Back to School with Crocs

Thank you to Crocs for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Crocs’ new Back to School line. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I was a little worried when I got the classroom rules for Jasper's class. It strongly recommended you not send your kids to school in Crocs, flip flops or sandals, due to the gravel on the playground. I guess the teachers don't want to spend the entire day emptying tiny toddler shoes of pebbles, which I can definitely sympathize with. Well, they must have heard the collective anguished cries of preschooler parents everywhere, because there is a whole new collection of Back-to-School Crocs that are just as slip-on comfy as the tried and true classics but feature school-approved styling including closed toes and heels. They look like old school sneakers but feel like Crocs… genius! There are 13 new styles to satisfy most kids from K-8. I am particularly fond of these:

Shopping for back to school wasn't much of an issue for us until recently. Roo grew really slowly as a toddler, it seemed like she was wearing a lot of the same stuff from when she was two basically through kindergarten. Jasper is now four and starting all day preschool. He is still wearing a few things from his 2T days but, overall, he is growing faster. Especially his feet. He's 3 1/2 years younger than his sister but only two shoe sizes behind at this point. Quel horreur! I used to pick up cute clothes and shoes for Roo whenever they were on sale because I could reasonably guess the size she would be in any given season. Not so her little brother!

It may be surprising to hear but Jasper is way pickier about what he wears than his big sis. Whereas Roo likes things that fall within certain predictable style parameters (say, "goth" or "sparkly"), Jasper has his own unique fashion rules. For example, even though our temperatures have been above 100º for most of the late summer, he insists on wearing long sleeves or long pants to school every day so he can be "awesome." Similarly, he wanted to wear his Crocs all last winter in the snow and ice. The ones with the holes and no lining. Or socks. Weird kid. He'll probably ask for the purple glitter sneakers, which are both goth and sparkly, by the way.

The "They've Got Summer Inside" video above is interactive- 

Click on the shoes you like in the video to learn more about them on Crocs.com!

Be sure to see if you can find this hidden "easter egg" in the video…

…it will be worth it for you frugal back to school shoppers!

Don't forget to keep Summer alive by entering to win a trip for four to San Diego in the Crocs Sneak Summer into School Sweepstakes!

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this is a sponsored post and I will receive monetary compensation. Rest assured, however, that all opinions are– as usual– entirely my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Ups and Downs

Share your own pictures this week at Wordless Wednesday HQ!

Before you leave, have you entered all of my giveaways?

JC Penney Stardoll: Cool for School

Stardoll.com started out as a virtual paper doll dress up site intended to be a girly alternative to gaming websites that are often competitive and violent. It still has weekly featured paper dolls but the site has evolved into one of the largest online communities for teen and tween fashionistas, with over 50 million members worldwide. Back to School 2011 is the launch of the exclusive JC Penney Stardoll Collection for girls 7-16.

Roo was excited about her new "teenager-y" clothes and I was happy to see that they're good quality and not too skimpy. They also seem to wash well so far.

I call this one "tiny pink bank teller."

Cute details like this knot on the back of the "superstar" tee and grommets on the shorts pockets. The shorts come with the black leggings for multi-season wear!

The JC Penney Stardoll Collection is available online now with plenty of bargains for back to school. Click here to see if Stardoll is available at your local JCP.

I like this line but you might want to steer clear of this other rather offensive JC Penney offering for your female offspring. You'll notice I'm not linking to it directly and I think you'll understand why.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no monetary compensation was provided but we received the clothing items pictured in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are, as usual, entirely my own.

Get Donovan's Mt. Vesuvius Burger at Red Robin (Giveaway)

Remember all the Red Robin Kids Cookoff excitement last year? Well, it is my pleasure to inform you that Donovan's winning Mt. Vesuvius burger is available at Red Robin now through September 11th, with 50¢ from each burger purchased going directly to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. We visited our local restaurant, which is also Donovan's!

How cool are these table signs?

Jasper and Bob survey the menu.

They're quick with the drink refills, even though the kids suck 'em down in the 100º+ heat…

And here is the star of the show: the legendary Mt. Vesuvius Burger!

(I ordered a petite patty because the burgers are HUGE!)

Download a copy of the Red Robin Kids' Cook-Off Cookbook with recipes for all 50 finalists burgers and try your hand at creating The People's Burger for a chance to win a year's worth of Red Robin Yummm Gift Cards and more– Donovan is one of the judges to impress, so be ready to wow him!


To enter and win a Red Robin Yummm Gift Card, please comment on this post with your favorite item from their menu or the weirdest thing you've ever had on a burger.


Entries will be accepted through Sept 14th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For additional entries: 
- Post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar) 
- Follow my blog 
- Follow @superdumb on Twitter 
- Like Superdumb Supervillain on Facebook 
- Follow @redrobin on Twitter 
- Like Red Robin Gourmet Burgers on Facebook 
- Subscribe via email 
- Subscribe via reader 
Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no monetary compensation was provided but I received a gift card from the sponsor for hosting this giveaway. Just so you know.

The Ominous Bathroom

I love our neighborhood. It's quiet with plenty of shady trees and the homes are all sited on big lots. Ours is over three acres, with a decent sized wooded area in the backyard. The yard is so big, in fact, that it kind of looks like a park. Plus we're still only five minutes from downtown. Before you get any ideas about our opulent lifestyle, however, I have to tell you this: our house was a repo and had been vacant for quite some time before we moved in. There were raccoon handprints inside the first time we looked at it and the roof was sagging because the previous owner had "vaulted" the ceiling by removing the support beam. But the crabapple and plum trees were blooming and we fell in love…

Here's a photo of me massively pregnant with Jasper showing the backyard:



We knew it was a fixer-upper and there would be lots of work to do but Roo was only a year old when we moved in so we figured we'd have time to get everything done. We started with the major stuff: structural issues, electrical, plumbing. The end of the house with the extra bedrooms was the least messed up and although the bathroom there was unsightly due to bizarrely uneven tiling throughout, we figured the kids could live with it. It had a glass block window over the tub and when we had the windows replaced throughout the house, we discovered that the previous owner hadn't used wetboard behind the tile in the shower. Greaaaat. We intended to demo the old bathroom and retile it ourselves but, uh, we just haven't gotten around to it. I remember Bob saying something to the effect of "we just need a $100 tile saw…" but somehow it just hasn't happened yet. Still– look at that view!

Oh, wait…

Seriously, you let your kids bathe in that?!

In our defense, at least we don't use the shower… since the wallboard is wrong and the water pressure is iffy, we're gonna have to get the plumbing redone, too. And I figure if we do that, we might as well redo the vanity so we can have two sinks and less arguing when brushing teeth. Sigh.

I am shocked that Roo wanted to be photographed in her ghetto bathroom…

Obviously, something needs to happen. Soon. Help?!

“Back-to-School Survival Tips” from Eight O’Clock Coffee (Giveaway)

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to trade in flip-flops and beach bags for lunch boxes and backpacks. Eight O’Clock Coffee has prepared a few tips to help get you and your kids through the craziness of back-to-school season. Scroll down for a chance to win a Back-to-School Parent Survival Pack including a drawstring bag, travel mug and 2 bags of Eight O’Clock Coffee to help start your mornings off right!

Eight O'Clock Coffee, Original Ground, 12-Ounce Bag (Pack of 4)(affiliate link)

• TIP 1: Become Your Own Brewista – Save time, money and gas this back-to-school season by brewing your morning coffee at home. You can even set your coffee maker’s timer the night before to wake up to great-smelling Eight O’Clock Coffee.

• TIP 2: Preplan Lunch – A few days before school starts, sit down with your kids and create a grocery list of healthy snacks and lunches they would like for school. Rotate each of their selections throughout the week. Make Tuesday “Turkey Tuesday” or Wednesday “Wrap Wednesday” – adding variety to keep lunch exciting. When possible, pack their lunch the night before to reduce stress in the morning.

• TIP 3: Assemble Weekly Wardrobes – Every Sunday, check the upcoming weekly weather forecast with your kids. Then, have them pick out five outfits for the upcoming school week. Hang them in daily order in their closet to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, I can’t find my favorite blue shirt!” 

• TIP 4: Be Prepared for School Projects – Avoid late night rushing around to complete school projects by having art supplies on hand. Create an arts and craft bin that includes more than just crayons and colored paper. Collect items like pipe cleaners, stickers, figurines, beads – even coffee beans – and other creative finds, and put the fun back in school projects.

To enter and win a Back-to-School Parent Survival Pack including a drawstring bag, travel mug and 2 bags of Eight O’Clock Coffee, please comment on this post with your favorite back to school tradition.


Entries will be accepted through Sept 7th and I'll pick the winner using Random.org. US readers are eligible.


For additional entries: 
- Post my button on your blog (see code on sidebar) 
- Follow my blog 
- Follow @superdumb on Twitter 
- Like Superdumb Supervillain on Facebook 
- Fave Superdumb Supervillain on Technorati 
- Subscribe via email 
- Subscribe via reader 
Leave an extra comment letting me know what you did for each additional entry.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that no monetary compensation was provided but I will receive a similar gift from the sponsor for hosting this giveaway. If you click on the line marked "affiliate link" it will take you to the product on Amazon and if you buy something I might get a couple of shekels. Just so you know.

Wordless Wednesday- Bikes, Poses and Halloween Dress Rehearsal

Share your own pictures this week at Wordless Wednesday HQ!

Before you leave, have you entered all of my giveaways?

5 Reasons Why To Enter the Cheap Sally Contest

This is a guest post by one of my oldest (length of time-wise!) blogging friends, Katja Presnal, whose opinion means a lot to me. I was whining about not entering this amazing contest because of the popular vote thing but after reading her thoughts on the matter, I'll probably toss my name into the hat…

I hope that by now you have heard of the Cheap Sally Bring Home the Bacon $100,000 blogging contest. If not, you have been missing out! CheapSally.com is a couponing website where they add 400 new coupons per day and people using the site save an average of 15% off of everything they buy online. The site is looking for an official blogger for the entire year of 2012 to write about online sales and deals for an amazing $100,000 salary. Now this sounds like an amazing deal to me, yet I have heard some hesitation about this contest, and I think I finally figured out what's the deal here, so I am now giving you the reasons and answers why you should enter the contest.

1. $100,000.

That's your annual income for blogging about deals and sales for one year. From your home. From the beach. In your sweatpants.

There are not many blogging jobs with this salary out there, you might never get this opportunity again. Plus you could still totally keep writing your own blog and do other things as well.

2. Almost everyone can do it.

"But I don't blog about sales and coupons." How difficult can it be to write about sales and coupons? It's not, and I know because I write about them. In fact, helping other people to save money feels really good, and it's a very rewarding job.

3. "But it's a voting contest!" - Your family & community will help.

Part of the way the Cheap Sally contest is organized is a public voting contest for the best applicants per each state that starts September 1st. Please don't tell me you are giving up before even trying because it's a voting contest! Tell your husband, mother and your best friend the reason #1 and they will help you to get the votes needed. If you are determined and let your family and online community know you are serious about this - they will help you. You will figure out a large internal company newsletter, a specific niche community site or a church group or something similar to get people voting for you even when you have exhausted the traditional Facebook and Twitter. When there is a will, there is a way.

Also, five entrants from each state whose submissions received the highest number of votes in their respective state will advance to Round 2. You might know a lot of great bloggers applying for this, but unless they are in your state, you have very good chances getting to the next round.

4. This will grow your brand.

"I'm busy growing my own blog." Well, good for you, but does your blog make $100K a year? If not, consider taking a year a little bit easier on your own blog and making a name for yourself as the Cheap Sally blogger while slowly growing your blog on the side. I had a job almost 1.5 years and blogged on the evenings and weekends for my own blog, and it didn't effect negatively in my blogging, but actually made it better. Also, if you blog about money saving and coupons already, it will look good for your brand to apply. If you don't - your readers will wonder why not because to them you are the ultimate expert on the topic (and they'd support you to get the gig.)

5. You Will be Part of A Growing Company

You will be part of a growing company owned by entrepreneurs who have a track record of success. Cheap Sally is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and is a subsidiary of Discount Savings and Flank Digital. Flank Digital is privately owned by a group of successful entrepreneurs. Being able to work with this caliber people will change your blogging career forever.

Now, who's now ready to Bring Home the Bacon?


Katja Presnal is an Addy Award-winning social media strategist and owns the Skimbaco® blog network and lifestyle brand. She inspires to live life to the fullest and does it by combining social media with everything else she loves. You can connect with her on Twitter @katjapresnal and read more at her blog Skimbaco Lifestyle.

Last Pool Day of Summer with Neutrogena Wet Skin

School started this week, so we decided to spend our last summer afternoon at grandma and grandpa's pool. We've been there a lot this season but the last month or so has been ridiculously hot, with temperatures well over 100º so we've been waiting until late in the day to go swimming. Thankfully, it's eased up a little bit and we wanted to make the most of it. I was asked to try a new sunscreen, Neutrogena Wet Skin, so this seemed like a great time to test it out.

I've been a Neutrogena user since I was a little kid. My grandmother was a big fan of their Norwegian Formula Hand Cream and Rainbath and I remember going through an awful lot of the Facial Cleansing Bars during my teen years. I liked the simplicity and clean feeling of their products and the "dermatologist recommended" tagline always seemed reassuring. I hadn't tried Neutrogena Wet Skin yet but it sounded good: sunscreen specially developed to be used on wet skin without losing potency or causing a white residue or dripping into your eyes. Neutrogena Wet Skin also features Helioplex technology, meaning it has been specifically engineered to deliver superior UV protection that is broad spectrum and photostable– both important considerations when you're planning to be out in the sun. Where was this when I was a kid?! (See my story on Intersect for more on my shopping experience.)

We live a block away from my parents. Some may say it's too close but I think it's awfully convenient, especially when it's summertime and we can use their pool… it's really nice to be able to walk over with the kids. Jasper has been wanting to ride his bike over lately. He's quite the speed demon. Roo prefers terra firma.

Just so you know, our yard looks nothing like this. But neither does our water bill, since we don't have a sprinkler system…

The kids LOVE using the spray sunscreen and actually do a pretty thorough job. It's really great to be able to use this on dry skin and on wet skin… like when the kids go into the pool immediately before you realize that they don't have sunscreen on and you need to douse them!

Can your sunscreen go in and out of the water? 

Neutrogena is currently offering a $2-off coupon for Wet Skin, just for registering on their website! You can find more coupons and special offers on the Neutrogena Facebook page.

In accordance to the FTC Guidelines and the WOMMA Code of Ethics, I am disclosing that this project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for #collectivebias, however all opinions are, as usual, strictly my own.