonderful children a reason to stand just a little bit taller.”

To distribute sackpacks directly to children, the Foundation is hosting Back-to-School Celebrations in some 20 cities across the U.S. in July and August.  This week, 18,000+ new sackpacks are being donated through events in Atlanta, San Francisco, New Orleans and Indianapolis.  In New Orleans alone, the Office Depot Foundation has donated more than 50,000 backpacks and sackpacks to children in the decade since Hurricane Katrina.

Thousands more sackpacks are being given to kids through the Office Depot Foundation’s continuing partnerships with nine nonprofit organizations serving children nationally and globally. The Foundation is collaborating with the AARP Experience Corps, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, Feed the Children, Food For The Poor, the Kids In Need Foundation, the National Foundation for Women Legislators, Operation Homefront and Samaritan’s Feet International. For the seventh consecutive year, children of the Navajo Nation in Arizona will receive sackpacks.

The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven bright and colorful designs that are new for 2015.  Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons. The sackpacks do not have any Office Depot Foundation or Office Depot logos or markings.

More information about the National Backpack Program can be found on the Foundation’s Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/officedepotfoundation. To learn more about the Office Depot Foundation and its initiatives, go towww.officedepotfoundation.org/. You can follow the Foundation on Twitter @OfficeDepotFndn; the National Backpack Program’s hashtag is #ODFcares.  The Foundation is also on Instagram: @officedepotfoundation.

About the Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation − tax exempt under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) − that serves as the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that give children tools to succeed in school and in life; build the capacity of nonprofit organizations through collaboration and innovation; and help communities prepare for disasters, as well as recovering and rebuilding afterwards.  For more information, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.



Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.

@AskTheOrkinMan - Household Pests 101 Back to School Pack ~~Giveaway~~ #LearnWithOrkin

**All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated for this post.  I was given products as a thank you.**



 It’s back-to-school time and class is in session … Orkin is back with Household Pests 101 – featuring some of Orkin’s scientific knowledge of pests. The Orkin Man is here to help you #LearnWithOrkin so you don’t get schooled by pest problems in your own home.

One of the things I dislike about Summer, is the bugs.  Our neighbor has these weird bushes that border our property, and they attract flies.  Those flies manage to make their way into our house and it takes forever to get rid of them all.  

Sugar ants are another problem.  I am constantly telling the kids to eat over the table, and not walk around with food.  If we spray the house before the season starts, and about midway through, we are usually ok.  

Do you have any annoying pests that enter your home??  Orkin has put together a great Pest Prevention quiz to help show you how to keep those pests outside where they belong.


Back-to-school time is a great time to #LearnWithOrkin about pest prevention. Take the Pest Prevention Pop Quiz to find out if you know how to think like a pest!
At Orkin, we use the latest technology and unparalleled training to develop an effective treatment that's right for your needs. To learn more about our pest control based in science or to schedule an inspection, visit orkin.com or call 1-800-800-ORKIN.
Orkin on Facebook: facebook.com/OrkinPestControl
Ask The Orkin Man® on Twitter: twitter.com/AskTheOrkinMan
Orkin YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/OrkinVideo


What tips do you have to help keep houses clean from pests??  I would love to hear how you get rid of sugar ants, gnats and flies!!

The good folks at Orkin would like to give one of my readers a pretty cool prize pack which includes-

One (1) Silver USB Portable Charger – We know you’re on the go from sun up to sun down and you can’t afford not to be accessible. This emergency charger is small, sleek and can help your phone keep up with your busy lifestyle!
One (1) Double Wall Stainless Steel Travel Mug w/ lid - Your car isn’t the only thing that needs fueling up in the morning … this stainless steel travel mug is a great way to ensure your morning coffee is always within arm’s reach.
One (1) Orkin “Protect Your Home” PDF Checklist - This handy checklist from the experts at Orkin will help you think like a pest in order to help protect your home from pests.
Enter using the rafflecopter form below and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  Sarah's Blog Of Fun
This post is written by Sarah Coulsey. She is a Wife, and Mother of two boys living in New England. This post may contain affiliate links.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...