Once the back-to-school shopping season arrives, my thoughts automatically catapult me forward to fall.  Autumn has always been my favorite time of the year, thanks to the cooler weather and great fall fashions.  I love the warm rusts, browns and golds which surround us both in nature and in our wardrobe choices each year.

ECCO USA has an amazing new selection of shoes just perfect for back to school or for celebrating the fall season.  I recently had the chance to review the Clay Strap Shoes in Cocoa Brown.  Keep reading to learn more and enter to win a pair for yourself!

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In 2011, JetBlue and PBS KIDS teamed up to launch Soar with Reading, an award-winning program, designed to excite and inspire kids’ imaginations to take flight through reading.  This summer, Soar with Reading is proud to be back for a second year, so that we can all join in on another reading adventure! In addition to providing literacy based activities and games, JetBlue and PBS KIDS are committed to doing their part to impact and enrich the lives of children in all of the communities they serve. 

Unfortunately, too many children don't have access to resources that enrich learning and encourage reading.  A recent study shows that there is only one age-appropriate book available for every 300 children living in underserved communities in the United States. That’s less than 1% of the number books available to children in middle-income neighborhoods.

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Now that July is coming to a close, families everywhere begin to look ahead to the back-to-school season and the beginning of a brand new school year.  My daughter is only 3.5 years old and not quite ready for school yet, but I have to admit that I cringe a little when I begin to think about it.

During my days as a middle school teacher, I was witness to too many episodes of bullying between classmates and saw firsthand the devastating effects that these instances had on those children.  While I never hesitated to stop those events right away, I also realized that what teachers actually witness is just the tip of a very painful iceberg.

To be honest, I'm quite terrified of two things once Riley finally makes her way away from the safe confines of home to the unsteady waters of Kindergarten:

• 1.  She will be the victim of a nasty bully.
• 2.  She will be the nasty bully.

Children oftentimes emulate their peers and do things they know are wrong just to fit in and be accepted.  I am fearful that a young girl like Riley might not know what to do when she's either picked on or pressured to pick on someone else.  That's why I was thrilled to learn of a new children's book series entitled "Captain McFinn and Friends."  The aim of these books is to help children realize that they should always "be a buddy, not a bully."  Keep reading to learn more!

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Many families take to the air during their summer vacation and utilize the power of a big 747 jet to cut their traveling time to a minimum.  Although flying can be a more expensive way to travel, it definitely helps maximize the time you'll spend at your actual destination.

Flying in an airplane can present its own set of challenges though when packing, namely keeping everyone fed and hydrated along the way without spending a fortune at the airport!  That's why I was thrilled to receive the new Crew Cooler II from eBags.  This tidy little snack cooler is the perfect carry-on companion that will help keep your crew fueled properly and raring to go.  Keep reading to learn more!

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I still believe that one of the best jobs in the world has to be that of a flower delivery person.  Everyone LOVES to be sent beautiful flowers and a floral delivery person probably receives the warmest welcomes and nicest greetings all day, every day, from the people they deliver to.  From You Flowers has been making people smile for years by delivering wonderful floral arrangements to people across the country, on time and as promised.

Now that summer is here and the weather is warm and inviting, you may dread going back indoors to its dull surroundings.  If this is the case, then by all means, liven up your living or working area with a pop of bold color that only a bouquet of gorgeous flowers can bring.  From You Flowers has a wide variety of amazing summer flowers that will brighten your day and instantly lift your spirits.

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I'm always looking for new and delicious ways to improve my family's diet.  I've long believed that what we choose to eat and drink is the single most important factor in determining how healthy our bodies are.  Although eating healthy is always at the top of my list of priorities, several factors tend to get in the way of achieving this goal on a daily basis.  For one, my family is extremely busy and so oftentimes we lack the time needed to prepare a healthy meal.  Also, I'm not the most experienced cook in the world and need something that is easy and suited to my skill set.

That's why I was thrilled to learn of the Romertopf Clay Baker from Reco International.  This method of preparing food provides ample moisture for succulent dishes without the need to add salt or fats.  It also claims to take the guesswork out of cooking because you can literally "set it and forget it".  Just come back around an hour later and your meal should be cooked to perfection.  Keep reading to learn more!

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