Top 10 DORM ROOM essentials

With many kids (including my own) starting university in the Fall, I thought I'd put together a collection of fun ideas for dorm rooms. I've listed all my favourites, and I've included links in case you want to make a purchase. 

Note: I'm an Amazon affilate, so if you buy something using one of my links, I'll receive a small percentage (at NO extra cost to you).

1) Mattress topper & fun sheets - Dorm beds do not always have the most comfortable mattresses... and with all those classes and late night study sessions, students need a good night's sleep. An inexpensive mattress topper and some cute sheets will make a dorm room comfy and cozy.

Click on the picture to purchase.

2) Fan - Dorms can be super-hot, so a slim fan is a "must have".

Click on the picture to purchase.

3) Shower shoes and shower caddy - Shared bathrooms call for shower shoes and organized shower supplies. I love this one from Amazon that has a special place for a phone. (AND it comes in a lot of great colours.)

Click on the picture to purchase.

4) Command strips and hooks - Command strips and hoods are fantastic for damage free hanging. They hold strongly and remove cleanly.

Click on the picture to purchase.

5) Laptop and printer - Every student needs the right equipment, and computers and printers are a must. I LOVE my wireless epson printer (below). The printer works great, AND the ink lasts a lot longer than all the other printers I have owned (which has saved me a lot of money). I highly recommend it!!!

Click on the picture to purchase.

6) Microwave / fridge (if not included) - Meal plans are great, but being prepared to make a few things in a dorm room is wonderful too.

Click on the picture to purchase.

7) Multi-purpose cart - In tight spaces, organization is extra important, and this multi-purpose cart is inexpensive, useful, and super-cute.

Click on the picture to purchase.

8) Portable speaker - I have this speaker, and I LOVE it! It's waterproof, inexpensive, and (despite it's small size) it sounds great. I think this is great for a dorm room.

Click on the picture to purchase.

9) Snacks - I don't think this needs any explanation. Dorm room snacks are VERY important. lol

Click on the picture to purchase.

10) Thoughtful gifts from home - Getting fun mail from home can really help a homesick student, and I have adorable and inexpensive items in my shop that can be mailed directly to a loved one. Check out my "BEE thoughtful" collection, choose a fun gift, select a handmade tag, and I'll mail it for you. Easy peasy!

Click on the picture to purchase.

What would you add to this list? Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

10 AMAZING dollar store finds, hacks and diys for SUMMER

I love summer, and living well on a budget, don't you??? If you answered "yes" you are going to really enjoy this post and video. Today, I'm sharing 10 AMAZING dollar store finds, hacks and diys for SUMMER.

1) DIY Solar-Powered Lamp - I love this cute little lamp, and it's perfect for summer patios. It's also super-easy to make with a few cheap supplies from the dollar store. Find the step-by-step instructions here.

2) Summer entertaining hack - Dishes from the dollar store are perfect for summer entertaining. They are cheap... but they don't need to look it! Pop a margarita glass in the center of a bowl for an impressive way to serve chips and dip. Get a closer look here.

3) Hack for keeping food cold when entertaining this summer - Add water to the bottom of a dollar store bowl, freeze it, and insert a second (identical) bowl on top. Fill it with food, and your good to go! See a visual demonstration here.

4) DIY First Aid Kit - Summer adventures are often accompanied with bumps and bruises, so having basic first aid items ready at all times is advisable. I love grabbing a plastic container at the dollar store and filling it with supplies. I also use duct tape to add a cross to the top to make it recognizable. Find out more here.

5) Water Fight Supplies - The dollar store has everything you need for summer water fights. I love these balloons, but for a more environmentally option, consider cutting sponges into strips and securing the centres together with an elastic. Then, you can dip the sponge balls in water and throw. Both options are perfect on a hot summer day!

6) Wipes - Baby wipes are perfect to have on hand during summer. They are perfect for picnics and for wiping sticky fingers when kids are eating s'mores.

7) Wasp deterent - I've bought these paper wasp nests at the dollar store for years, and I swear they work. I have no idea what crazy science makes these effective, but I'm a believer!

8) Cupcake wrappers - Everyone has cupcake wrappers for making cupcakes and muffins, but they have other uses too. Poke a hole in the middle, pop in a straw, and use them to keep flies out of summer drinks. They also work for catching popsicle stick drips.

9) Custom roasting sticks - Campfires are made for roasting, and these customized sticks are inexpensive and easy to make. Find the "how to" instructions here.

10) Candy tray - I love a simple, summer candy tray. I made this one from a dollar store picture frame, and you can find the "how to" here.

For a closer look at all 10 AMAZING dollar store finds, hacks, and diys for SUMMER, check out the video below.

Let me know in the comments if you have a favourite summer HACK. I love learning new things!

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Clothing to take you from the RINK to the LINKS

 *sponsored post*

Every Spring I realize how much my boys have grown, and I search for new clothes to fill their drawers. My boys love hockey and golf, so they are huge fans of Gongshow Gear clothing. Today, I'm sharing my boys favourites from the new Spring/Summer line. These options are perfect for the rink and the links.

Each of my boys has his own personality and style, so of course they selected different items.

My oldest is pretty confident with clothing colours, so he picked a pretty bold shirt. How fun is this tie game on polo ? The colours are fantastic. He paired them with the absolute bomb shorts (which are also high quality, stylish and comfy).

My middle son is less adventurous with colour, and his number one priority is always comfort. He's loving the in the 90s polo and the tee one up hat he chose. Perfect for the golf course!

My youngest is a goalie, and he has really strong opinions on what he wears. Goalies are a unique breed! lol

He chose the protect the tarp t-shirt and the Always Hockey hat (which he loves to wear backwards). Here he is heading to the rink for Spring hockey.

My boys are loving all their new clothes -- the perfect combination of quality, comfort, and style. Have you checked out the new Gongshow Gear line yet? Do you have a favourite? Let me know in the comments below.

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure - I was given GONGSHOW products for free in exchange for my honest review and promotion of the products. As always, the views expressed on this blog are 100% my own... and my boys genuinely loved everything they received.

My Boys FAVORITE Picks from the NEW Spring/Summer Gongshow Line

***sponsored post***

The weather is getting warmer, and my boys are getting ready to spend more time outside (and away from the rink). So, when Gongshow offered to let them pick out a few items from their new Spring/Summer line, my boys jumped at the chance. They love the cool, high-quality hockey themed clothing... and I'm sharing their favourites below.

My youngest is a goalie and just finishing up his Spring hockey development camp. He chose the Classic Blues hoodie. It's perfect for wearing to the rink, but it will be great for chilly summer evenings by the campfire too. 

My oldest son loves the Gongshow hats, and he picked his two favourites from the new Gongshow line. He chose the Keep it Subtle Bucket, and the Hit up the Pond hat. They are both big on style and perfect for summer.

My middle son loves clothes that are comfy and allow him to move. He doesn't like anything too flashy, so this cozy grey hood was a perfect choice for him. It's called the Keep it Close Hoodie, and it's a fantastic addition to wardrobe.

There are so many fantastic options at Gongshow. You should totally pop over to their website and check out all their high-quality, functional, and stylish options. My hockey players are huge fans!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

*Disclosure - I was given GONGSHOW products for free in exchange for my honest review and promotion of the products. As always, the views expressed on this blog are 100% my own... and my boys genuinely loved everything they received.

Fall Fashion Finds... for hockey fans

I have three boys who love everything hockey. They love watching hockey, they love playing hockey, and they love hockey clothes. One of our favourite brands is Gongshow*, and recently, they let my boys pick out their favourites from the NEW Fall / Winter line. Keep reading to take a peek at the items my boys chose.

*Disclosure - I was given the GONGSHOW clothing featured in this post free in exchange for my honest review of the products. As always, the views expressed on this blog are 100% my own... and my boys genuinely love their new clothes.

My oldest son, who discovered that none of his pants from last year fit, chose a new pair of the Hustle Hard Sweats. They are super-comfy, high quality, and really stylish (with the tapered legs). They are definitely his new favourite pants!

My youngest is always looking for a cozy hoodie, so it wasn't surprising that he chose the New Fit Hoodie Jr. This hoodie is warm, high quality, and stylish. My son and I love the subtle ombre colours and the great fit. This is the perfect Fall / Winter wardrobe staple.

My middle son has an obsession with hats, so he chose two new ones from the Gongshow Fall / Winter line. He selected the Gongshow Canada hat and the Let the Chirps Fly hat (pictured below). He has an older and younger brother, so the "chirpmeister" hat is perfect for him. lol

If you are looking for new Fall / Winter clothes, I highly recommend taking a look at the new Gongshow line. The clothes are comfortable, high quality, and perfect for hockey fans.

And if you have any questions about the products / sizing of the items my boys received, let me know.

♥
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

EVERYTHING You Need for BACK TO SCHOOL

Heading back to school after the summer break can be overwhelming, but I'm here to help. I've collected all the information you need for back to school (all in one place). Don't forget to click on the helpful links below for all the details.

Get organized - The best way to set yourself up for a successful school year is to get organized before it begins. Check out my best back to school organizing ideas here. 

Lunch ideas - Most parents detest making school lunches... but it's a necessary evil. Give yourself a fighting chance with my best school lunch hacks here.

First day of school treats - Bring treats and trinkets for classmates and teachers is a wonderful way to start the year off on a fun and positive note. My boys loved this while they were in elementary school. Check out some of our favourite treats (and free printable "punny" tags) here. 

First day of school traditions - My absolute favourite first day of school tradition are the pictures I take of my boys each year. I always have them take a photo holding an 8x10 from the first day of school the previous year. I explain more about all my favourite first day of school traditions here. 

Are you looking forward to getting back to routine and back to school? I hope you find these tips helpful. What's your best back to school hack?

♥ 
Gina (aka East Coast Mommy)

You might also enjoy the "back to school" video here.