Staples Back to School Review

School starts for us next month and I am up to my eyeballs in back to school lists, times two. Staples is basically the best one stop shop for all of your back to school needs.

I cannot even tell you how many hours I spent on the Staples website looking over everything we would need for back to school. I finally decided on the Toshiba L875D-S7332 17.3 inch laptop to review. Scott and I have a Mac, which is great, but when the kids are in school they will be operating on Windows based PC's. I thought it was about time get a Windows based PC for the kids to be able to use while they are in school. Seriously, who ever thought you would need a laptop for a kindergartner?

Before the Mac, Scott had a Toshiba laptop and he loved it, so I knew before we even received it that we were getting a quality product. The screen on this laptop is huge and the keyboard has the separate number keypad, which I love. The Toshiba is also energy efficient (LOVE!), has an HD display and a dual core processor (not that I know what that means, but I'm guessing it's a good thing). 

What else do I like about this computer? For one thing, it automatically syncs to my Hotmail account. How great is that?! Plus, the home screen has a bunch of different apps, very much like a smartphone. Yup, that's Netflix on there and the latest headlines. Amazing, right?

Now I said this computer is for the kids, but maybe, just maybe it is also for me to play Candy Crush. Seriously, who doesn't want to play Candy Crush in HD?

The computer is fantastic and lightweight. For as big as the screen is, I expected more weight to it, but was pleasantly surprised.. I think the larger screen and bigger keys will be beneficial for the kids who are still learning about computers.

 

All in all I'm really pleased with this laptop. Knowing how long our last Toshiba lasted, I know we will have this one for a while and it will be able to hold up against the kids.

The entire Staples process was actually pretty fantastic. This is the first time I have ever had something shipped from Staples, normally I shop in store, but I have to say, it was so easy.  When you order something like a laptop, if you're anything like me, you get nervous about delivery. Staples made it seamless and easy to track. Plus, the box had some extra padding in it to make sure the laptop wasn't knocked around in transit. Little details like that make a big difference!

Thank you, Staples, for letting me check out this Toshiba laptop!

Disclosure: I received a Toshiba L875D-S7332 to review from Staples. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and were in no way influenced.

First Day of School!

Today was the kiddos very first day of preschool. I have not been looking forward to this day at all. It's not that I don't think they will like school, it's just that it means they are really growing up. I seriously feel like they were just born and now, boom!, they're off to school.

Aren't they flippin' adorable!? They were so excited this morning and were even more excited when they saw that Daddy met us at school for drop off.

They went right into their classroom and didn't even look back at us. I'm not going to lie, while I didn't want them to freak out and cry, I was hoping for a little "gonna miss you Mommy".  

When I picked them up, they said they had fun and really seemed to enjoy themselves. I'm glad the first day of school got off to a great start and I know they are excited to continue on this journey, even if I'm kicking and screaming the whole way.

Back to School with Elmer's

School starts today in my area, so in honor of back to school I'm going to write about the awesome program Elmer's has going on this year.

From July 25 through Sept. 1, for each “like” on the Elmer’s Facebook page, the company will donate a product to the Foundation’s national network of free stores, where teachers from disadvantaged schools can “shop” for free for school supplies (up to 200,000 products for this campaign). The Resource Center in my area is located in Orlando. Products to be donated include a variety of glues, foam board, project supplies and pencil sharpeners. If you already like the page, Elmer's will make a contribution on your behalf, but you can donate again by watching a video on the Elmer’s Kids In Need Facebook tab and sharing it with your friends and family.

I know a lot of teachers and I can only imagine just how helpful a program like this. School supplies can be expensive so it is great to know that a trusted company, like Elmer's, is helping out in a big way.

Elmer's also wants to help out three lucky readers with a back to school prize pack that includes:

• The all-new Elmer’s X-TREME School Glue Stick
• · Small foam tri-fold
• · Project Popperz (hands down the coolest products I've ever seen)
• · Mini bi-fold foam
• · Disappearing purple glue sticks
• · Gel school glue sticks
• · School glue
• · School glue dual tip pen

The only required entry is that you like Elmer's on Facebook.

For additional entries:

Follow Twice the Love...Half the Sleep
Like Twice the Love...Half the Sleep on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter (@amandanethero)
Watch the video on Elmer's Facebook page
Tweet about this giveaway (be sure to include @amandanethero in the tweet)

The giveaway will close on Sunday, August 28th at 9pm. The winners will be chosen using Random.org and will be announced Monday, August 29th.

A huge thank you to Elmer's for supplying these amazing prize packs and for helping make a difference in the community. I truly think this is an amazing program and I'd love if everyone liked their page to help out a child in need!

Thanksgiving Thursday

So much to be thankful for this week! I am thankful for:

• Scott having two days off this week! He has been on mandatory overtime lately and while it's nice to have the extra money, it really blows.

• Aaron doing this:

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

• Jilly and Mommy time yesterday. We went to Sephora and then to Starbucks, it was a bona fide girls afternoon and I cannot wait for many more!

• A great birthday dinner with Mimi and Paw Paw last night for Mimi's birthday!

• My Dad's accent, it may soon inspire an entire post, it's hilarious the more and more I listen to it.

• My Mom's MOM-isms. They are priceless and would most certainly give the guy from "Sh*t my Dad says" a run for his money.

• My favorite cousin that lives in South Carolina for motivating me to get my bum in shape enough to run a 5K (even though she thinks it's a half marathon) with her.

• A great back to school week. I started classes on Tuesday and am working to finish my degree in Public Relations. I'm only a few credits shy of my degree and cannot wait to finish it!

What are you thankful for?