Fill the Backpack with Healthy Lunches

“Mommy, I like the lunches that you and Daddy make. Those school lunches look yucky.”

-Little Miss Techie, First Grader

I can understand Little Miss Techie’s avoidance of school lunches despite movements by the First Lady and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's attempts to make them healthier but sometimes it can be a challenge to figure out what to include in the lunch box that will provided needed nutrition to hard working growing brains and bodies.

Since our kids aren’t big sandwich eaters, I always look for new ways to include protein in their diets. Meat rollups, hummus, and yogurt are lunchbox staples in our house.

I love that Stonyfield Organic is one of the companies that is providing items for our Fill the Backpack giveaway. We have been longtime fans of Stonyfield Yogurt. We’ve been to their factory in New Hampshire, I was an instant fan of their Oikos Greek Yogurt upon first bite, and our non-milk drinking Captain Computer practically lives on the 32 ounce containers of strawberry yogurt. We also love their Smoothies that provide very portable protein in a refreshing drinkable format that is perfect for lunch boxes for grownups and kids alike.

New treats that we have recently gotten to try thanks to Fill the Backpack include PopChips. These crunchy snacks are baked, not fried, so they deliver a much healthier crunch factor. While the individual sizes are easy to throw in a lunch box, I prefer to buy the big bags and pack them in appropriately sized reusable bag or Ziplocs (my kids bring them home for reuse!) to cut down on waste and to ensure that the kids get the right portion.

To round out the lunch, throw in some SunMaid raisins with your Stonyfield Smoothie and PopChips to sneak in a serving of fruit and pack everything into a cute reusable lunch bag like the adorable dog one from Peek Kids.

Did you know I’m giving away one of 16 backpacks overflowing with great gifts like from companies like LeapFrog, SunMaid and Carolina Pad?

Enter to win my Fill the Backpack giveaway through my Ziploc Magnificent Mom Moment post. For an extra entry, FIRST enter on my Ziploc post and then come back here to share a list of your kids' must-have lunch box items. Be sure to include your email address or Twitter handle!

Visit the other participating bloggers in the Fill the Backpack campaign and to increase your odds of winning by entering their giveaways!

This post is part of the Fill the Backpack program and is sponsored by Ziploc and 20th Century Fox. Fill the Backpack is hosted by Volunteer Spot. All participating companies provided product samples.

Social Media Puts the Power of On-Site Reporting in Everyone's Hands if Done Responsibly

This afternoon I was glued to Twitter and Facebook, anxious for any news about friends inside the Discovery Channel building during the hostage situation.

Monitoring a friend’s Facebook wall for an update about her Discovery employee husband, watching for a specific Twitter handle to know another friend had been accounted for, and constantly reading the #discovery hashtag on my Tweetdeck for provided much more up to date information than any news channel could. While some of the news that was being shared via Twitter may not have been as reliable as what was being reported by the networks, social media provides instantaneous news in the form of links to updates by local news outlets and photos by those at the scene thanks to Twitpic.

I know that the way that I obtain my news now is far different than I did ten years ago. When September 11 occurred, I was glued to the television in our office listening to news reports about the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. News channels doing on the ground reporting couldn’t keep update their web pages fast enough and social media didn’t yet exist to have hashtags to follow, reports from Joe Citizen who just happened to be on the scene, or camera phone pictures that were shared with the masses.

Even a year later most of the information I read about the DC sniper attacks came from The Washington Post or came via a school system-wide email about schools that had to lock down due to being in close proximity to the most recent shooting.

Print journalism and true investigative reporting still have a place in this technology filled world. I still look forward to getting my Washington Post on a daily basis and finding the local paper in my driveway every Wednesday but the prevalence of smartphones and social networking applications provides everyone with the opportunity to do some live reporting if they so choose.
I can only hope that these tools will be used responsibly. Just as print journalists do, we can use apps to report facts to the masses, anxiously awaiting updates. They shouldn’t be used to slander, sensationalize, hijack hashtags, or create fake Twitter accounts.

One of the more chilling tweets was a link to a Twitpic of the gunman running through the Discovery channel courtyard. While this image might have caused terror, it also could have assisted authorities in identifying the suspect due to constant retweeting.

On the other hand, one of the more disturbing tweets I saw go by on the #discovery stream was from the @GunmanLee account. Obviously fake, someone had taken the Discovery gunman’s name posthumously and started tweeting parts of his manifesto to others. (Please don't look at the fake account. It's really disgusting. You're welcome.)

Other use of the #discovery hashtag included rants about Shark Week being too short that clogged up the stream that followers had been using as a news source. Often times trending hashtags will get picked up and hijacked. That's just wrong.

Using social networking for information sharing and news reporting can serve a real purpose in times of crisis if used responsibly by everyone involved.

How will you use social networking for good?

Apologies for the Shark Week photo. It was the only photo of the Discovery Channel building that I have. A version of this post appears in my column in the Washington Times Communities.

Fill the Backpack: Volunteer Spot Streamlines Volunteering

Sometimes organizing volunteers can be like herding cats. Recruiting members, assigning everyone tasks, and ensuring communication happens so everyone is doing their share for the silent auction/bake sale/teacher appreciation week is hard but VolunteerSpot makes it easy to recruit, organize, and execute events through complimentary and premium levels of service ($4.99-$29.99/month).

I wish I had known about VolunteerSpot when I spent 2 years coordinating the preschool’s silent auction. As a member of the preschool Parent Group, I could have invited volunteers to sign up via email, including a URL to the signup through our school listserv, or by placing a button on the school’s website.

As parents sign up, VolunteerSpot capitalizes on their high interest by asking parents to select among various volunteer opportunities throughout the school year. The organizer wizard makes it easy to customize volunteer activities and schedule events. You can create one-time events or volunteer positions that span multiple days, weeks or months. It also allows you to enter job descriptions, shifts, and requests for supplies.

VolunteerSpot also keeps everyone organized. It makes it easy to print sign-in sheets and rosters so you can see, at a glance, who will be coming, what shifts are covered, and what people have offered to bring. If you find that you need more people to help or supplies, easily communicate with your group by updating your activity page.

I have to admit that my favorite part about VolunteerSpot is the automatic reminders. VolunteerSpot sends automated messages reminding your volunteers of their commitments which eliminates the need to stalk certain parents at school or waiting in hopes that they return a call or email!

This video provides a more in-depth look at VolunteerSpot or if you prefer, try the demo:

Did you know I’m giving away one of 16 backpacks overflowing with great gifts like from companies like LeapFrog, SunMaid and Carolina Pad.

Enter to win my Fill the Backpack giveaway through my Ziploc Magnificent Mom Moment post. For extra entries, FIRST enter on my Ziploc post and then come back here to:

• Leave a comment telling me about a hassle of volunteering that VolunteerSpot would help eliminate
• Comment after tweeting: Chronic volunteer @TechSavvyMama shares how easy it is to streamline volunteering on VolunteerSpot. #BTSBackpack
  
• RSVP for tonight's #BTSBackpack Twitter party (7 pm PST/10 pm EST) where I'll be giving away one of my 2 backpacks and come back to comment to let me know you'll be joining the conversation.
  

Be sure to visit the other participating bloggers in the Fill the Backpack campaign and to increase your odds of winning by entering their giveaways!

This post is part of the Fill the Backpack program and is sponsored by Ziploc and 20th Century Fox. Fill the Backpack is hosted by Volunteer Spot.

*This Contest will end September 5th at 11:59 pm and is open to US Residents only.

Jon Scieszka’s Spaceheadz Engages Readers in Print and Online (giveaway)

I am beyond thrilled to introduce today’s Tech Savvy Guest, author Jon Scieszka! Author of favorites such as The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Time Warp Trio series, and the Caldecott Honor Book, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales, Scieszka was named by the Library of Congress as the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and is the author of the brand new book Spaceheadz, a wonderful tale of attempted alien invasion that will engage elementary readers with new content both in print and also online.

SPACEHEADZ ATTACK!
By Jon Scieszka

Spaceheadz is a new book series and multi-platform bit of storytelling that breaks the story of three aliens who have come to take over the world!

But these aliens are a little weird. They disguise themselves as a fifth grade girl, a fifth grade boy, and a fifth grade class hamster who show up on the first day of school. Spaceheadz have learned everything about Earth from feeding on Earth TV, radio, and Internet broadcasts. Spaceheadz love commercials and technology, and believe all advertising.

Spaceheadz is also a sneaky/fun way for kids to learn tech skills and become media literate. Because kids get to both read the books and explore the digital sites to piece together the complete Spaceheadz story.

So within the narrative, Spaceheadz Bob, Jennifer and Major Fluffy convince their new classmate Michael K. to help them save the world by signing up 3.14 million earthlings to BE SPACEHEADZ.

• Michael K. builds a website at: www.SPHDZ.com
• The fifth grade class website extends the story at: www.MrsHalleysComets.com
• And the Spaceheadz warn Michael K. that they must not get caught by the AAA (no, not the car association, the AntiAlienAgency) at: www.AntiAlienAgency.com
• If the Spaceheadz do not successfully complete their mission, you can see the dire consequences at: www.ImSureGladThatDidntHappen.com (submit the sphdz password: Walk Don’t Walk)

Through the crazily-illustrated and wildly-designed books and websites and blog and tweets and social media sites, the Spaceheadz live in both the print world and the media world. To fully experience Spaceheadz , kids enter into the story, become Spaceheadz, and become active participants in the storytelling.


Studies show that our 21st century kids are being swamped with a deluge of media and advertising every day. But no one knows exactly what this deluge is doing to their developing brains. I think the best thing we can do to help our kids cope with this new world is to help them become media literate critical thinkers. Let them BE SPACEHEADZ . . . and Save the World.

Win 1 of 4 Spaceheadz prize packs containing a personalized autographed copy of Spaceheadz and a pack of Spaceheadz branded pencils courtesy of Jon Scieszka!

To enter, share something you do to help your child become a media literate critical thinker. You must include your email address or Twitter handle for your entry to be valid.

For an extra entries do the above and follow Major Fluffy on Twitter and tweet this: "I'm following @MajorFluffy to win 1 of 4 autographed copies of Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka from @TechSavvyMama: http://bit.ly/9AO7FO" then come back and leave a comment telling me you have done so. You can tweet daily until this contest ends on September 30. Just leave a comment for every tweet!

Jon Scieszka is the first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, named by the Library of Congress. He is the author of some of the best known and funniest books written for children including The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Time Warp Trio series and the Caldecott Honor Book The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Fairy Tales. He is the creator of the Trucktown series, of which Smash!Crash! was an NY Times bestseller for many weeks. Jon is a former elementary school teacher, and a avid promoter of literacy—particularly for boys. His website www.guyssread.com focuses on his national campaign. Jon lives with his family in Brooklyn, NY.

I am thrilled to be stop 3 on the Spaceheadz book tour. All content was provided by Jon Scieszka. No compensation was received for this post although it does contain Amazon affiliate links to certain books.

The First Day of School

All is calm. For now she sleeps, resting for her first day of school. A brand new outfit, chosen days before, lies in wait. The energy in the house will change the minute she wakes up. Excitement and nervousness are wrapped into one as she counts down the minutes until she can start her walk to school.

At school, the inside of the building has freshly waxed floors and bulletin boards that await the work of the new class. Pointy pencils and perfect crayons await the first task of the day. Name tags adorn desks, coat hooks, cubbies, and folders for their new owners. Inside the teachers put finishing touches on their classrooms while hoping out loud for a good class of kids who listen and are able to follow directions and silently pray for no mishaps on the first day.

Outside, perfectly manicured grounds await the arrival of the first students who come on bus, foot, and by car. Soon the paths will be full of little feet taking their places in line as they wave to old friends whom they’ve missed over the summer. Teachers greet their new class and gently guide children away from anxious parents who bid their darlings goodbye as they are ushered inside to start a new year.

As so many get ready to start school today and in the coming weeks, I wish everyone the best of luck for a great first day and a wonderful new year.

This post was inspired by Yahoo MotherBoard’s back to school theme.

The Social Network...Coming to Theaters in October

What do you think? Will you see this movie about the history of Facebook?

Fill the Backpack: Ziploc Celebrates Magnificent Moments of Mom

This week’s Fill the Backpack post is about our sponsor, Ziploc, who is celebrating Magnificent Moments of Mom that is a nod to the resourcefulness of mothers everywhere.

My earth friendly practices take a back seat when it comes to my weakness for Ziploc bags. I love that Ziploc bags always keep me organized whether at home, work, or on the go and find myself filling them with absolutely anything and everything.

Ziploc® Brand sandwich bags often appear in the kids’ lunchboxes when I’m not using our reusable LunchSkins but I also love to use them for traveling. During our recent visit to St. Croix, Ziploc® Brand Freezer Slider Bags and Ziploc® Brand Storage Bags with the Smart Zip™ Seal held everything from sunscreen, shells, wet swimsuits, snacks for the long plane ride, and cables for my various devices. I was glad to find the extra batteries for the kids’ LeapFrog Explorers in a snack size Ziploc at the bottom of my bag when we ran out of juice part way through our return flight!

With Ziploc, my belongings stay where they are supposed to whether I'm traveling or packing the kids lunch as they head back to school. The sturdy plastic and seal keeps things right where they belong. They prevent sunscreen explosions and chip bits from infiltrating every corner of a child's backpack!

While we were in St. Croix, I also learned that Ziploc is making Eco-Bags. Eco-Bags use less plastic but deliver the same quality that I’ve grown accustomed to in my frequent use. Eco-Bags are just as strong but use less plastic, making them better for the environment!

To get your family ready for the start of school, I’ll be giving away 2 backpacks that include the following prizes with a value over $300!

What’s in the backpack?

• FoxEntertainment is including both Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Marmaduke DVDs in our backpacks.


• Popchips donated a variety pack of popchips & variety of coupons to each backpack.


• Every backpack will include BitDefender, security software for your PC.

• Orange Circle Studio is sending winners a “Do it all” planner & a family calendar.


• The backpack will include a variety of notebooks, folders, and binders from Carolina Pad.


• Rose Art is sending you back to school with glitter markers, dry erase board, and fun Color Blanks.


• Every backpack will include a ClassWish.org $25 Credit! Perfect for helping your community’s schools!


• DreamSakes is giving winners 20 free artwork scans! These are a great way to save or share your child’s masterpieces!


• Sun and Earth is sending a sampler pack to each winner.


• FamZoo, an online allowance management site, is including a year long membership


• Simon & Schuster added a great book, “E is for Ethics,” that will have you and your kids thinking!

• The backpack will contain either a LeapFrog Tag Reader with book set and US map, OR a LeapFrog Explorer with 2 games! (Penguins of Madagascar and Toy Story 3)


• Stonyfield Farms included coupons, awesome recycled plastic storage containers, & a few other surprises!


• Silver Dolphin added the “Human Body” book, and “Facts to Annoy your Teacher” books. Both are for kids!


• Sample tastes from Arizona Kids, Bear Naked, Cal Naturale Svelte, …

… and more to come! I’ll be adding to this list as more products are added by our sponsors!

To enter the great Fill the Backpack giveaway, leave a comment about your Magnificent Mom Moment that involves a Ziploc bag and include your contact information (email or Twitter handle).

For an extra entries, complete the above and do any of the following:

• Like Ziploc on Facebook and come back and leave a comment letting me know you’ve done so.

• Tweet this and come back to comment @TechSavvyMama is celebrating @Ziploc Magificent Moments of Mom through @FilltheBackpack. Enter 2 win $300+ in prizes 4 back 2 school: http://bit.ly/cPo2Hy
  

Be sure to visit the other participating bloggers in the Fill the Backpack campaign and to increase your odds of winning by entering their giveaway!

*This Contest will end September 5th at 11:59 pm and is open to US Residents only.

Thanks to Ziploc for their sponsorship of the Fill the Backpack campaign! All prizes were generously provided by the aforementioned companies. No compensation was received for participating in the Fill the Backpack campaign. I am a consultant for BitDefender but this campaign falls out of the scope of my consulting role.

Another Reason to Love Stephen Colbert

Last night Stephen Colbert took on social media, online privacy, and the types of things we share online in The Colbert Report.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - Control-Self-Delete
www.colbertnation.com
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