August is here and that means time to head back to school! From picking out your first day outfit to creative healthy lunches, and even smart technology working parents need to know about… Family Entourage is here with more to get you ready for the school year.
SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY
Many parents work and want peace of mind when it comes to their kids any time, and especially after school. Vivint Smart Home technology has some great options for families including Smart Locks which, allow for students to be able to access home without a key. I also love this as a mom when I have my hands full of backpacks, lunch boxes and sports gear. I don’t have to ruffle through my purse to find my keys. I can just enter the code on the door or even use my Vivint Smart app and unlock the door simply using my phone. Another one of Vivint’s features that we love are the doorbell cameras. As a parent, I can keep an eye on any friends that might be trying to sneak over and of course an eye out for packages when they arrive. I can use the talk remote from the doorbell to talk to anyone that might be trying ring the doorbell while the kids are doing homework and let them know they are busy.
People always ask us, why Vivint? First, We love the customer service that we get – from the team that works with you to figure out what your home needs to the professional installation, the Vivint team offers great feedback throughout the entire process. And if/when something happens they are there to support. We also love how easy Vivint is to use. There’s a smart home hub that I can control everything from but I can also use my phone. From turning on lights to turning the AC cooler right before I get home, Vivint is more than a security system. And because Vivint is a smart security system you can make changes or add devices as the needs of your family and home change.
FIRST DAY FASHIONS
Whether you’re shopping for a first day look or clothing to last through the semester, Macy’s is your one stop shop for all your Back to School needs. From girls and boys, to juniors, backpacks and even shoes, your child can get outfitted from head to toe with Macys.
We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite looks, at all different price points, starting with the idea of Dress to Celebrate Your Grade. This why we love Sweet Wink’s confetti skirts paired with grade t-shirts like “Hello Kindergarten” or “Third Grade,” colorful and on theme, perfect to kick off the school year.
Layers are Your Friend is another tip. Especially in San Diego where the day might start with a marine layer and by lunch it’s full sun on the playground. We suggest pairing Levi’s with a Polo Ralph Lauren shirt and either a long sleeve over shirt or a Columbia fleece or jacket.
Any athletic wear is a win so your child can be Sporty Recess Ready. Jordan apparel has universal appeal, and top brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour all make Macy’s a go-to for tops, shorts, sweats and more. Plus we can’t forget the sneakers and from fashion like DKNY to function like Puma, both boys and girls are super excited to sport new kicks!
We also love graphic tees like Spiderman and and throwback 80s-inspired or retro vibes, let your style shine. Also don’t forget to pick up some educational toys to keep the learning fun from the start to finish of the year.
HEALTHY LUNCHES & SNACKS
When it comes to eating healthy and the right portions, a lot of it can be determined by the creativity and fun had with fruits and veggies. One of the ways we have found to help kids eat healthy is to have them help prepare the food. From breakfast to lunch and after school snacks, the more that you can get them involved, they will not only discover foods they love but will be more inclined to eat it because they prepared it. We love Yasukochi Family Farms CSA boxes.
Yasukochi Family Farms makes it simple by delivering fresh produce to your doorstep in their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes. Each week a box of farm fresh produce grown using responsible farming methods and full of freshly picked produce grown by Yasukochi Family Farms located in Oceanside and other local partner growers provides all the produce and fruit needed for our family. From juicy watermelon to sweet strawberries, zucchini, brussel sprouts, peppers, potatoes and more, the seasonal selection is full of staples as well as some unique items to add to your recipes.
Each box will contain 11-15 different produce items and then there are add-on items like eggs, honey, flowers, fruit and more. You can add on extras of favorites like strawberries, corn and more. They rotate seasonally. Some of our favorite back to school recipes:
Grape worms – take grapes put on skewer, use peanut butter to add edible eyes.
Pancake Creations – take a pancake, add yogurt or peanut butter, allow kids to use fruit to make a creation – flower, bear, silly face, etc.
Snack Bars – Fill silicone mold with nut butter, honey and granola, layer yogurt, add strawberries, blueberries and raspberries on top. Freeze.
Power Up Smoothie – Freeze strawberries, blueberries. Put in blender add spinach and milk of your choice. Blend.
