Smarter Football for Kids Football Equipment Upgrade Grants Offered by Riddell

Sports

MBE partnered with Riddell for this post

Amateur football, whether this beloved made-in-the USA sport is played at the grade school, high school or collegiate level, isn't just about what goes on when the team is on the field. It's also about preparing our youth and emerging young adults for the game we call life. 

That's why, as a mom of four active kids (triplets plus one born within a year) who have all participated in a wide array of team and individual sports, I'm thrilled to shed a spotlight on Smarter Football and all the ways football played right, on and off the field, can enhance life within each unique family as well elevate the quality of learning and living for our modern day athletic sons and daughters, nephews and nieces, grandchildren, and other loved ones.

Read on to learn all about the benefits of football for today's students as well as the $100,000 football equipment grant program just announced by Riddell. And, definitely, please bookmark this post and feel free to share far and wide with others you know you will appreciate this exciting news.

Smarter Football

Football players, coaches, parents and fans are being inspired by Riddell's Smarter Football initiative. Smarter Football, of course encompasses technically advanced protective gear as well as safe game playing practices. But it's also focused on the bigger picture: impacting our athletes, their schools and families, and the communities in which they live.

What is Smarter Football?

• Practicing Safe Tackling
• Ensuring Proper Nutrition 
• Upholding Excellent Sportsmanship
• Maintaining Good Grades

Thanks to a former student at my school for providing this fun retro Rincon High School football team black & white snapshot to share with you!

Go Rincon Rangers!

Football Equipment Grants Available for Teams Now

So, as you can see, football has always really been about promoting a better life for those who participate, from one generation to the next. It's a family affair for those of us who love the game. In that spirit, I'd like to make sure everyone who has or knows kids involved in football to be aware that Riddell, which has been making football gear and accessories for nearly a century, is offering up to $100,000 in equipment grants to select football programs in need of upgraded gear. 

Applications are being accepted now and grants will be awarded in September. So let family, friends, and fellow fans -- as well as football administrators, coaches and teams -- in your life know all about this amazing opportunity to up their game this season. But, hurry, because grant requests are due by the end of this month.

More about the Riddell Grants Program

Multiple grants will be awarded to deserving U.S. and Canada programs which best show show new equipment will strengthen their team's commitment to smarter football. Applicants are being asked about the condition of current equipment as well as they are advancing the cause for Smarter Football. For complete grant eligibility requirements and to apply visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball. Grant applications are being accepted through August 31, 2017. 

About Riddell Sports

Smarter Football at Riddell is about a brand which integrates the latest engineering and innovative materials into their protective football gear. I am particular proud that this iconic company has collective 10+ years of head impact data and research with biomarkers through a partnership with my Alma Mater the University of Arizona, Tucson and TGen.  For more about information, visit Riddell as well as follow the brand on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

My Hometown Team in Action

Go Emerson Cavaliers!

Football frenzy at the high school. Bring the kids for fun, food and some exercise. It's going to be a great night. pic.twitter.com/O0MvcsSyDj

— Emerson Athletics (@EmersonSports) May 20, 2016

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Riddell. Though I'm being compensated for my work on this campaign, opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Big Savings for Back to School - Finding Best Textbook Deals for High School and College

Education

With August nearly midway through, back to school is already here, or will be very soon.   Whether your kids are in high school or college, families on a budget want to know the secret to saving money because as in years past, our children are going to be needing (and wanting) all kinds of stuff this fall -- new clothes, school supplies, and textbooks.

In fact that last item on the list can be the most pricey of all.  According to consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch, school books are expensive and prices tend to rise at four times the rate of inflation and the going rate now is $900 per studnet annually and climbing for new books.  

With four kids in out-of-state colleges at the same time now -- including my triplets plus their big brother who is one year older -- I've learned first-hand that those astronomical costs for text books can really add up if you and/or your student don't shop smartly.  Why spend close to a thousand dollars or more for each student, when they can have the same exact books for hundreds less?

Woroch's strategy, which my sons and daughters have already put to the test shopping for their own college textbooks, is simple and logical. The key is to avoid buying new books at retail stores and, in the case of university students, use the college bookstore only as a last resort because even gently used book can be had for much less money elsewhere.

7 Ways to Save BIG on Text Books

To get you started saving on one of the highest expenses associated with your child's education, here are some ideas for thinking creatively to save hundreds of dollars on books this fall.

1. Wait Until You've Seen the Syllabus

You may not even need all those books that are on the teacher's class list.  So,  why not wait until the student's first day of class to decide on what's really necessary.

2. Rent Books From a Service

Examples include: Chegg.com, BookRenter.com and CampusBookRentals.com  Go this route and you'll pay roughly half the purchase price, often with free shipping included.

3. Don't buy New, Purchase Used Textbooks Instead

Over the years, buying used, rather than new has grown increasingly popular.  This trend has its roots, at least in part,  in the current movement toward greater eco responsibility.  Remember to shop eBay as well as Amazon, of course.  But also check out the growing number of used online textbook companies -- such as Half.com, Textbooks.com and eCampus.com  Don't overlook visiting the many traditional retail book stores (both chains and mom and pop shops) that also sell previously owned texts alongside new books, either.

4. Download Free & Discounted Textbooks

Few classes require students to read every page of a textbook, so why not download only the

necessary portion from websites like VitalSource.com or MIT Open Courseware? You can also tap into Project Gutenberg which has scanned in hundreds of free-domain books for use on e-readers such as Kindle, Android, iPhone, iPad, and other portable devices.

5. Don't Purchase the Whole Package

Federal regulations no longer allow publishers to combine textbooks with add-ons, such as CD-ROMs and workbooks.  Before you buy an entire bundle, check with your professor or instructor.

6. Shop Online

When you buy online often this means you'll find reduced book prices and low or free shipping.  You'll save even more if you download a coupon code from a site like CouponSherpa.com and then purchase at new textbook sellers such as  Amazon, BarnesAndNoble.com, AbeBooks.com, and various others.

7. Other Thinking Out-of-the-Box Ways to Save 

Another buy cheaper option is to purchase an earlier textbook edition  Except for subjects where there are major advances in their respective fields -- these books probably won't be that different from the edition that's just off the presses.  You might also shop at swap meets, thrift stores and garage sales for great book bargains.

Woroch concludes by reminding parents who will be shopping for their kids and college students who will be buying on their own to always compare prices and shop around for textbooks.

"Websites such as CampusBooks.com, BigWords.com and AllBookstores.com make the process much easier," Woroch says.



Please Leave a Comment
Looking forward to your comments about this. Definitely feel free to add your own additional tips to saving money on books in the comment section below. 

FTC Disclosure:  No compensation was exchanged in association with this post.  See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar Aug 6 - Aug 12 Parties w/ Prizes Constant Updates

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks

Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Here's how to find Twitter Parties offering great prizes. Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. 

A brand new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET. Check back often each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram parties with prizes, too.

Be the first to know when the latest MommyBlogExpert Twitter Party schedule goes live by subscribing to this blogh and following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. Unless indicated otherwise, parties are for U.S. residents only. Parties for Canada residents are highlighted in purple.


THIS WEEK

Monday, August 7

Well Wisdom Walgreens Twitter Party at 5 pm ET with @thesimpleparent @amomsimpression and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walgreens giftcards. #WellWisdomWG RSVP

The Bachelorette Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @city_tv @magnum_canada. Prizes: Prizes from Magnum Canada - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #TheBachelorette #BachOnCity Details

Tuesday, August 8

Make Up for Ever Artist Face Color Instagram Party from 9 am - 6 pm ET. Prizes: Makeup For Ever giftbag ARV $250 RSVP

What Happened to Emma Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @shespeaksup @wendy_walker. Prizes: Emma in the Night books, SIX (6) $25 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) Kindle Fire HD with Alexa. #WhatHappenedToEmma RSVP

Put in Bay Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @trvlngpraters @debthompson and others. Miller Ferry 4-pack tickets and more - see RSVP link for prize list. #SIMtravels RSVP

Back to School Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @teachmama @staples and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 Staples giftcards, ONE (1) $150 Staples GC. #StaplesForStudents Details

Straight to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @mystraighttalk @lifeofdadshow. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 Walmart giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $250 Walmart GC. #StraightToSchool Details

Gluten Free & More Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @glutenfreemore. Prizes: TBA. #GFAMBTS RSVP

Wednesday, August 9

TTPM Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Fun toys to win - see RSVP for the prize list - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #TTPMlive RSVP

The Marc Jacobs Beauty Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @influenstervox. Prizes: Marc Beauty products, Vox Boxes. #TheDressedEye RSVP

That's My Point Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @brandconnectnyc @pentelofamerica and others. Prizes: $2000 in prizes including ONE (1) $250 VISA giftcard, SIX (6) giftcard & backpack prize packages with Pentel products ARV $250. #ThatsMyPoint RSVP

Thursday, August 10

ScriptSave Twitter Party at Noon ET with @swaywithsway. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) $100 Amazon GC. #WellRX RSVP

PTPA Twitter Party at Noon ET with @ptpa @ptpasharon and others. Prizes: $650 in PTPA prizes - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes - see RSVP link for prize list. #PTPAparty RSVP

Arctic Zero Facebook Live at 1 pm ET with Moms Meet. Prizes: TWELVE (12) Arctic Zero prize packs. Details

Nature Made Probiotics at Kroger Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momcentral. Prizes: TBA. #NatureMadeProbioticsAtKroger Details

College Bound At Home Stores Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @momtalkradio @athomestores. Prizes: At Home Stores giftcards. #CollegeBound #AtHomeStores

Press On Niagara Facebook Live Party at 3 pm ET with Influenster. Prizes: FIVE (5) MegaBoxes. #PressOnNiagara RSVP

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Matte Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @influenstervox. Prizes: Mega Vox Boxes. #LOrealParis RSVP

Bloggers Fete Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @bcmomdotca @koalamomblog and others. Prizes: 10+ prizes to WIN - see RSVP link for prize list - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #BloggersFete RSVP

Parenting Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @ultimatebundles @momresource and others. Prizes: THREE (3) winners get a copy of the Parenting Super Bundle. #Parenting RSVP

Beyond the Castle Book Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @jodyjdreyer. Prizes: TEN (10) winners get prize pack including book + unique Disney memorabilia not available in stores - see RSVP link for prizing details. #BeyondTheCastleBook RSVP

Friday, August 11

Hanazuki Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @hasbronews @thetoyinsider and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) Hanazuki Mood Gleam Wearable Bands, ONE (1) Grand Prize winner gets the wearable band + more kids prizes from this brand. #Hanazuki RSVP

Discover Origins GinZing Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @influenstervox. Prizes: Mega VoxBoxes. #DiscoverOrigins RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Monday, August 14

Summer is for Savings Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @familymobile @sofabchats and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FOUR (4) $100 Walmart GCs, ONE (1) Grand Prize Samsung 40" LED TV. #SummerIsForSavings RSVP

Tuesday, August 15

Chews Glee Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @gleegum @naturallysavvy and others. Prizes: Glee Gum - see details link for prize list. #ChewsGlee Details

Pull-Ups Time 2 Potty Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @pullupsbigkid and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs with $25 American Express giftcard + Pull-Ups, ONE (1) Grand Prize $50 American Express GC + Pull-Ups. #Time2PottySweepstakes RSVP

Grapes from California Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @grapesfromca. Prizes: FIVE (5) $25 giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $200 GC + cookbook. #GrapesfromCA RSVP

Wednesday, August 16

TTPM Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Kids toys TBA - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #TTPMlive  Stay tuned for RSVP link soon

Thursday, August 17

Comfort is for Cotton Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @shespeaksup. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) $75 VISA GC, ONE (1) $100 VISA GC. #ComfortIsForCotton RSVP

Getting Grilling America Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @smithfieldbrand @blm03 and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart gift card, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs.
#GetGrillingAmerica RSVP

Power Your Lunch Box Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @produceforkids and others. Prizes: TBA. #PowerYourLunchBox Details

PPL Summer Savers Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @seemomclick @pplelectric and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners get energy efficient prize packs, ONE (1) Grand Prize winner gets $200 American Express gift card - $300+ total in prizes. #PPLSummerSavers RSVP 

Never Too Early To Tailgate Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @aleamilham @communitycoffee and others. Prizes: TBA. #NeverTooEarlyToTailgate Details

School Your Chicken Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @chickenfarmers @sjconsulting _ca. Prizes: ONE (1) prize pack with $200 Staples giftcard + swag, ONE (1) prize pack with InstantPot + swag, ONE (1) Grand Prize HP Chromebook + swag - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #schoolURchicken RSVP

COMING SOON

Wednesday, August 23

TTPM Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Kids toys TBA - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #TTPMlive Stay tuned for RSVP link soon

Wednesday, August 30

TTPM Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @ttpm. Prizes: Kids toys TBA - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #TTPMlive Stay tuned for RSVP link soon

About this Weekly Twitter Party List

Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com, Master Twitter Party Calendar is the most comprehensive, constantly updated resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party
to the Calendar

Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis@janiselspas.com

Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or
Host Your Twitter Party

Want to hire MommyBlogExpert for your next Twitter Party? 

Email janis@janiselspas.com with "Twitter Party Consulting" in subject line and we'll be glad to prepare a free customized proposal for your brand.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter Parties as a guest and works as a consultant, host, co-host and/or panelist for others. I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every page including this one.