Sports Mama Review: FOTO Vision Personalized Rally Towel

Our season opener is just one day away!!! It will have been a whole 464 days since our last game... yep, I counted. I'm thankful, nervous, and excited all at the same time!

Thankful because I honestly didn't know if we'd even get here. As you know football is a Fall sport... we're in February. High School football was a no-go in the Fall here in Virginia. In fact, there are still many school districts who are not allowing football, or high school sports at all for that matter. 

I'm nervous for a couple of different reasons. The boys usually have 4 weeks to get ready for their first game, this season they had two. Will they be ready after such a long hiatus? Will playing in such frigid temps affect their play? I'm also nervous because No. 1 is the starting Varsity quarterback! He's been a quarterback since he was 8 so I know he will be just fine, but the mama bear in me can't help but be a little anxious. 

And I'm excited because a) football is back and b) NO. 1 IS THE STARTING VARSITY QUARTERBACK!!! It's his time to shine. And it's my time to cheer louder than ever before! I've got my heated stadium seat, thermal socks, beanie, scarf, gloves, and blanket in our team colors of course, my cowbell, and this awesome personalized rally towel from FOTO Vision!

I absolutely LOVE it, mamas!!! The most obvious reason is the fact that they can be 100% personalized. Simply upload the photo of your choice and add any additional artwork you'd like, including text! The images are printed from edge to edge. FOTO Vision uses a dye-sublimation heat transfer process that allows them to print high-resolution photography. Below is a picture of the mock up.

The quality is equally as great. These 100% polyester, machine washable towels are supplied by Pro Towels, the largest promotional towel supplier in the industry. They've supplied both professional and college athletic teams with their sports rally towels!

And last but most definitely not least, they are only $6.99!!! Say what?! I mean, you can barely get a combo at your favorite fast food burger joint for that. Even Coach Hubby was amazed at the price. These rally towels would make great Senior Night or end of season gifts! I'm planning on ordering them for our entire coaching staff.

Ready to order your own, click HERE! Be sure to use promo code SPORTSMAMA21 to save 10%. You can order personalized beach towels, blankets and more!

Wish us luck. GO SPARTANS!!!

UPDATE: WE WON!!!!

*** Click HERE to read my review on their plush blankets!

*** Disclaimer: FOTO Vision was kind enough to send me their product, however, all thoughts and opinions are solely my own ***

Team Mama Idea: 5 Covid Safe Fundraising Ideas!

We may be in the middle of a pandemic, but that isn't stopping us Booster Board members from fundraising for our team! We've definitely had to get a bit creative though. Gone are the days of concession stands, car washes and bake sales... in fact we aren't allowed to involve the student athletes at all.

So what can be done to raise funds while maintaining social distance and following protocols? Here are 5 COVID safe ideas:

1. Spirit Wear Sale. This has been our go-to thus far. We've done a 100% virtual sale where people order online and items are delivered directly to them. And we're currently doing a cold weather gear sale. As a Board, we chose 5 OSFA items (beanies, scarves, fleece headbands, stadium blankets, and umbrellas) that we thought would sell best and ordered a bunch. People can order them via our Square Site and we offer contactless, porch pick up. No one wants to get left out in the cold (see what I did there?), so they are selling like hotcakes!
2. Virtual Letter Campaign. Our letter campaign (where we require each player to mail a letter requesting donations to ten family members/friends) historically brings in about $12,000. But because we can't physically use students, we've had to change it up a bit. Enter our virtual letter campaign. We are asking each player to supply us with ten email addresses and will be sending out a mass email requesting donations. As in years past, players can still opt out by writing a check for $100 dollars ($10 per email) instead. You'd actually be surprised by how many go this route!
3. Restaurant Night. Work with your local restaurants to set up. Some will offer as much as 50% of the proceeds! Logistics is everything... the closer to the school/practice facility, the better. Not comfortable eating inside just yet, no worries. I don't know a single restaurant that doesn't offer carryout. Help out your team and community at the exact same time!
4. Fan Cut-Outs. Limited or no spectators allowed at your athlete's games? Don't worry mama, you can still be there in spirit! Fan cut-outs are showing up in stadiums all over the place, even the pros! Fans order them, you set them up... and poof, you (once again) have fans in the stands!
5. Mask sale. Because after all, they are the new normal. Not to mention that they are required at every single stadium that I know! Work with the company of your choice (brownie points if they're local!). Come up with one or two different designs. Don't forget to add both youth and adult sizes! You can even do contactless porch pick-up. This is sure to be a winner. I mean, who can't use an extra mask (or two, or three)?!
6. Amazon Wishlist! Yes, I know that the title of this blog says 5 (this was added after it was originally published), and that it's not technically a FUNDraiser, but hear me out! Our Booster Club literally started an Amazon Wishlist yesterday evening and the donations have been pouring in! We added bottled water, Gatorade, hand warmers, and protein bars. Family and friends, both near and far, have been SO generous! It's a great way for people to support you without leaving the comfort of their own couch!

I hope you find these ideas helpful! Be sure to join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group for even more ideas!

Stay safe and Happy Fundraising!!!

Football in February... It's Happening!

Happy Super Bowl Eve, Sports Mamas! I hope you've been well. I mentioned in my last post that Fall football had been canceled due to Covid and that Virginia was exploring possibly playing in February. Well, guess what? It's February and FOOTBALL IS BACK!!! I am so excited, mamas. It has been a whole 15 months since I've been in those stands. Where is my cowbell?!?!

For those of you unfamiliar with February weather in Virginia, let me give you our current 5 day forecast:

• Today- High of 51, Low of 34
• Tomorrow- High of 42, Low of 19 (NINETEEN!!!), 1-3 inches of snow expected
• Monday- High of 37, Low of 26
• Tuesday- High of 49, Low of 29
• Wednesday- High of 37, Low of 29, snow showers possible

I'm cold just thinking about it! But there is NOTHING in the world that will keep me from cheering at the top of my lungs for my boy! (Unfortunately only No. 1 will be playing as No. 2 has decided to take a break this season- more to come on that in a future post). 

So how am I prepping for this unprecedented football season? For starters, I bought a new coat. It's a parka with a faux-fur hood. I also restocked on hand warmers and am on the hunt for a good pair of long johns. Let me know if you have any recommendations! But what I am most excited about is the heated stadium seat Coach Hubby ordered me. It arrived yesterday and I can't wait to test it out. I'll have a full review after our first game, so be sure to stay tuned!

The weather isn't the only thing that will be different though. One of the biggest differences is the length of our season. There will only be six regular season games as opposed to ten. This will greatly impact the playoffs, making every single game extra crucial.

Our stands will also look very different. Spectators will be extremely limited; every player will be allowed just two spectators per game. So no big, loud, crazy student section this year. There will also be no cheerleaders, band, or color guard. Us parents will need to bring the noise!!

The players and coaches are also feeling the effects of Covid/February football. No weight room or locker room access. Helmets aren't coming home as they have to be sanitized daily. Players must also bring a gallon of water to each game and practice as there is no sharing of water bottles. They must also wear mesh coverings on the inside of their face masks.

Despite all of these changes, we are all super grateful that our boys are getting the opportunity to play. Praying for a healthy, injury free, successful season for our team and ALL of the other young athletes strapping up for Football in February!

GO SPARTANS!

Team Approved Recipe: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Hello Sports Mamas! I know, I know. I've been gone for way too long. I'm sure you all can guess one of the biggest reasons why… COVID. Thankfully this Sports Mama, her Coach Hubby, and three boys are all healthy. I hope you all are too! There just isn't much of anything share worthy going on these days. I promise to try to be better though!

Even though Virginia is in Phase 3, football is a no-go here. (Sobs uncontrollably). At least not this Fall. VHSL (Virginia High School League) voted to postpone our season. Football practice is set to begin February 4th with the first game being played February 22nd. Brrr! As you can guess, we're all a bit heartbroken; the players, the mamas, the coaches. This is our first Fall in 9 years without it. It honestly doesn't even feel right.  No. 1 is set to be this year's starting QB on Varsity. Junior year is incredibly crucial for those athletes hoping to play in college. I am crossing my fingers (and toes!) that we do in fact have a season!

So what am I sharing today? One of my favorite Fall recipes, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins!

They are delicious, easy, and most importantly team approved!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 and 2/3 cup of flour
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of pumpkin
• 1/2 cup of butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips

Here's what you'll do: 

•  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Mix all of your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt). 

• Whisk in eggs, pumpkin, butter. Mix well.

 

• Add in chocolate chips (milk chocolate and white chocolate). Mix just until combined.

• Line muffin tins and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Fill each one to the top with batter and add a couple chocolate chips on top.

• Bake for 25 minutes and ENJOY!

What are your favorite Fall recipes? Let me know in the comment section down below!

 

 

 

You Know You're a Sports Mama When...

Happy Monday, Sports Mamas! I know it's been a long, long time since I've written a blog post for you all, but that's just life sometimes. All three boys are playing basketball this Winter. No. 1 made his high school Varsity team (as the starting point guard!), and both No. 2 and No. 3 are playing rec ball. Coach Hubby is coaching both littles, and I'm still loving living that #sportsmamalife.

Today's post is one that everyone should be able to relate to, regardless of the sport(s) your athlete(s) play! I recently asked the awesome sports mamas in my Facebook Group the following question, and the answers I received were just too good (and true!!) not to share.


You know you're a Sports Mama when...

• You either have dinner at 4:00 or 10:00 at night. - Brandi W.

• It doesn't matter what the weather is because you have everything you need for a 90 degree day to a 10 degree day in your truck! - Maria T.

• Your car buying decision centers around how many players and how much lacrosse gear it will fit. - Kristin V.

• You can't find a water bottle and know to check under the seats in your car. - Julia S.

• You open your GPS app, tap in the search box and your child's practice/training/game facility locations come up. - Sonya J.

• All vacations are centered around AAU Nationals locations! - Joy B.

• Fast food is divided up into categories; Expensive (Arby's Chic-Fil-A, Zaxby's)-can only eat there when it's you and one athlete and Cheap (McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's)-can afford to feed the whole family. - Jennifer J.

• You're waking up at 4am to drive 3 hours to a tournament on a Saturday. - Misty J.

• Your weekly dinner plan is based on practice days, pregame meal days, and game days. - Rebekah C.

• You feel guilty because you have to miss one son play because another one has a game at the same time - Tania C.

• You have to tell your friends who want to get together, "Sorry, it's a cheer night." - Michelle W.

• All your clothes match the kid's team colors. - DeKesha W.

• You find a cup in your purse... not the kind you drink out of!!! - Angela C.

Sound like your life? Then be sure to join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group to connect with hundreds of REAL Sports Mamas, just like yourself!

Sports Mama Tip: The Gifts Coaches Really Want!

We've all been there before. The season is beginning to wind down and it's time to start thinking of coaches gifts. If you're like me and are struggling to come up with (new) ideas, you won't want to miss this post!

I recently reached out to a bunch of coaches, and asked them what their favorite gift they ever received was. You might be surprised at the answers... spoiler alert, gift cards didn't make the cut. In fact one coach said, "wife takes cash/gift cards anyway!". Ha!

So what do they really want? Here were the top three responses (in no particular order):

A team photo signed by their players.

A ball signed by their players.

Handwritten thank you cards from their players and players' parents.

As you can see they all had a common theme, hand written memorabilia from their young athletes.


So the moral of this blog post, Sports Mamas? Sometimes (what we may think of as) less is more...especially when it comes to coaches gifts!






For daily Sports Mama motivation, be sure to join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group today!

Team Mama Idea: DIY Personalized Football Signs

No. 1 and his teammates made the PLAYOFFS!!! It's the first time the school has been in the post-season since 2015, so it's kind of a big deal. And the game is HOME! So you know me and my fellow football mama BFFs just had to do something special.


We decorated the fence closest to the field with footballs and balloons. Every player on the team, all 47 of them, had a football with their name and number on it.

Look how nice they turned out!

Did we buy them you ask? Nope, we made them! Want to learn how to make them yourself? Then just keep on reading!


Begin by designing your template. We used PowerPoint but you can use whatever software you prefer. You could even draw them out by hand, if you'd like.


Then add the players' names, numbers, and team name. Be sure to double triple check for any typos before printing!

After printing, cut them out.

Then it's time to work on the foam board. Take one of your footballs and trace as needed; if you have 20 footballs, you will need to trace it 20 times, etc.

When you are done tracing, it's time to cut again. We used X-ACTO Knives for this part.

Once they are all cut out, you can begin gluing the footballs on.

The final step (if you plan on hanging them) is to make a hole at the top. Depending on how thick your foam board is, you may be able to get away with using a hole puncher. Ours was too thick, so we had to improvise...

Yep, my girl broke out the power tools! Ha. A Sports Mama's gotta do what a Sports Mama's gotta do! Am I right?!?

That's it! Grab a few of your favorite friends and I promise, you can knock it out in no time.


Go get 'em, boys!!!

For more fun ideas and to connect with hundreds of REAL sports moms, just like yourself, be sure to join the Confessions of a Sports Mama Facebook Group today!