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 know what your thinking! “What do you need to Back to School shop for, aren’t you home schooling?! Don’t you just lounge in your jammies all day?!”

And the answer is, smarty pants, yes and no. We’re in our pj’s only half of the day.

The kids are still taking classes outside of the home and, while they’re comfy, jammies are not socially acceptable attire.

Back to School shopping is always tricky in Southern California because, without fail, the end of summer is marked by a heat wave and the stores are chock full o’ sweaters, jeans, and boots. Blech. I’m sweating just thinking about it! Plus, all of the summer clothes have been picked over, marked down, and all I can really find are clothes I would never dream of buying for my kids.

Because of this, our favorite thing to shop for are new shoes. The kids have been living in flip flops. This, unfortunately, is also not acceptable in schools. Turns out the slap-happy footwear is not approved at school. Something about dismembering toes or bleeding heels…what-ev!

Side note….remember when we called them ‘thongs’? I can’t even bring myself to say that anymore without the disturbing image of one of my fellow mommies bending over in her too-low jeans exposing more than anyone in the general public needs to see invading my brain. So ‘flip flops’ they are.

Anyhoo, jeans and sweaters will have to wait until the weather actually dips in temp. Should be in November when the stores start stocking Spring fashions and all of the fall/winter clothes are on clearance. Yippee!

Shoe shopping it will be! Deet especially needs them. They need to be lightweight, comfortable, and school-approved.

Enter Crocs’ new Back to School line.

I know, you think Crocs are like summer time Uggs. Yeah, they might be comfy but, meh, not so cute. Au contraire , mon frere!

Check these out!

Stinkin’ cute, right?

They have 13 new styles for boys and girls in grades K-8.  They are school-approved on the outside because of the closed toe and heel but the best part, in my opinion, is that they have the same comfort on the inside. You can check them out HERE and while you’re there you should enter the sweepstakes for a family trip to San Diego! Keep summer alive! (no purchase necessary, of course).

I’m not one to promote something I’ve never tried out so Deet and I went shopping today to check them out in person. He tried on the Hover style in slip on and lace up. Both have canvas uppers. We were partial to the slip ons. The best thing about these shoes are what you can’t see. The insoles. They are made of the signature Croslite material that is especially wonderful for stinky boy feet.

For those of you that like a little interaction, check out the video at the below. You can click on the shoes at any time and it will take you directly to the Crocs site for the individual shoe. Also, there is a hidden gem in the video. Click on it and see what happens! (I promise, it will be worth it! (Hint, hint). Here’s a little clue for you:

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They’re offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for “Likes” of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the “Like” button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

Everyone knows I’m a big fan of mommy timeouts.

Let me tell you about my favorite way to have one!

In honor of Small Business Saturday I’ve decided to introduce you all to Tera Rae Stephens.  Although, I may regret it because after I tell you how fabulous she is I’m going to have a heck of a time getting in to see her.

Tera is my hair guru and she provides the perfect timeout experience for a mommy who needs some TLC (and a nice glass of wine).  The minute you walk in you KNOW you’re about to get pampered.  You’re handed a fancy smock all tied up in a cute bow, asked if you would like a beverage (this is where the wine comes in, but they have lots of other drinks to quench your thirst), and then sat in a comfy chair.  At this point you’re already so relaxed she could give you a mohawk or dye your hair pink and you wouldn’t care. Don’t worry, she will give you a very thorough consult.  Now I know there are some of you out there that are control freaks but I urge you to TRUST HER.  This chick knows hair.  I have never once told her what to do…she just DOES.  On occasion I’ve asked for a drastic cut (which she is always THRILLED to do) but other than that I’ve trusted her implicitly and never been disappointed.  The girl is a perfectionist so her cuts are…well…perfect! As is every color treatment.  But what I REALLY want to tell you about are the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatments!

I’m a curly girl, not unruly but enough that it takes me FOR-EV-ER to blow dry and straighten my hair.  So the last time I was in to see Tera I got the Keratin Express Blowout.  It’s a smoothing treatment that allows me to wear my hair curly (except more relaxed) but straighten it when I choose in about 1/2 the time it would have taken me previously.  It also has taken away every bit of frizz!  HEAVEN for someone who has struggled with frizz since I hit puberty!  It also allowed Tera to cut bangs, which would never would have happened before.  This particular treatment will last me about 2-3 months, although there is a longer lasting treatment that hangs on for 4-6 months. I have smooth, soft hair whether I wear it curly or straight and I just love it!  I urge you all to get one!  Anyone can benefit from one of these treatments because, really, who doesn’t want soft, smooth, frizz-free hair?

No matter what you desire, Tera’s your girl!  Unless you want a perm.  Then you’ll have to go elsewhere.  But for the Keratin Treatment, a perfect cut & color, or a hip, modern style for that upcoming holiday party, you must see Tera!  As a special BONUS for Timeout 4 Mommy readers, Tera is offering 20% off ANY SERVICE!!! (New clients only).  Just mention that Christina from Timeout 4 Mommy sent you when you book and you’ll get the special discount!

You can visit Tera’s website by CLICKING HERE! There you can see her darling picture, read her blog (which has some amazing before & after pics), and even schedule your appointment!

But before you head over to her site and start having dreams of your future timeout you need to click “Like” below for American Express’ Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  They are donating $1 for every “Like” (up to $1,000,000) to Girls, Inc.- a nonprofit organization that has made it their mission to inspire and empower girls of all ages.  How’s THAT for a worthy cause!?

Now that you’ve done your good deed for the day, reward yourself and make an appointment to see Tera Rae Stephens!