Get ready....Get set.....Back-to-School!

In just one month or less our children will be returning to school. Taking time to plan ahead can save you time, money, stress and headache. We've done some homework to help you out a bit with the latest fashions, supplies, gadgets and some great lunch ideas.

FIRST DAY FASHION

Plaid is a hot trend for boys this year. Choose your favorite color combo, match with a graphic T-shirt or Henley and jeans for an on-trend look. Elijah and Samuel are wearing outfits from Children's Place at Greentree Mall.

Colorful skinny jeans mixed with fun contrasting shades is a definite DO for girls this season. Moriah is wearing a cute pair from Justice at Greentree Mall.

Nothing but NEON stands out this season with bright, bodacious hues mixed together for fantastic flair. Hannah is wearing a neon rocker chic outfit from Justice at Greentree Mall.

Luxe Layers is always on trend for the teenage girl. Pair with a work boot and layers of bangles for best results. Jennifer is wearing an ensemble from Buckle at Greentree Mall.

Boho Chic is another great way to make a statement. Casual, comfy & oh, so chic! Billyeta is wearing an outfit from American Eagle Outfitters at Greentree Mall.

What outfit is complete without some SPARKLE? Add a touch for a daytime trendy look. Sam is wearing a great look from Maurice's at Greentree Mall.

Check out Greentree Mall's KIDS DAY on Saturday, July 28th from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Storytelling, crafts, activities, goodie bags, special offers & a bouncy house. Go to www.greentreemall.com for more information.

SUPER DUPER SUPPLIES & GADGETS

Finding the right supplies can be a chore! There are lists and then there are the lists. You know what I mean. Sometimes you think it will never end and sometimes it is hard to find some of the items on the lists. I found some stores locally owned to help you in this process.

The Parent/Teacher Store (located on Westport Road next to Michael's & Home Depot), www.theparent-teacherstore.com.

Giving your children tools to get them excited to learn is key. The Parent Teacher Store has teaching aids, games and toys that can't be found anywhere else in town!

Check out these items:

Lefty Notebook (for the left handed student)

First through Third Grade Writing Tablets

Primary Journal

Magnet Men

Shaheen's (with 3 locations: Breckenridge Lane, Portland Avenue & Outer Loop) is a staple in our community! With quality made uniforms at every day low prices that can't be beat! The selection of uniforms is unmatched! Ava and JJ are wearing some of the uniforms from Shaheen's.

Not only can you find uniforms at Shaheen's but you can also find unique back packs and lunchboxes for all age students. Spiderman, Hello Kitty, Camo, Transformers, Dora, and more are just waiting for your child.

It won't be difficult to find one your child will love! For more information about Shaheen's go to www.shaheens.com.

KID FRIENDLY HEALTHY LUNCHES

Let's face it, if a child doesn't like what he/she see's it won't be eaten. Coming up with creative lunch items that are nutritious is key. The saying is true, "you eat with your eyes first". I went to my friends at Home Cuisine here in Louisville to help me. Here are some recipes they gave me:

STICK-WICH (sandwich on a stick)

bread
cheese
lunch meat
grape tomatoes
lettuce
pickles
olive

Instructions
Cut up cubes of bread, cheese, and lunch meat (we ordered
1/2-inch-thick slices of ham and turkey at the deli counter).
Slide the cubes onto a skewer with other foods your child likes, such
as a grape tomato, a piece of lettuce, a pickle, or an olive.
Set out a side of mayo or mustard for dipping.

HAPPY PIZZA

1 jar Low Sodium, Organic pizza sauce
6 Whole Wheat English Muffins English muffins
shredded cheese Mozzarella Cheese
Sliced Black Olives
Fresh Tomatoes

Cut English muffins in half. Spread pizza sauce over the tops. Cover
with cheese,
Make a smiley face with the olives as the eyes, crescent shaped tomato
slice as the smile

Bake in 350 oven for 5-10 minutes. Then enjoy!!!

FUNWICH

Almond Butter
Peanut Butter
Sugar-free Preserves
Bread

Make a sandwich the way you would with two slices of bread. Find some fun large size cookie cutters and cut the sandwiches into shapes for a spin on the typical sandwich.

HULK OR PRINCESS DIP with VEGGIES OR WHOLE GRAIN CRACKERS

HULK DIP

Hulk dip

1 cup plain yogurt
8 ounces low fat cream cheese, softened

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
2 cloves garlic, pressed

1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Combine yogurt and cream cheese in food processor or stir until smooth
in a mixing bowl. Stir in onion, celery flakes, thyme, parsley,
garlic, and pepper. Transfer to mixing bowl. Stir in spinach. Chill
for several hours before serving. Serve with vegetable dippers and
whole grain crackers.

PRINCESS DIP

Princess dip

1 (12-14 ounce) jar of roasted red pepper
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
salt, to taste
Instructions
In the food processor:
Add roasted red peppers and garlic clove. Turn on to puree.
Then add your walnuts and turn food processor back on to make a paste.
Add olive oil, onion powder, and salt. Puree all until you get the
consistency you like.
Serve or chill first before serving.

Home Cuisine specializes in providing healthy, fresh, ready-to-eat, portion-controlled meals. They can be delivered to your home or picked up at any Rainbow Blossom market. To to www.homecuisineonline.com for more information!

Making a statement with style is extremely important to a child. That includes the lunchbox and containers. To save yourself money over time, I recommend opting for some Tupperware! I went to the local Tupperware store at Oxmoor Mall and spoke to Bobbi Canfield, Legacy Executive Director (502.425.0608). She provided me with a ton of information and showed me some amazing products that are perfect for the boy or girl returning to school.

Not only is the Tupperware cost effective, it is durable, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and most products come with a lifetime warranty! Check out some of the great products available for your kids lunch:

Crystal Wave Divided Dish